Open-Hole Fisherman/Whipstock Operator

This job is for rotational. Jobs will be across Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma, with an emphasis on the Haynesville, Permian and Delaware Basins. The Open-Hole Fisherman / Whipstock Operator is responsible for safely planning, preparing, and executing open-hole fishing, whipstock, and sidetracking operations at customer wellsites. This position works closely with drilling contractors, operators, directional drillers, and customer representatives to deliver safe, efficient, and technically sound downhole solutions while maintaining the highest standards of customer service and operational excellence.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prepare, inspect, assemble, and maintain open-hole fishing and whipstock equipment for field operations.


• Execute open-hole fishing jobs, including retrieval of stuck drill pipe, bottom hole assemblies (BHAs), tubulars, and other downhole equipment.


• Perform whipstock and casing exit operations, including whipstock installation, anchor setting, milling, and sidetrack support.


• Interpret well programs, directional plans, and customer procedures to ensure successful execution of field operations.


• Verify all tools are properly assembled, tested, and documented prior to mobilization.


• Troubleshoot downhole conditions and recommend appropriate fishing or sidetracking solutions based on well conditions and customer objectives.


• Monitor job performance and make sound operational decisions while maintaining constant communication with customer representatives.


• Prepare detailed field tickets, job reports, equipment inventories, and post-job documentation.


• Ensure all equipment is cleaned, inspected, repaired, and ready for subsequent operations upon return from the field.


• Maintain company vehicles, trailers, and assigned equipment in safe operating condition.


• Assist with inventory control, equipment maintenance, and shop activities when not assigned to field operations.


• Maintain compliance with all company, customer, and regulatory safety requirements.


• Participate in safety meetings, pre-job planning, hazard assessments, and post-job reviews.


• Represent the company professionally while developing and maintaining strong customer relationships.


• Be available for travel and rotational on-call assignments as required.


• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED.


• Minimum 3 years of oilfield field operations experience.


• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to assemble and troubleshoot downhole tools.


• Ability to read and interpret well programs, engineering drawings, and technical procedures.


• Excellent communication and customer service skills.


• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.


• Ability to work extended hours, weekends, holidays, and on-call schedules.


• Willingness to travel extensively to customer locations.

• Experience performing open-hole fishing operations.


• Experience running whipstocks, anchor systems, and casing exit tools.


• Knowledge of fishing tools including overshots, spears, junk baskets, mills, magnets, taper taps, die collars, and washover systems.


• Familiarity with drilling assemblies, directional drilling practices, and bottom hole assemblies.


• Experience with torque and drag considerations, hydraulics, and downhole mechanics.


• H₂S certification, Well Control, PEC/Safeland, First Aid/CPR, and forklift certification.