Jim Schmidt
About Jim Schmidt
Jim Schmidt serves as the Drilling Superintendent Special Projects at Nabors Industries, where he oversees operations for eight drilling rigs and ensures safety compliance. He has extensive experience in horizontal drilling and has successfully transformed project outcomes while maintaining a strong safety record.
Work at Nabors Industries
Jim Schmidt has been employed at Nabors Industries since 1998, accumulating 26 years of experience in the oil and gas sector. He has held the position of Drilling Superintendent Special Projects since 2011, working in Nisku, Alberta. In this role, he oversees daily operations for eight drilling rigs, which include mechanical telescopic doubles and AC Drive PACE walking triples. His responsibilities encompass managing drilling operations primarily for Shell Canada in the Ground Birch field near Fort Saint John, B.C.
Current Drilling Projects
Currently, Jim Schmidt is involved in a new phase of drilling that focuses on horizontal drilling between 3500 m to 4000 m. This phase presents significant challenges, requiring advanced technical skills and project management capabilities. He has successfully transformed a project from drilling a single 75-day well to completing ten wells, with depths ranging from 4000 m to 5200 m.
Safety Management and Standards
Jim Schmidt has maintained an excellent safety standard, achieving no loss time incidents for three consecutive years. He acts as the person in charge of safety on the rig and in the rig camp, ensuring compliance with Nabors' safety policies and procedures. He actively participates in QHSE meetings, toolbox meetings, and the TQM program to enhance safety management systems.
Technical Expertise and Innovations
Jim Schmidt specializes in refurbishing drilling rigs and installing new technologies. His expertise includes implementing walking systems and Weatherford's S3 Iron Derrickman. He is proficient in STOP for supervisors, promoting its techniques to personnel under his supervision, which contributes to the overall safety and efficiency of drilling operations.