CEMENTING SPECIALIST (DRILLING)

Positions reports to Head Drilling Engineering

Job Description

The purpose of the job is to provide technical and specialist advice on all aspects related to cementing and to act as focal point for cementing contracts.

Principal Accountabilities:

1. Provide expert support to the onshore and offshore drilling decisions to ensure that cementing operations are designed and performed efficiently and in accordance with the Drilling Reference Manual (DRM) cementing standards and procedures. The support shall include troubleshooting and problem solving during drilling operations. Update the cementing standards and procedures in the DRM (whenever required) to ensure that best practice and optimum methods are employed in CLIENToperations.
2. Ensure all cementing operations are performed in full compliance with Corporate and Departmental HSE policies and procedures. Set a clear leadership example for health, safety and environmental issues at the well site and in the office.
3. Participate in the inspection of the cementing contractors facilities for HSE compliance in accordance with the Departments Inspection Schedule and procedure (or as required) and assist with any incident investigations involving cementing contractors.
4. Participate in preparing the scope of work and technically evaluate tenders for cementing and related contracts to ensure that contracted services meet CLIENT minimum technical requirements. Identify the need for contract variations for equipment, materials and services not covered under the contract.
5. Act as the technical focal point for the cement contract to ensure that the contract is implemented in accordance with CLIENT standards and requirements and that corrective action is taken by the contractor in the event of problems or poor performance.
6. Manage operational, technical performance, cost and QHSE performance of contractor. Report findings, lessons learnt and document successes / failures in the technical report. Coordinate with cementing contractors for biannual Service Quality Meetings (SQM) to review the performance, monitor follow up of recommendations and proper close out of findings.
7. Participate in evaluating cementing failures (using root cause analysis techniques) and report findings, lesson learned and recommendations to avoid reoccurrence of problems.
8. Conduct frequent visits to the rig sites to monitor and support critical cementing operations. Support the drilling supervisor in any way possible to achieve a successful cementing operation.
9. Review the laboratory results and assist in the writing or review the detailed cementing plan and program. Attend pre-spud meetings for onshore and offshore wells to ensure that the cementing aspects are full understood by operational staff and the contractor.
10. Keep up-to-date with the latest cementing technology and techniques to ensure that CLIENT utilizes best practice. Initiate and lead studies to improve procedures and implement new technology for the purpose of achieving safe, efficient and cost effective wells.

Decision Making Authority:

1. Performs work in accordance with specific direction, CLIENT policies, DRM standards and procedures and in close collaboration with Assistant Manager Drilling Engineering (DRE).
2. Recommendations and solutions can have a significant financial benefit to the Company. For example sub-optimal cementing operations could lead to major operational problems such as well control and loss of production.
3. Recommends new technology to improve performance of cementing operations using the DRM procedure for new technology implementation.
4. Independently determines own work schedule and priorities to achieve objectives has discretion to recommend solutions to operational staff.
5. Completed work is subject to the management review.

Context / Special Features / Challenges:

1. The incumbent is required to provide analysis of cementing operations to identify and resolve problems as they arise and to improve operational efficiency.
2. Provide solutions to technical problems that arise during cementing operations. Potential problems include: reservoir isolation; gas influx during cement placement; cement bond quality and cementing equipment performance, all of which are critical in terms of production performance and operational safety.
3. The work requires analytical and constructive thinking, with a high degree of practical knowledge. Evaluating different options and making systematic trade- off decisions is of particular importance
4. Ability to work with people (operational staff and contractors) to deliver appropriate solutions under operational pressure and within a tight time schedule.

Required qualifications, experience and expertise:

1. BSc. in Petroleum Engineering or a related engineering discipline, plus relevant drilling industry courses.
2. Minimum fifteen (15) years of experience in Oil & Gas industry include minimum 8 years drilling experience with considerable exposure to cementing and drilling fluids.
3. Innovative, with the ability to challenge conventional methods and capacity to drive through new initiatives.
4. Strong analytical and commercial skills, able to identify opportunities and set priorities to achieve business results.
5. Excellent command of the English language and report writing skills.