Summary
Nabors is hiring a Crew Chief for field and rig operations in Abu Dhabi. The role independently leads casing, torque turn, CDS and other tubular services activities, while inspecting, operating and troubleshooting specialized equipment and maintaining accurate job records. It also provides technical support to customers and crews and trains less-experienced technicians. Applicants need a high school diploma or equivalent, four to seven years of relevant oilfield experience, and a valid driver’s license.
The posting
As published on nabors.com. Pulled from the employer's site and shown as they wrote it.
PURPOSE & IMPACT
The Crew Chief is a senior field technician who independently executes complex tubular services operations, including casing running, conventional torque turn, and CDS equipment activities. The role validates job requirements, leads safe rig-up and rig-down execution, operates and troubleshoots specialized mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and data-acquisition equipment, and serves as a trusted technical resource for field crews and customer representatives. The position strengthens operational reliability by resolving most field issues, maintaining complete job and equipment documentation, training less-experienced technicians, and reinforcing consistent safety, quality, and service standards across assigned work.
Responsibilities
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Essential functions should be organized by the core skill domains required for the role. Each function should describe a measurable outcome that draws on the identified skills.
Senior Field Execution & Tubular Services Operations
Primary Skills: Field Execution • Casing Running Support • Rig Floor Operations • Technical Leadership
- Independently execute complex casing, completion string, drill pipe, conventional torque turn, and CDS field activities within approved procedures and operating limits.
- Validate job scope, casing sizes and weights, tool configuration, torque requirements, rig interfaces, personnel readiness, and equipment condition before operations begin.
- Lead routine rig-up, function testing, field operation, and rig-down activities; coordinate sequencing with the Driller, Pusher, Stabber, Floorhand, and service personnel.
- Adapt established procedures to changing field conditions, stop or escalate work when requirements are unclear or unsafe, and restore orderly execution after disruptions.
CDS, Cement Plug & Specialized Equipment Operations
Primary Skills: Equipment Installation • Testing Procedures • Equipment Maintenance • Technical Analysis
- Rig up, connect, function-test, operate, and rig down CDS and related tubular services equipment safely and in accordance with established operating instructions.
- Perform trained Cement Plug Launching Service activities and apply the applicable user guide for basic assembly and disassembly of the cement sub and ball launcher.
- Operate hydraulic controls and supporting tools to secure, lift, position, and connect casing while coordinating movement with the drilling crew.
- Prepare, inspect, load, secure, and return equipment for transport; ensure equipment is cleaned, documented, stored, and ready for the next assignment.
Advanced Inspection, Troubleshooting & Service Recovery
Primary Skills: Equipment Inspection • Equipment Troubleshooting • Incident Investigation • Problem-Solving
- Inspect tongs, hydraulic power units, CDS tools, transmitters, receivers, torque subs, cables, and related equipment for condition, configuration, and operational readiness.
- Diagnose and resolve routine and most complex mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, communication, and data-capture issues using approved tools, tests, and technical information.
- Document defects, troubleshooting steps, repairs, test results, and unresolved risks; coordinate shop or technical support when issues exceed field authority or capability.
- Review completed-job data and equipment performance to identify anomalies, recurring issues, and practical improvements for future field execution.
Customer Support, Documentation & Technician Development
Primary Skills: Customer Support • Documentation Management • Communication Skills • Training Support
- Serve as a senior technical contact at the worksite for routine operational questions, job requirements, equipment status, test results, and service documentation.
- Complete and verify job packets, specifications, torque records, equipment checks, service tickets, defect records, and other required field documentation accurately and on time.
- Train and coach less-experienced technicians on procedure concepts, equipment handling, CDS and torque turn activities, function checks, troubleshooting, documentation, and safe work practices.
- Lead by example in safety, service, teamwork, housekeeping, policy compliance, and professional communication with rig crews, shop personnel, customers, and management.
NON-ESSENTIAL (ADDITIONAL) FUNCTIONS
Operate a company vehicle when assigned, qualified, and authorized.
Support shop, yard, inventory, equipment preparation, and service-recovery activities as needed.
