The World is Your Workplace at H&P

Did you dream of studying abroad when you were in college? Or did you get to spend a semester overseas and now wish you could relive that experience? Then H&P’s international employment opportunities are definitely for you.

H&P is headquartered in America’s heartland, but as one of the world’s leading contract drillers, we have operations around the globe. While we offer exceptional employee benefits, we’re proud to offer another benefit you won’t find at most other companies—the opportunity to work pretty much anywhere.

From Argentina to Australia, Colorado to Colombia, from the United States to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), H&P has numerous domestic and international opportunities for employees driven by wanderlust who love to work hard.

Just look at employees like Leland Jones. Jones began as a floorman in Wyoming 15 years ago and then moved with his rig to Pennsylvania. But he had ambitions that extended far beyond the continental United States.

“I first heard about offshore rigs and international opportunities when I started with H&P,” he said. “As a floorman, it wasn’t feasible. It was more for drillers and rig managers, but I remained interested in the concept. It was an opportunity that H&P offers that other companies don’t.”

As Jones worked his way up to field superintendent, he began to realize his goal of international employment was within reach.

“I never lost the spark,” said Jones. “The big thing is the adventure. Going to a foreign country and applying my hand to it.”

He took the first step and applied for an opportunity in Argentina.

“I didn’t get it, but applying taught me what I needed to know, and it paved the way,” he said. “When my current opportunity presented itself, I applied and got it.”

What is that current opportunity? Field Superintendent in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Abu Dhabi is about 6,938 miles (give or take) from Pennsylvania and approximately a 16-hour flight across multiple time zones. Jones has worked in Abu Dhabi since February 2022, with a one-month-on, one-month-off schedule. It is a whole lot different. More challenging. Everybody has drivers. When I go out, I have a driver who takes me. But every day gets better. I’m learning more and more each day. “

Working with new coworkers has also been a welcoming and encouraging experience for Jones, who said “The people are very nice. Very polite. Everybody wants to help. Everybody is friendly. People have been supportive.”

His new environment is helped by the fact that one of his coworkers from Pennsylvania is now his manager in Abu Dhabi.

And while he said the job is more challenging and different than back home, the company-wide commitment to H&P’s core values crosses continents.

“Being part of a close-knit team has been great,” he said. “We have a group of positive people working out here. They build us up and communicate. That’s the biggest thing. They’re always checking in. I played soccer with my boss the other day after two weeks of rig moves just to unwind.”

Jones said he tries to create the same environment for his employees.

“If they’re having a bad time, I’m right there with them,” he said. “It’s a lot of work and these guys have heart.”

When not on the job, Jones said despite the UAE being a different country and culture, life in Abu Dhabi is surprisingly familiar.

“Abu Dhabi is kind of westernized because it’s a business mecca with people from all over the world,” he said. “Many cultures mixed. You still need to respect the laws, but it’s very diverse.”

However, as a husband and father (of teenagers, no less), his overseas employment doesn’t just affect him.

“My wife was accustomed to two weeks on and off,” he continued. “We set up family meetings via video chat. There’s a 10-hour difference, so when she goes to work, I’m going to bed. But we make time to communicate. It just takes more effort.”

Bringing his family to Abu Dhabi is a goal of his, but surprisingly, the hesitation has come from his teenagers.

“They’re all about their friends, so I don’t want to uproot them,” said Jones. “My wife is like ‘heck yeah, let’s go!’ My wife is all about adventure and seeing the world. She’s been to more places than I have.”

He may have to wait until his teenagers are out of the house before he and his wife make a more permanent move overseas. If so, he’s already got places on the map where he’d like to move.

“I’ve heard about Australia and South America. I’d love to try my hand in Australia, but they all sound good,” he said. “We’ll have to see.”

Not surprisingly, Jones recommends his H&P colleagues take advantage of the international opportunities and has some advice for those who do.

“If you have that drive and ambition, there is a spot for you. It has been an adventure, while broadening my horizons. I’ve learned to get out of my comfort zone. Every day I’m growing more and more,” he concluded.

At H&P, our purpose to improve lives through efficient and responsible energy starts with our people. If you’re an H&P employee interested in international opportunities, please visit the Careers page at helmerichpayne.com.