Chief Electrician At Hreade
full-time
JOB SUMMARY
Responsible for the safe operation, inspection, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of electrical systems and equipment on the company's land drilling rig. The role ensures the availability and reliability of electrical power generation and distribution systems, drilling equipment, control systems, and other electrical installations required for safe and efficient rig operations. Responsible for implementing preventive and corrective maintenance activities in accordance with the Company's Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS), OEM recommendations, approved maintenance procedures, and applicable HSE requirements.
Supervises assigned electrical personnel, maintains appropriate electrical spareparts and maintenance records, and works closely with the Maintenance Supervisor, Rig Manager, and other rig personnel to minimize equipment downtime and support continuous drilling operations.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Electrical Operations & Maintenance
Conducts routine inspections, testing, troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair of electrical equipment and systems on the rig.
Operates, maintains, and repairs power generation and distribution equipment, including generators, engine controls, SCR systems, switchgear, transformers, motor control centres, and associated equipment.
Maintains and repairs electrical components of drilling equipment, including the Driller's Console, drilling motors and auxiliaries, Top Drive System, drawworks, mud pumps, and related equipment.
Reads and interprets electrical drawings, schematics, wiring diagrams, control logic
diagrams, technical manuals, and OEM documentation.
Coordinates electrical maintenance and repair activities with the Maintenance Supervisor, Rig Manager, and other relevant rig personnel.
Preventive Maintenance and CMMS
Implements preventive maintenance activities in accordance with the Company's Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS), approved maintenance schedules, and OEM recommendations.
Ensures scheduled preventive and corrective maintenance activities are completed within required timelines.
Maintains accurate and timely records of inspections, maintenance activities, equipment failures, repairs, and corrective actions.
Provides technical information required for the development and improvement of preventive maintenance routines.
Tracks and supports the close-out of outstanding electrical maintenance actions and recommendations arising from inspections, audits, equipment failures, and technical reviews.
Electrical Reliability and Troubleshooting
Monitors the condition and performance of critical electrical equipment to identify potential failures before they affect operations.
Troubleshoots electrical and control system faults and determines appropriate corrective actions.
Recommends improvements to electrical systems, maintenance practices, and equipment reliability where required.
Communicates significant equipment failures and breakdown information through the appropriate reporting line for onshore technical support where required.
Spare Parts and Inventory Management
Monitors electrical spare parts, consumables, tools, and critical equipment requirements necessary to support rig operations.
Maintains adequate levels of critical electrical spares and initiates requisitions in a timely manner.
Supports the identification and technical specification of replacement electrical components and equipment.
Ensures electrical spare parts, tools, and materials are appropriately stored, preserved, and controlled.
HSE and Operational Compliance
Ensures electrical activities are carried out in accordance with the company's HSE requirements, approved procedures, and applicable regulatory standards.
Complies with and enforces the Permit to Work (PTW), Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), electrical isolation, and other applicable safe systems of work.
Reports incidents, unsafe conditions, potential hazards, equipment defects, and abnormal operating conditions through the appropriate reporting line.
Participates actively in safety meetings, emergency drills, inspections, audits, and other HSE activities.
Demonstrates safety leadership and ensures assigned personnel comply with the Company HSE requirements.
Team Supervision and Development
Supervises and coordinates the activities of electricians and other personnel assigned to electrical maintenance activities.
Allocates work and ensures assigned electrical tasks are completed safely, correctly, and within required timelines.
Ensures personnel under supervision possess the required competence, training, and certification for their assigned responsibilities.
Coaches, mentors, and develops electrical personnel through structured on-the-job training and practical supervision.
Supervises crew members participating in applicable On-the-Job Training (OJT) programmes.
EDUCATION
QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's Degree, HND, or recognised technical qualification in Electrical Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, or a related discipline from a reputable institution.
Relevant technical or vocational qualification may be considered where supported by substantial rig electrical experience.
Relevant electrical trade or professional certification applicable to drilling operations is desirable.
Valid medical fitness certification for rig deployment.
Relevant HSE and safety certifications required for land rig operations.
OEM or specialised technical training relating to drilling rig electrical systems will be an advantage
WORK EXPERIENCE:
Minimum of 8 years' relevant experience in drilling and/or workover operations.
Minimum of 2 years' experience as a Chief Electrician equivalent senior electrical position on a land drilling rig.
Demonstrated hands-on experience maintaining and troubleshooting drilling rig electrical systems and equipment.
Experience working in high-pressure, safety-critical drilling environments.
Previous supervisory experience managing Electricians or electrical maintenance personnel.