A tool pusher coordinates and supervises operations on an oil or natural gas drilling rig. He or she performs a variety of important administrative tasks to ensure that employees carry out their responsibilities. This job also entails scheduling regular preventive maintenance on machinery and inspecting rigs personally to ensure that they are kept safe and in proper working order. Most start out as rig laborers and work their way up through their companies to managerial positions with years of experience and proven leadership abilities.
Oil rigs on land and at sea can be hectic and dangerous places to work. It is the tool pusher’s responsibility to ensure that workers are kept on task at all times. The supervisor explains daily responsibilities and keeps an eye on the quality of the work. He or she is responsible for many of the same tasks that administrative professionals in other settings are responsible for, such as scheduling employees and distributing paychecks. A supervisor also meets with workers on a regular basis to discuss performance issues and safety concerns.
A skilled tool pusher can detect and correct minor issues before they become major setbacks. A professional inspects rigs on a regular basis to ensure that tools, machines, and drills are clean and in good working order. The tool pusher coordinates with mechanics to get the job done as quickly as possible if machinery needs to be repaired or replaced.
A tool pusher may be responsible for hiring and training new workers in addition to supervising laborers and performing quality control. He or she might assess the need for more workers, create ads, conduct interviews, and place new hires in appropriate positions. He or she frequently leads classroom instruction and hands-on, on-the-job training programs to help workers prepare for their new jobs.
To become a tool pusher, there are no specific educational requirements, though most professionals have at least a high school diploma. The majority of riggers get their jobs after demonstrating their abilities in other rigging jobs. It is critical for someone in this position to gain laboring experience in order to fully comprehend the mechanics of oil rigs. Some tool pushers decide to pursue associate’s or bachelor’s degrees in business administration to improve their credentials and understanding of management in addition to gaining practical experience. A skilled tool pusher with a degree may be able to advance to the ranks of head supervisor or executive officer within a company.