The Motorhand is responsible for maintaining and operating the mechanical systems and diesel engines that power the drilling rig. This includes engines, transmissions, generators, pumps, air compressors, and other mechanical equipment. The Motorhand supports the Driller and works closely with the Floorhands and Derrickhand to ensure safe and efficient rig operations.
Location: Alaska (North Slope)
Reports To: Driller / Rig Manager
Rotation: 14x14 or 21x21 (Days/Nights, including holidays and weekends)
•Ability to perform essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodations
•Minimum of 2 years experience as a Motorhand preferably on drilling rigs or in diesel engine maintenance.
•Work a 12-hour shift, maintaining focus and alertness, including during repetitive or physically demanding tasks.
•Stand and walk for up to 4 hours at a time on steel decks, gravel, board roads, and icy or snowy terrain.
•Regularly lift and carry 60+ lbs, including tools, engine parts, and fuel containers.
•Routinely bend, kneel, stoop, climb stairs/ladders, twist, crawl, and operate equipment in confined or elevated areas.
•Must wear full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during all work activities.
•Tolerate and function effectively in extreme Arctic environments, including subzero temperatures, snow, and wind.
•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
•Must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations.
•Strong understanding of diesel and mechanical systems and preventive maintenance practices.
•Must be able to understand and follow both verbal and written instructions in English.
•Must pass all required pre-employment drug screening, physical exams, and site-specific testing.
•Must have reliable transportation to travel to and from the rig or designated staging location.
•Must possess a valid Driver’s License – Real ID compliant, suitable for travel to Alaska and the North Slope.
•Maintain, repair, and service diesel engines, generators, mechanical pumps, air compressors, and other rig equipment.
•Monitor the mechanical performance of all rig equipment and troubleshoot or escalate issues to the Driller or Rig Manager.
•Ensure fuel, lubricants, and coolants are at proper operating levels.
•Maintain proper records of maintenance and repairs performed.
•Safely operate forklifts and other motorized equipment to load/unload materials, pipe, and tools.
•Assist Floorhands and Derrickhand in rig-up and rig-down operations, including moving and aligning rig components.
•Perform routine inspections and preventive maintenance on mechanical systems to avoid equipment failures.
•Work with the Rig Electrician and Rig Mechanic as needed on integrated systems.
•Ensure all tools, equipment, and work areas are clean, organized, and safe at all times.
•Monitor for unusual sounds or signs of malfunction in all operating equipment.
•Follow all company safety policies, procedures, and training guidelines.
Nabors is a leading provider of advanced technology for the energy industry. With operations in about 20 countries, Nabors has established a global network of people, technology and equipment to deploy solutions that deliver safe, efficient and responsible hydrocarbon 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.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Nabors is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibiting discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, religion, age, color, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training. To learn more about our Fair Employment practices, please refer to the Nabors Code of Conduct .