Drilling Superintendent

Position: _Drilling Superintendent
Overview

The Drilling Superintendent will support drilling, completion, and workover operations across Vaalco’s portfolio of assets, primarily in offshore Africa. This position is responsible for planning and implementing well operations with both surface and subsea wellhead systems, and for monitoring and advising on well operations conducted by other companies when Vaalco is a non-operating partner. The Drilling Superintendent will provide strong leadership to a global team of contract and company personnel and may be hands-on when required, including site presence in remote locations and acting as relief in some situations.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational leadership for all phases of well drilling, completion, workover, and abandonment activities, ensuring safety, efficiency, and cost-effective execution.

• Oversee offshore drilling operations using deepwater floaters, jack-up rigs, and platform-based systems, along with land-based campaigns and potential Hydraulic Workover units.

• Develop and execute well plans in collaboration with engineering, subsurface, and HSE teams.

• Supervise contractor performance, ensuring compliance with technical, safety, and environmental standards.

• Coordinate with logistics and supply chain to ensure timely availability of materials and equipment.

• Support the preparation and approval of AFEs and end-of-well reports.

• Review, provide input, and approve financial / commercial documents.

• Serve as the primary operations interface for JV partners and local regulatory bodies, including in-country visits, audits, and government/partner meetings.

• Champion a strong HSE culture by engaging with contractors/service companies, leading risk assessments, coaching HSE Rig Advisors, and leading incident investigations as needed.

• Mentor and develop junior drilling engineers, drilling supervisors, and other drilling team members.

• Assist in the preparation, evaluation, and negotiation of commercial bids and tenders.

• Foster delivery of well-projects using healthy, robust processes.

• Contribute to continuous improvement in drilling performance by identifying and implementing lessons learned and best practices for NPT reduction and optimization of cost tracking and controls.

• Execute additional tasks as assigned by business/management.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering or related discipline.

• Minimum 15 years of relevant experience in the oil & gas industry with a focus on well engineering and operations while working for an operating company.

• At least 5 years in a well superintendent or similar leadership role.

• Knowledgeable of H2S, NORM, and other relevant HSE conditions encountered during well operations.

• Certified in Well Control (IWCF or IADC), HUET, Emergency Response/ICS, and other areas associated with offshore well operations management.

Skills, Qualifications, and Other Requirements

• Demonstrated operational experience with various rigs and MODUS, including:

- Jack-ups
- Deepwater floaters (drillships and/or semi submersibles)
- Platform-based offshore drilling and workover systems
- Land rigs (nice to have)

• Knowledge of Open Hole Gravel Pack operations

• Knowledge of Electrical Submersible Pump (ESP) equipment and installation

• Experience in international operations, with preference for West Africa experience

• Effective leadership and decision-making abilities

• Strong interpersonal communication, organization, and presentation skills

• High commitment to safety, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence

• Ability to travel internationally and domestically up to ~40% of the time, depending on business needs

Physical Demands

Requires sufficient mobility and reflexes to operate in a general office environment and to visit offshore rigs and other sites/facilities away from the office as needed.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described are representative of those encountered while performing essential functions. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level is usually quiet.

About Vaalco

Founded in 1985, Vaalco Energy is a Texas-based leading African-focused oil & gas operating company with a strong production and reserve base and a diverse portfolio of assets Côte d'Ivoire, Gabon, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, and Canada. Through operational excellence, sustainable practices, and a deep understanding of the regions we operate in, we strive to maximize shareholder value and deliver positive impact for our wider stakeholders.

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