The job of the Motorhand is to safely and efficiently ensure that the regular preventative maintenance and repair activities for the generators, main engines, air compressors, portable water system, drill water manifold and pumps, and cold start air compressors occur in a timely manner to prevent downtime and ensure the efficient and continual functioning of the mechanical equipment used in the operation of the drilling rig. The Motorhand works under the direction of the Rig Manager.
Location: Alaska
Rotation: 14x14 or 21x21 (days or nights, including weekends and holidays)
Perform regular rounds to look, listen, and feel for equipment issues.
Anticipate potential problems and take corrective action to prevent them from developing.
When problems are identified, analyze, troubleshoot, and implement solutions to maintain system operations.
Ensure fuel and oil transfers are conducted safely and in compliance with state, federal, and company regulations.
Assist the Mechanic with major repairs and mechanical issues outside of personal expertise.
Collaborate with the Rig Manager and Driller to supervise and direct Floorhands and Derrickhand during rig up/down procedures.
Provide relief support on the drill floor for Floorhands and, when trained, for the Derrickhand and Driller.
Operate forklifts to offload, backload, and relocate equipment, pipe, tubulars, casings, etc.
Maintain attention and alertness for up to 12-hour shifts, even during repetitive or monotonous tasks.
Ability to work 7 or 14 days on/off rotations, including holidays, weekends, and day or night shifts.
Follow verbal and written instructions accurately.
Stand and walk for at least 4 hours at a time on various surfaces (steel decking, gravel, mud, snow, ice).
Lift and handle heavy items:
Up to 115 lbs (e.g., pulling slips).
100 lbs hand tools, including 16–20 lb sledgehammers.
60 lbs to a 5’ height and carry up/down stairs.
Bend, stoop, kneel, twist, and crawl throughout the work shift while wearing PPE.
Listen for unusual noises indicating equipment or machinery problems.
Assist the Rig Manager with troubleshooting and problem-solving in a decisive and timely manner.
Perform other duties as required by the Rig Manager.
High school diploma or equivalent.
3–5 years of experience.
Ability to perform essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodations.
Minimum of 3 months experience as a Floorhand for Nabors Drilling USA or 6 months experience as a Motorhand for another drilling company.
Ability to successfully complete Motorhand training at the NDUSA Training Center.
Ability to wear respiratory protective devices.
Ability to complete the essential functions of Floorhand duties when needed.
Must have reliable transportation to and from the rig.
Work a full 12-hour shift while remaining alert and focused, even during repetitive tasks.
Must be able to stand and walk for up to 4 hours at a time, including on steel decks, board roads, gravel, snow, and ice.
Frequently lift and carry objects weighing 60+ lbs, including 100 lb sacks and tools.
Regularly swing 20 lb sledgehammers and apply torque up to 160 lbs when operating wrenches or valves.
Repetitively bend, stoop, kneel, twist, and crawl, often while in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Ability to work outdoors in extreme Arctic conditions, including subzero temperatures, snow, and ice.
Must be able to understand and follow both verbal and written instructions.
Must pass all required pre-employment and site-specific drug and fitness-for-duty testing.
Must possess a valid Driver’s License (no restrictions) – Real ID compliant, suitable for travel to Alaska and the North Slope.
Skills Required
- High school diploma or equivalent
- 3-5 years of relevant experience
- Minimum of 3 months experience as a Floorhand for Nabors Drilling USA or 6 months experience as a Motorhand for another drilling company
- Ability to successfully complete Motorhand training at the NDUSA Training Center
- Ability to wear respiratory protective devices
- Ability to operate forklifts
- Ability to lift and carry heavy objects (up to 115 lbs, frequent 60+ lb lifts, swing 20 lb sledgehammers)
- Stand and walk for up to 4 hours at a time on varied surfaces; repetitively bend, stoop, kneel, twist, and crawl while wearing PPE
- Ability to work outdoors in extreme Arctic conditions (subzero temperatures, snow, ice)
- Valid Driver's License (no restrictions) - Real ID compliant
- Must pass all required pre-employment and site-specific drug and fitness-for-duty testing
- Ability to follow verbal and written instructions and perform Floorhand duties when needed
- Ability to work 12-hour shifts on 14x14 or 21x21 rotations including nights, weekends and holidays
What We Do
Nabors Industries is a leading provider of advanced technology for the energy industry. With operations in approximately 20 countries, Nabors has established a global network of people, technology and equipment to deploy solutions that deliver safe, efficient and responsible energy production. By leveraging its core competencies, particularly in drilling, engineering, automation, data science and manufacturing, Nabors aims to innovate the future of energy and enable the transition to a lower carbon world. Nabors owns and operates one of the world’s largest land-based drilling rig fleet and is a provider of offshore drilling rigs in the United States and multiple international markets. Nabors also provides directional drilling services, performance tools and innovative technologies for its own rig fleet and those of third parties. Utilizing its advanced drilling automation capabilities, Nabors’ highly skilled workforce continues to set new standards for operational excellence and transform our industry.
