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Motorhand - Permian Basin

Patterson-UTI
Midland, TX Full Time
POSTED ON 7/25/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 8/23/2026
Job Description

Job Title: Motorhand

Location: Regional

Brief Description

The Motorhand’s primary duty is to ensure that all equipment is operating and functioning properly and execute minor repair work on equipment. The Motorhand is responsible for the generators, equipment, and systems that power the rig and drilling activities. Additional responsibilities include off-loading materials, maintaining equipment, and assisting in rig up and rig down.

The Motorhand works closely with and oversees Floorhands on the rig floor, assists the Derrickhand as needed, and assists the Driller in day-to-day operations.

Detailed Description

  • Lift and place slips weighing approximately 150 pounds with another person occasionally during the tour work shift
  • Independently use heavy-duty handheld and long-handled tools
  • Listen for unusual noises that signify equipment and machinery problems
  • Maintain spatial orientation and awareness to safely move around work environment with many moving objects
  • Take initiative and work independently during downtime
  • Wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all designated times which could include but is not limited to: hard hat, safety glasses, coveralls, work gloves, respirator, and hearing protection
  • Regularly inspect, maintain, and repair generators, equipment, and SCR or VFD house
  • Responsible for hydraulic and electrical systems and equipment
  • Ensure that all preventative maintenance is performed on all equipment and that all log sheets and maintenance sheets are filled out correctly and are up to date on all required equipment
  • Responsible for daily inspection of the following: working order of all main engines, air compressors and air system, electrical equipment, BOP and accumulator, engine radiators, circulating water pumps, oil transfer pumps, and the running order and blow down of the boiler
  • Work in a heavy industrial environment which includes working around constantly moving overhead machinery, being in close proximity to loud equipment and handling potentially hazardous chemicals
  • Inspect main engines every tour for proper working order by checking the following: oil level, coolant, gauges, possible oil leaks, noise and vibrations and changing oil as needed
  • Provide instructions, train, and oversee Floorhands during drilling activities
  • Regularly check rig and equipment for problems and safety issues on an ongoing basis
  • Use forklift to off-load and move materials
  • In charge of all lock-out/tag-out of breakers
  • Keep a daily log of maintenance and repair activities
  • Assist Derrickhand with mixing chemicals and other mud maintenance as needed
  • Assist with rig up / down procedures
  • General upkeep of the rig and drilling floor; includes regular sweeping, shoveling, cleaning, painting, washing of equipment and related housekeeping duties
  • Support other crew members as needed, ensure compliance with safety procedures, and other additional tasks as assigned
  • Other duties as assigned that may be outside of this job description

Job Requirements

  • Demonstrated ability to successfully complete all duties of a Floorhand
  • Ability or aptitude to maintain and repair various types of equipment, engines, and machinery
  • Able to stand or stand and walk for a minimum of 3.5 hours and up to 12 hours without being able to sit and while wearing steel-toed boots
  • Able to repetitively climb steep stairs and be able to lift and carry 50 pounds independently while walking on uneven surfaces
  • Must be comfortable working at heights (50 ft. or greater) for extended periods of time
  • Bend, stoop, kneel, twist, and crawl throughout the tour work shift
  • Clear vision to judge near and far distances to maintain awareness of, watch, and report ongoing work activities to coworkers and third parties
  • Accurate recall over short and long-term memory
  • Stay alert and focused up to 12.5 hours while performing repetitive and routine activities
  • Demonstrate clear communication skills including ability to read, write and speak English as well as understand and promptly follow verbal and written instructions in English
  • Willing to travel to and work in remote locations on a rotational schedule which consists of 14 days on / 14 days off, working 12.5 hour shifts that can include days or nights and as well as weekends and holidays
  • Willing to work mandatory and unscheduled hours outside of your assigned schedule with little or no advanced notice
  • Must be willing and able to attend and successfully complete classroom training and testing to qualify for a rig assignment
  • Able to successfully meet pre-employment testing requirements which may include, without limitation, pre-employment drug and alcohol test(s) and background checks as well as drug and/or alcohol testing periodically during employment (subject to state and federal laws)

Certification

  • Forklift Certification or willingness to complete Forklift Certification training within 14 days of hire

Minimum Qualifications

  • Three (3) months of experience as a Motorhand on a drilling rig
  • Six (6) months of experience working in a rig-based position for a drilling contractor
  • Twelve (12) months of stable related work history

Preferred Qualifications

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Six (6) months of experience as a Motorhand on a drilling rig
  • 1 – 2 years of experience working in a rig-based position for a drilling contractor

Additional Details

This position requires the person to work outdoors for an entire tour work shift in all kinds of weather conditions, including precipitation, cold / heat, high wind, and turbulent conditions. They will be exposed to the typical conditions of the local area where the rig is located. Southern states generally experience hot summers where temperatures range from 80° to low 100° with high humidity; winters have temperatures that generally do not go below 20°. Northern states generally have hot summers with similar conditions and have cold, windy winters, with low temperatures that can be as cold as -40°.

About Us

The New Standard for Drilling Performance

Drill safer, smarter and faster with Patterson-UTI Drilling’s comprehensive fleet of pad-capable rigs featuring advanced walking systems to enhance your operations so you can reach your apex.

Patterson-UTI is committed to a workplace free from discrimination and harassment, offering equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of personal characteristics protected by law. Employees are encouraged to report any concerns through multiple channels.

Salary.com Estimation for Motorhand - Permian Basin in Midland, TX
$42,993 to $61,969
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