James Cole Briegel
Burlington
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven Driller with extensive experience enhancing drilling efficiency through critical thinking and hazard identification. Proven track record in operating and maintaining drilling equipment. Strong focus on team collaboration and achieving results. Adaptable and reliable, skilled in problem-solving, safety protocols, and efficient project execution. Known for being dependable, flexible, and consistently delivering high-quality outcomes in challenging environments.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Driller
Patterson UTI Drilling
05.2025 - Current
- Operated drilling equipmen, ensuring adherence to safety protocols.
- Assisted in preparing drill sites, including clearing debris and organizing tools.
- Monitored drilling progress and communicated findings to senior team members.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of drilling equipment and work areas.
- Supported routine maintenance checks on drilling machinery for optimal performance.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure timely completion of assigned tasks.
- Operated drilling machinery to efficiently complete well installations.
- Assisted in site preparation, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and standards.
- Monitored drilling progress, adjusting techniques based on soil conditions and depth requirements.
- Collaborated with team members to troubleshoot issues during drilling operations.
Well Driller
Helmerich & Payne Inc
2022 - 04.2025
- Conducted routine maintenance on equipment, enhancing reliability and performance.
- Documented daily activities and site conditions for accurate project reporting.
- Learned best practices for equipment usage and safety protocols in well drilling operations.
- Contributed to cost reduction efforts by identifying opportunities for process improvements and implementing more efficient techniques.
- Facilitated effective communication between team members by fostering a collaborative work environment where ideas, concerns, and questions could be openly shared.
- Increased drilling efficiency by implementing precise drilling techniques and optimizing equipment use.
- Maintained accurate records of drilling activities to ensure compliance with company policies and industry regulations.
- Trained new team members on company-specific procedures, safety protocols, and best practices for well-drilling operations.
- Streamlined work processes by effectively managing personnel, equipment, and resources on job sites.
- Ensured timely completion of projects through meticulous scheduling and prioritization of tasks based on client needs and deadlines.
- Conducted risk assessments prior to drilling activities for proactive hazard identification and prevention measures implementation.
- Enhanced safety measures for team members through regular safety training sessions and drills.
- Mentored junior staff to develop their technical skills, problem-solving capabilities, and understanding of the well-drilling industry.
- Maintained compliance requirements, work instructions and program procedures to promote safety.
- Supported management of all drilling and rig move operations
- Monitored drilling operations and machines.
Derrickhand
Helmerich & Payne Inc
2020 - 2022
- Assisted in maintaining equipment to minimize downtime and enhance productivity.
- Conducted routine inspections of rig components to ensure compliance with safety standards.
- Collaborated with team members to execute daily operational plans effectively.
- Trained junior crew members on safety protocols and operational procedures.
- Implemented best practices for waste management and environmental compliance on-site.
- Contributed to successful well completions by assisting in the assembly and disassembly of drilling tools and equipment.
- Used iron roughnecks, tongs and slips to properly handle and connect sections of drill pipe.
- Performed preventive maintenance and basic repairs on workover rigs by checking fluids, hydraulic and transmission levels.
- Improved communication between floorhands and drillers by acting as a reliable liaison during critical operations.
- Maintained proper fluid levels in the mud pits, ensuring smooth operation throughout the drilling process.
- Verified and recorded drilling fluid properties at regular intervals to report deviations.
- Supported overall rig operations through monitoring pressure parameters, alerting drillers to potential concerns or hazards.
- Maximized drilling efficiency with thorough maintenance of top drive systems and associated equipment.
- Optimized drilling processes through meticulous analysis of mud properties, making necessary adjustments as needed.
- Maintained and monitored mud pits and mud pumps during operations to detect unexplained pit level increases and decreases.
Roughneck/Motorhand
Helmerich & Payne Inc
2016 - 2020
- Assisted in rigging operations, ensuring safety protocols were followed during all tasks.
- Collaborated with crew members to streamline daily operations and enhance workflow efficiency.
- Conducted routine inspections of equipment, identifying issues before they impacted production schedules.
- Trained new personnel on safety standards and operational procedures, fostering a culture of compliance.
- Implemented best practices for equipment handling, reducing downtime and improving reliability.
- Contributed to successful drilling operations by assembling and disassembling drilling equipment as needed.
- Assisted in accurate wellbore placement with proper handling of drill string components during tripping operations.
- Supported effective decision-making on site by providing accurate information on drilling progress and conditions to supervisors and management personnel.
- Assisted in the training and mentoring of new roughnecks, helping them quickly acclimate to their roles within the team.
- Reduced environmental impact from spills or leaks by following strict waste management protocols during drilling operations.
- Cleaned up and inspected equipment after use.
- Successfully responded to emergency situations by following established procedures, ensuring minimal damage or injury to personnel and equipment.
- Assisted floor hands in cleaning and maintaining floor.
- Reported to driller about machine malfunctions or other problems.
- Improved overall operational effectiveness by collaborating with drillers to make necessary adjustments based on real-time data evaluation.
- Reduced downtime by troubleshooting mechanical issues and performing repairs on the rig floor.
- Setup and cleaned up drill rigging area.
- Assisted in the operation of heavy equipment, ensuring proper lifting and maneuvering of drilling components as required.
- Expedited pipe connection processes during drilling operations through efficient use of tongs, slips, elevators, and other tools.
Education
Chemistry
University of Northern Colorado
Greeley, COSkills
- Safety compliance
- Critical thinking
- Equipment maintenance and operation
- Hazard identification
- Team supervision
- Well control
- Drilling parameter optimization
- Multitasking Abilities
- Reliability
- Drilling oversight
- SOP implementation
- Instrumentation monitoring
Certification
Wild Well Control
Timeline
Driller
Patterson UTI Drilling
05.2025 - Current
Well Driller
Helmerich & Payne Inc
2022 - 04.2025
Derrickhand
Helmerich & Payne Inc
2020 - 2022
Roughneck/Motorhand
Helmerich & Payne Inc
2016 - 2020
Chemistry
University of Northern Colorado