Derrick Hand

***This job has preference to qualified local job seekers within 60 miles of our Axis Hull, TX facility.

The Derrick Hand is part of a 4–5-person workover rig crew responsible for performing services on workover rigs. This position reports to the assigned Tool Pusher/Field Supervisor or Rig Operator. Primary responsibilities include performing elevated work on the derrick, including the tubing board and rod basket; completing routine maintenance on derrick structures or components; and supporting other workover rig functions as directed by the Tool Pusher or Rig Operator.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• Assists the operator in rigging up and down, lining up the well service rig with the well; performs servicing on the well.


• Responsible for all elevated work associated with rigging up/down (such as removing horse head from pumping unit).


• Responsible for all work performed for the rod basket and tubing board (transferring rods and tubing from the vertical racks to the elevator).


• Operates tubing elevators for standing tubing in derrick.


• Assists in picking up or laying down tubing, manually lifting the tubing from the rack onto the work floor or vice versa.


• Sets hydraulic jacks, handles pads/boards, and assists in attaching the guy wires to the anchor.


• Assists in walking the rods when laying down rods.


• Reports any safety hazards, accidents, or maintenance issues to the Tool Pusher/Field Supervisor.


• Ensures that work carried out follows Axis policies and procedures and according to Axis and customer safety programs.


• May be required to work floors or operate the rig when needed.


• May drive the crew truck as needed (must maintain active state issued driver license).


• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

• High school diploma, GED, or the equivalent.

• Must have a valid state issued driver license with acceptable motor vehicle record (MVR); CDL Class A or B preferred.

• Minimum (1) year of Derrick hand experience required; at least two (2) years of workover rig floor experience required.


• Ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and written in English.

• Must be able to work a rotational field schedule and travel as business needs require.


• Must be able to work safely in outdoor field environments and comply with all required PPE, safety, and customer-site requirements.

• Able to perform duties with protective equipment, working near or with heavy tools and moving machinery.


• Ability to interact with others in a team environment.


• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple tasks at once.


• Basic problem solving and organizational skills.


• Reliable telephone (cell phone) communication and transportation.

• Must successfully complete pre-employment drug/alcohol testing and any job-relevant post-offer evaluations required for the position, which may include physical, musculoskeletal, pulmonary, audiogram, vision, functional capacity, and DOT medical evaluations where applicable and consistent with business necessity.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, unless doing so would create an undue hardship or direct threat as defined by applicable law.

• Frequently lift and carry up to 50 lbs.; team lift up to 100 lbs. when required.


• Stand up to 8 hours and walk up to 4 hours per shift while performing rig operations and related field duties.


• Constantly climb, including ladders and derrick structures up to 50 feet, and perform elevated work on the tubing board, rod basket, and related rig components.


• Frequently bend, kneel, reach, push, pull, and handle rig tools, tubing elevators, hand tools, and other workover rig equipment.


• Demonstrate grip strength of approximately 80–100 lbs. per hand for safe tool handling and rig-related tasks.


• Use occasional fine motor skills for hand tools, equipment checks, and related rig support tasks.


• Work outdoors in field environments, including exposure to temperature extremes, high noise levels, heavy tools, moving machinery, and oil and gas wellsite conditions.


• Wear required PPE and maintain adequate vision and hearing to safely communicate and perform work in hazardous field environments.


• Work typical 12-hour shifts on a 14/7 rotation schedule, with travel up to approximately 75% based on operational needs.