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Toolpusher

Toolpushers is the slang term for the supervisory position on an oil rig. They are management jobs whose tasks includes the basic hiring, firing, and supervising of all the personnel on both onshore and offshore drilling rigs. While many of the jobs on a rig are out on the platform doing manual labor, a toolpusher is an office job. On onshore rigs, a toolpusher is generally in charge of the entire operation but on offshore rigs, a toolpusher reports to the head of operations, who in turn reports to the rig manager located on shore.

A toolpusher's administrative responsibilities include coordinating all of the various departments on a drilling rig and making sure that work meets the appointed deadlines. They also prepare reports and production schedules for the company. Department supervisors can make recommendations for promotions but it is up to the toolpusher to determine whether someone is eligible for a promotion or not. Toolpushers are responsible for resolving conflicts and disputes among employees, recommends ways to improve production, and oversees the general safety of the rig as well as on-the-job training. Toolpushers may also be in charge of the company payroll for the rig. They might be required to oversee the administering of benefits, insurance, and other assorted paperwork.

Often toolpushers start out as roustabouts or roughnecks and work their way up through the ranks. This gives them personal experience and understanding of the drilling process which can better help them to do their job. They may even play the role of mentor or advisor to employees on the rig, especially the company man who is there to keep watch over the site and ensure the oil company's interests are being served. If there is ever a shortage of hands, a toolpusher might have to fill in for one of the workers, thus relying on his background skills as a former roughneck or driller.

The estimated annual salary for a toolpusher varies greatly but they are generally some of the highest paid on the rig due to their managerial responsibilities. Pay scales can range anywhere from $80,000 a year and up.

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Individual innate capability to perform a service in the business of gas is an employment opportunity for some. Individuals must be willing to work long hours when justified. There are a number of employment opportunities in the oil and gas industry. Sometimes it is more of learning just how to...

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