Assist with field surveys, job planning, procedural updates, lessons learned, or continuous-improvement activities.
Participate in safety meetings, job briefings, competency development, and technical training activities.
Perform other related duties as assigned by the Crew Pusher, Driller, Field Supervisor, Operations Supervisor, or management.
CORE SKILLS PROFILE
Proficiency Scale: Foundational → Developing → Proficient → Advanced → Expert
Skill
Proficiency
Application in Role
Accountability
Advanced
Owns safe, accurate, timely execution and follows through on field, equipment, and documentation commitments.
Customer Mindset
Proficient
Anticipates routine customer needs and communicates technical status, risks, and next steps professionally.
Excellence
Advanced
Applies high standards to field execution, equipment readiness, data quality, and service delivery.
Growth Mindset
Proficient
Builds expertise, uses lessons learned, and shares practical knowledge with developing technicians.
Teamwork
Advanced
Coordinates crews and service personnel and reinforces effective, respectful field collaboration.
Technical Aptitude
Advanced
Applies broad tubular services, mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and data knowledge to complex assignments.
Tubular Services Field Execution
Advanced
Independently executes complex casing, torque turn, CDS, rig-up, operation, and rig-down activities.
Job Validation & Planning
Advanced
Validates scope, specifications, torque requirements, equipment configuration, interfaces, and readiness.
Equipment Inspection
Advanced
Evaluates specialized equipment for condition, configuration, defects, and operational readiness.
Equipment Troubleshooting
Advanced
Diagnoses and resolves routine and most complex mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, communication, and data issues.
Safety & Compliance
Advanced
Leads safe work execution and reinforces rig rules, procedures, hazard controls, housekeeping, and policy compliance.
Technical Documentation
Proficient
Completes and verifies job, torque, test, defect, repair, and service records accurately and on time.
Training Support
Proficient
Trains less-experienced technicians on equipment, procedures, troubleshooting, documentation, and safe work practices.
Problem-Solving
Advanced
Uses field experience and technical judgment to resolve complex issues and escalate conditions outside authorized scope.
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
High school diploma or equivalent.
Four to seven years of related experience in casing installation, tubular services, rig-floor, drilling, or comparable oilfield operations.
Previous oilfield experience and demonstrated ability to independently perform complex tubular services field activities.
Working knowledge of casing sizes, weights, connections, operating specifications, torque requirements, and job validation practices.
Demonstrated ability to rig up, operate, function-test, inspect, maintain, and troubleshoot conventional casing, torque turn, CDS, hydraulic power, and related equipment.
Ability to diagnose and resolve routine and most complex mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, communication, and data-capture issues within authorized scope.
Ability to complete and verify job-related documentation and communicate effectively with rig crews, shop personnel, customers, and management.
Ability to train less-experienced technicians and lead safe, timely, service-oriented execution by example.
Valid, current, and unsuspended driver’s license issued by the employee’s state of residence.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
The following are valued but not required. Candidates demonstrating equivalent skills through alternative pathways may be considered.
Three to four years of Senior TRS Technician experience.
Experience with CDS equipment, Cement Plug Launching Service, cement subs, ball launchers, or related tubular service tools.
Experience operating torque turn systems, torque subs, transmitters, receivers, tongs, or hydraulic power units.
Technical, vocational, manufacturer, or company training in mechanical, hydraulic, or electrical systems.
Experience analyzing completed-job data, documenting defects, and identifying recurring equipment or process issues.
Experience training employees or customers on proper equipment operation, maintenance, and safe work practices.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS
This position works primarily in field and rig environments, including outdoor locations and non-climate-controlled work areas, with routine exposure to the elements and moderately noisy conditions. The employee is required to stand and walk for long periods, including standing and walking more than 90% of the time; walk, sit, and use hands to handle or feel more than two-thirds of the time; and talk and hear more than two-thirds of the time. The employee must be able to lift, pull, and push loads of up to 50 pounds unassisted, go up and down stairs, and perform repetitive motions. The role requires close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Prolonged or irregular work hours may be required based on operational needs. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.