Rig Safety Officer

Job summary

The Rig Safety Officer supports the roll-out and day-to-day enforcement of QHSSE expectations across the rig and helps strengthen the Barrier Management System (BMS) on board. This role provides practical HSE guidance to all personnel and contributes to safety, health, and environmental objectives, programs, and improvements.

Key responsibilities

• Make sure HSE policies, procedures, and guidance materials are properly shared with the workforce.
• Spend most of the day on the worksite, with a strong visible presence in higher-risk, higher-activity areas such as the deck and drill floor; about 75% of working time should be field-based.
• Drive safety initiatives on the rig, including the ADES 8 Keys to Incident-Free program, so employees understand the standards and how to apply them in practice.
• Encourage the ADES recognition culture, including TOFS awards, so the concept becomes part of normal rig behavior.
• Support the SHIELD program by helping with safety performance conversations and encouraging broad participation from everyone on board.
• Ensure all personnel understand and promptly use Stop Work Authority, and lead by example in reinforcing this safety expectation.
• Support the OIM/STP/PIC by checking that control-of-work systems are followed, including JSA, SOPs, PTW, isolations, confined space controls, and rescue plans.
• Follow, monitor, and help improve BMS requirements, HSE procedures, and applicable regulatory obligations.
• Work with site operations management to identify HSE gaps, unsafe conditions, and compliance issues, then help address them.
• Support internal and external audits, including completion, close-out, and tracking of findings.
• Advise safety leaders and department heads on safety-related matters.
• Take part in safety meetings and supervisors’ meetings and present relevant topics or findings.
• Check that PPE is suitable, including fit, sizing, and overall appropriateness for the task.
• Stay aware of hazardous substances controls, including correct storage, handling, use, and PPE requirements.
• Deliver onboard training or arrange training to keep the crew training matrix fully compliant, and support third-party trainers when needed.
• Monitor the short-service employee process to confirm it is working effectively and that on-the-job training is being provided.
• Help the OIM/STP/PIC with incident reporting and investigations, identify root causes, and share lessons learned across all crews.
• Support rig orientation and induction delivery when required.
• Coordinate with customer representatives and regulatory authorities as needed.
• Carry out emergency duties according to the rig station bill.
• Facilitate the rig self-verification process.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree is required.
• Ideally, candidates should have at least 3 years of experience in an RSO position.
• Previous HSE experience in the drilling industry is required.
• All mandatory ADES training requirements must be completed.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office tools such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint is needed.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential.
• The role requires strong attention to detail and analytical thinking.
• Problem-solving and sound decision-making ability are important.
• Planning, performance management, organization, and time management skills are expected.
• Ability to build trust and work credibly with others is valued.
• Formal investigation training such as Taproot, Topset, or an equivalent certification is preferred.
• Recognized HSE qualifications such as NEBOSH, IOSH, OSHA, or equivalent are preferred.
• Additional QHSSE audit certifications are also preferred.

Additional information

This is a full-time, onsite role based in Al Khobar, Eastern, Saudi Arabia. The work is focused on rig operations and safety performance in a drilling environment.

Working conditions

The role requires a continuous field presence, with most of the working day spent in operational and higher-risk areas of the rig.