P&A Derrick Hand

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

The Derrick Hand is part of a 4-5 person Plug & Abandonment (P&A) rig crew who are responsible for performing services on P&A rigs.  This position reports to the assigned Tool Pusher/Field Supervisor or Rig Operator.  The primary responsibilities of a Derrick Hand is to work anywhere on the derrick of the P&A rig including but not limited to the tubing board and rod basket (in other words this person may also need to go up and perform routine maintenance on the derrick structure or components) and other functions specified 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 is in compliance with 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 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 P&A rig floor experience required.


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


• Must be able to work a varied rotational schedule and travel as job requires.


• Work may be performed in all weather conditions.


• Ability to lift heavy equipment up to 75 lbs.


• Ability to access the work environment by use of a ladder at heights of 50 ft. or more


• Long periods of standing, squatting, kneeling, reaching or similar activities may be necessary


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


• Mobility, including entering confined spaces, enter areas by the use of ladders or other access devices; ability to bend, stoop, twist, stand, squat, crawl and walk.


• 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.

• Able to clear pre-employment drug/alcohol and job-relevant screens.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

• Frequently lift up to 75 lbs.; team lift up to 100 lbs. as needed.


• Stand approximately 7 hours per shift and walk approximately 4 hours per shift.


• Frequently bend, kneel, reach, push, and pull while performing rig duties.


• Constantly climb ladders, derrick structures, and other access points up to 50 ft.


• Work for extended periods from elevated areas, including the tubing board and rod basket, while using fall protection and required PPE.


• Maintain grip strength of approximately 80–100 lbs. for handling tubing elevators, derrick equipment, hand tools, and rig components.


• Work outdoors in all weather conditions, including heat, cold, wind, rain, and other temperature extremes.


• Work in high-noise environments requiring hearing protection.


• Enter confined spaces and work near heavy tools, moving machinery, well servicing equipment, and P&A rig operations.


• Work typical schedules that may include 12-hour shifts, a 14/7 rotation, and approximately 75% travel, depending on operational needs.