Job Description - Drilling Superintendent (2/2 Rotation)
Location: Scandinavia
Rotation: 2 weeks on / 2 weeks off
Contract Type: Long‑term Contract
Work Environment: Land‑rig - Geothermal Well Projects
Start: Immediate
1. Position Overview
We are seeking a highly experienced Drilling Superintendent to lead and coordinate geothermal drilling operations on a major land‑rig project in Scandinavia. This senior position plays a pivotal role in ensuring safe, compliant and efficient well delivery across all drilling phases.
The Drilling Superintendent will work closely with field Drilling Supervisors, engineering teams, HSE specialists, and third‑party contractors. You will act as the operational focal point for the drilling campaign, bridging office‑site communication and driving performance against program objectives, safety targets, and operational KPIs.
This position is rotational (2/2), requiring strong leadership, strategic planning capability, geothermal or deep‑well drilling knowledge, and the legal Right to Work in the EU/EEA or Switzerland.
2. Key Responsibilities
Operational Oversight & Execution
- Lead the planning and delivery of all drilling operations for geothermal wells on land rigs.
- Coordinate with Drilling Supervisors to ensure the drilling program is executed safely, efficiently, and cost‑effectively.
- Define daily operational priorities and monitor contractor performance across rig, cementing, logging, mud, and directional services.
- Review and validate drilling programs, well schematics, casing designs, mud plans, and operational procedures.
- Oversee well control readiness, ensuring all rig personnel and equipment maintain the highest standards of compliance.
Safety & Compliance Leadership
- Drive a strong HSE culture aligned with company policy and regulatory frameworks.
- Review and approve risk assessments, hazard identification, and mitigation strategies.
- Ensure all operations meet safety standards relevant to high‑temperature geothermal environments.
- Lead incident investigations, implement lessons learned, and ensure continuous improvement.
Technical & Engineering Collaboration
- Provide technical support to the drilling engineering team during planning, execution and post‑well review.
- Monitor drilling performance, NPT events, wellbore stability, and geothermal‑specific challenges (e.g., high temperatures, lost circulation).
- Optimise drilling parameters, bit selection, hydraulics, and BHA designs to drive operational efficiency.
- Contribute to geothermal well advancement including innovation, material selection, and project improvement strategies.
Contractor, Cost & Logistics Management
- Direct day‑to‑day coordination with contractors and suppliers to ensure quality service delivery.
- Review contractor scopes of work, equipment certification, compliance records, and crew competence.
- Validate cost allocations, AFE tracking, major procurement needs, and operational expenditures.
- Coordinate logistics, equipment movements, waste management, and supply chain requirements for rig operations.
Program Management & Reporting
- Lead operational meetings, engineering sessions, and daily/weekly performance reviews.
- Ensure the accuracy and completeness of reporting: Daily Operations Summaries, cost updates, NPT reports, and technical notes.
- Produce end‑of‑well reports, performance evaluations, and improvement plans for future wells.
- Maintain high‑level oversight of multiple wells or drilling phases, depending on program maturity.
3. Candidate Profile
Essential Qualifications
- Must have Right to Work in Europe (EU/EEA/Swiss citizenship or work permit).
- Minimum 12-15 years experience in drilling operations, with at least 5+ years in a Superintendent, Senior Rig Superintendent, or similar leadership role.
- Proven background in land‑rig operations and well delivery management.
- Experience in geothermal wells, deep wells, HP/HT environments, or technically complex drilling is strongly preferred.
- Valid IWCF Level 4 Well Control (Supervisor/Subsea optional but preferred).
- Strong understanding of drilling engineering principles, operational risk management, and field‑office coordination.
Technical Competencies
- Strong command of well design, cementing, fluid systems, directional drilling, BOP management, and critical rig equipment.
- Skilled at managing geothermal‑related challenges:
- High temperatures
- Injection/production well design
- Scaling, losses, and geological variability
- Excellent understanding of European drilling compliance and environmental standards.
- Competent with industry-standard software for reporting, hydraulics, planning, and data analysis.
Leadership & Behavioural Competencies
- Strong communicator capable of leading multi‑disciplinary, multicultural teams.
- Decisive leader with the ability to maintain calm under operational pressure.
- High personal integrity, safety leadership, and commitment to zero‑incident operations.
- Strategic mindset with the ability to balance operational execution and long‑term project objectives.
4. Work Conditions & Expectations
- 2 weeks on / 2 weeks off rotation with travel included per project guidelines.
- Field visits to the land‑rig site and office‑based coordination as required.
- Accommodation, local transport, and site support provided under project policies.
- Ability to work in remote Nordic/Scandinavian environments and adapt to weather conditions.
5. What We Offer
- Long‑term involvement in a frontier geothermal drilling program.
- Competitive rotational day rate and allowances.
- Opportunity to contribute to sustainable, renewable geothermal energy development.
- A stable, long‑term well delivery programme offering ongoing operational continuity.