Manager, Drilling and Wellfield Operations at URI INC – Encino, Texas

Manager, Drilling and Wellfield Operations

Location: Encino, Texas (Frequent Travel Required)

Classification: Exempt

Position Type: Full-Time

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer

Position Summary:

The Manager, Drilling and Wellfield Operations, is responsible for overseeing all drilling activities and wellfield development in support of in-situ recovery (ISR) uranium operations. This role ensures efficient, safe, and cost-effective execution of drilling programs, including both internal crews and third-party contractors. This position serves as the central point of coordination between field teams, supervisors, and contract drillers, driving performance to meet production targets while maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and operational reliability. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring strong technical knowledge, problem-solving ability, and frequent field presence across multiple job sites.

Key Responsibilities:

Drilling Operations & Execution

• Oversee daily drilling activities for wellfield development, including scheduling, rig utilization, and performance tracking
• Ensure drilling programs are executed efficiently to meet timelines and production goals
• Align drilling crews and contractors with operational priorities and expectations
• Troubleshoot field issues related to drilling, equipment, mud systems, and well completion processes
• Provide technical guidance to drillers on best practices, including mud mixing, equipment operation, and well screen assembly
• Coordinate drilling priorities with Geology team

Contractor Management

• Act as the primary point of contact for third-party drilling contractors
• Monitor contractor performance, productivity, and adherence to schedules
• Investigate delays and performance gaps; identify root causes and implement corrective actions
• Ensure contractors are properly supported while maintaining accountability for results

Wellfield Development & Quality Control

• Oversee well installation processes, including casing, screen installation, and completion
• Review daily and weekly drilling reports for accuracy, completeness, and quality
• Ensure proper documentation and compliance with internal standards
• Utilize field feedback and reporting to identify opportunities for improvement

Inventory & Materials Management

• Manage procurement and inventory of drilling materials and supplies, ensuring availability of critical items (down to small components such as bolts)
• Coordinate with internal teams to maintain appropriate inventory levels and avoid operational delays

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and support a team of supervisors and field personnel, including drilling operations supervisors, logging supervisors, loggers, and wellfield drilling technicians
• Foster a strong working relationship across internal teams and external contractors
• Promote a culture of accountability, communication, and continuous improvement
• Gather feedback from employees and implement operational enhancements where needed

Safety & Compliance

• Promote a proactive safety culture, across all operations; engage employees and contractors in hazard identification, safe work practices, and continuous improvement
• Conduct regular safety meetings with employees and contractors
• Reinforce safe work practices and ensure adherence to company safety standards
• Track and report contractor safety hours and performance metrics

Reporting & Performance Management

• Prepare monthly operational reports, including rig counts, safety metrics, and contractor hours
• Track and manage key performance indicators (KPIs), particularly those related to rig productivity, well completion timelines, and operational efficiency
• Ensure rigs remain productive with minimal downtime and no unnecessary standby time

Planning & Budgeting

• Assist in planning drilling programs, including determining rig requirements to meet production targets
• Support budget development and cost control efforts related to drilling operations

Other Duties

Perform other duties as assigned in support of drilling, wellfield operations, and company objectives

Qualifications:

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or GED
• Valid driver’s license
• Experience in drilling, wellfield operations, or a related field
• Proven leadership experience managing supervisors and field teams
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently to multiple job sites

Preferred Experience

• Experience in ISR (In-Situ Recovery) mining operations
• Background working with or managing third-party drilling contractors
• Familiarity with well installation, logging, and completion processes

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong problem-solving and investigative skills
• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot field equipment and processes
• Effective time management and ability to prioritize in a fast-paced environment
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage budgets and control costs
• High attention to detail, particularly in reporting and quality control
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, with a strong emphasis on Microsoft Excel for tracking, reporting and data analysis
• Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with employees and contractors

Working Environment:

• Frequent travel to all current and future plant and project site locations. Travel to the Corpus Christi, Texas office will also be periodically required.
• Primarily field-based work in remote or limited-access areas, often over unpaved or uneven terrain.
• Exposure to extreme heat, high humidity, direct sunlight, and variable weather conditions
• Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) in controlled environments
• Regular interaction with drilling crews, contractors, and site personnel.
• Must adhere to all company vehicle and safety policies.

Physical Demands:

• Long periods of standing and walking outdoors, often in extreme temperatures, inclement weather or over uneven or rough terrain
• Frequent bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching
• Climbing ladders, rigs, equipment, stairways, or elevated platforms and working at heights for extended periods.
• Occasional lifting or carrying materials, tools, and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds independently (heavier with assistance)
• Maintaining situational awareness to ensure personal safety and the safety of others on-site.
• Extended periods of travel in a vehicle; must operate vehicle safely in accordance with company policies.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) provided by the company for extended periods at all site facilities.