Ryan Gillis
Edmonton,Canada
Summary
Dynamic Solid Control Technician with Precision Drilling, skilled in optimizing drilling efficiency through advanced fluid testing and data analysis. Proven leader in crew coordination and safety compliance, ensuring operational excellence and environmental standards. Adept at equipment maintenance and problem-solving, driving successful outcomes in high-pressure situations. Some projects I have been part of are the Seven Generations upper and lower Montney wells south of Grand Prairie from 2016 to 2019. High-pressure Duvernay wells in Fox Creek from 2019 to 2021 for Crescent Point. From 2022 to 2025, I was on the ConocoPhillips Montney project in Won O Won, BC. On this project, I was in charge of solid control in the Floc water and brine sections. After displacing to Invert, I would run the barite recovery system to best regulate low-gravity solids, adjusting settings accordingly. I am currently working in Surmont on the Sag D project on a polymer mud system, while assisting and training new Derrickhands.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
6
6
Certifications
Work History
SOLID CONTROL TECHNICIAN
Precision Drilling
Nisku, Canada
06.2022 - Current
- Responsible for operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting solid control equipment on drilling rigs.
- Monitors and adjusts shale shakers, centrifuges, and desanders to ensure optimal solids removal and fluid quality.
- Conducts regular equipment inspections, performs preventative maintenance, and ensures compliance with safety protocols.
- Collaborates with drilling and mud engineers to optimize overall drilling efficiency.
- Proven mechanical aptitude and experience in oilfield operations required.
- Ensured compliance with safety regulations and environmental standards at all times.
- Documented daily activities and fluid reports for operational transparency and review.
- Calibrated instruments used for monitoring flow rates and pressures within the system.
- Inspected and tested drilling fluids for properties such as viscosity, pH, gravity, salinity, sand content, oil content and other parameters.
- Analyzed data from mud logging units/reports to determine wellbore conditions in order to adjust system operations accordingly.
- Recorded daily activity reports into a computer database for tracking purposes. Calculate bottoms up strokes and displacements on different fluids to identify the transition point.
- Communicated effectively with upper management regarding changes needed in solids control procedures or policies.
- Operated solid and liquid separation equipment including centrifuges and barite recovery
- Oversaw work of drilling crews, implemented corrective actions and maintained safety standards.
- Recorded daily activity reports into computer database for tracking purposes.
- Provided training on the safe use of solids control equipment to new employees.
- Kept crew members on task at diverse sites and prepared schedules to carry out accurate work at required times.
- Utilized effective communication skills to deliver instructions to crews and build collaborative groups focused on accomplishing goals on tight schedules.
DERRICKHAND
Ensign Canadian Drilling
Nisku, Canada
12.2015 - 11.2021
- Performed Lead Hand duties in pump area and on rig floor as directed by driller.
- Cross trained crew members to step into next role if needed.
- Coordinated and directed crew members in the performance of daily priorities and work duties.
- Prepared and obtained appropriate work permits, risk assessments, and JSAs.
- Conducted and documented safety meetings.
- Ensured the safety of all crew members by reviewing JSAs with new employees.
- Operated pumps and performed repairs when necessary.
- Reviewed MSDS and mixed dangerous mud properties.
- Controlled the viscosity and weight of fluids and formulas to prevent kicking.
- Opened and closed valves, monitored gauges, and serviced top drive.
- Operated heavy equipment and performed regular maintenance and repairs.
- Performed well cement operations.
- Inspected and monitored the derrick floor and safety pins, as well as 2 Gardner Denver PZ11 mud pumps by inspecting fluids, checking for vibrations, and any other issues.
- Racked and secured tubulars in monkey board.
- Trained junior crew members on equipment operation and safety protocols.
- Managed inventory of drilling supplies to ensure availability during operations.
- Mixed drilling fluids and handled hazardous chemicals.
- Assisted in the installation and removal of blowout preventers at well sites.
- Provided technical advice regarding various aspects of Derrickhand duties when requested by management personnel.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIST
Department of Natural Resources
Whycocomagh, Canada
04.2006 - 09.2011
- Performed wildlife surveys.
- Operated GPS, GIS, and TMR radio systems.
- Assisted in wild land firefighting, road building, and culvert installations.
- Performed general maintenance duties at provincial parks.
- Performed administrative duties using Microsoft Office and Excel.
Education
Environmental Technology -
NSCC, Strait Area Campus
Port Hawkesbury, NS12.2008
Human Services -
NSCC, Strait Area Campus
Port Hawkesbury, NS12.2005
High School Diploma -
Dalbrae Academy
Mabou, NS12.2004
Skills
- Equipment maintenance
- Solid control operations
- Data analysis
- Fluid testing
- Safety compliance
- Drilling optimization
- Problem solving
- Inventory management
- Crew coordination
- Attention to detail
- Team leadership
- Effective communication
- Chemical mixing
- Environmental compliance
- Drilling fluids management
- Team coordination
- Training and mentoring
References
Reference available upon request
Certification
Blowout Pervention
Timeline
SOLID CONTROL TECHNICIAN
Precision Drilling
06.2022 - Current
DERRICKHAND
Ensign Canadian Drilling
12.2015 - 11.2021
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIST
Department of Natural Resources
04.2006 - 09.2011
Environmental Technology -
NSCC, Strait Area Campus
Human Services -
NSCC, Strait Area Campus
High School Diploma -
Dalbrae Academy