Transferrable oil field work skills

Attracting the right candidate for the position means crafting a job description that highlights what’s expected and also gets the attention of the applicant. Oilfield careers have several skills that work across positions, including:

• Working safely. The process of extracting oil and gas is one of the most dangerous, according to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA). Not only are employers obligated to protect employees, but employees must also be vigilant about taking the necessary safety precautions.
• Meeting tight deadlines. This is a deadline-driven industry, and a worker’s ability to consistently work within these constraints to deliver results makes them more attractive.
• Adaptability. With all the changes happening in the industry, being adaptable is a matter of survival. When changes happen, there’s uncertainty and your ideal candidate understands and can adjust accordingly.
• Problem-solving. Things happen and machines fail. Anyone pursuing an oilfield career has to grasp the complexities of the problem and work out ways to solve it within a looming deadline.

11 oil field job titles

There are several roles that are involved in a company’s ability to find and produce oil and gas. Use these to come up with the titles that best fit your role.

Well control specialist

When companies drill a hole for the extraction of hydrocarbons, there’s a risk of the pressure building up and producing a sudden spout of oil or gas. This can result in a loss of oil. Oil well control specialists are able to control this unexpected release of crude oil or natural gas, which could lead to a threatening blowout.

Mud logging technician

A mud logging technician measures the depth of the drilling, as well as the rock cuttings that the drilling medium, also called the drilling mud, brings to the surface. They monitor the gas entering the stream and the physical characteristics of the rock samples. Once they have all the information they need, they create a graphic log of the bore.

Cementing technician

Preparing a well requires developing a cement solution. Cementing technicians measure the site and calculate the precise amount of cement required. The cement is a special mix, and if there are any irregularities with the bore diameter, they come up with the necessary material to compensate. This process is important because the casing created prevents outside materials from contaminating the well flow.

Wireline operator

Wireline operators install the necessary cables to lower equipment into the well. Their duties usually include analyzing data, drilling the holes and installing the necessary rigs and other mechanical equipment. They’re in charge of the entire design of the project plan, which also includes understanding the related regulations and safety codes.

Process control operator

This is a supervisor position. Press control operators are in charge of production operations, efficiency and safety. They produce reports, keep track of data, perform audits and manage work schedules.

MWD field operator

An MWD (Measurement While Drilling) field operator provides continually updated information during the drilling process. They use wire line instruments, as well as other techniques, to measure the well bore without disturbing it. They also maintain the necessary records and interpret data to find the most efficient drill path.

Wire line logging and perforation operator

The main function of a wire line logging and perforation operator is preventative maintenance of well logging equipment. They assemble down-hole logging tools, whether they’re electric, nuclear or any other type. Inspections and reports are also a part of the job, and what they do affects the overall cost, profitability and efficiency of the project.

Well testing operator

Well testing operators assist with rigging up and drilling out. They also record and collect readings from the systems they monitor.

Slickline supervisor

The slickline is a cable used to place and retrieve well bore hardware. The slickline supervisor ensures that wire line equipment is transported safely and efficiently. They’re involved in pre-project planning, which includes risk assessment and ensuring the quality of the process. As a supervisor, they’re in charge of administrative paperwork and training junior crew about best practices and standard procedures.

Perforating technician/specialist

These specialists are in charge of equipment maintenance and well support. They also clean, buff, reassemble and disassemble down-hole tools. Depending on their level of experience, they can lead a team in handling more complex perforating work.

Coiled tubing mechanic

Coiled tubing is a long metal pipe used for drilling and well completion. These mechanics perform welding, soldering, replacement and repair of the coil and its vital components.

What to consider when creating your oil field work job description

As you gather the requirements for your oil field job descriptions, remember these positions usually require a high school diploma or equivalent. While on-the-job training is usually provided, some positions may require some level of mechanical or construction skills to start on the best foot.

Overtime work hours are considered standard practice, but it helps to be explicit. Finally, the kind of equipment on these rigs makes a section on physical requirements mandatory. It’s normal for workers to have to lift 50 or even 100 pounds, and you also need to ensure that workers can perform in all types of weather.

Frequently asked questions about oil field careers

The answers to these frequently asked questions can provide you with more information about oil field careers and job titles.

What’s the difference between a roustabout and a roughneck?

These are oil field slang terms. Roustabouts are unskilled manual labor on rigs and platforms. Some of those jobs include mixing drilling mud or painting the deck of the offshore oil rig. Roughnecks are a step above. They’re the skilled crew involved in the oil well drilling process.

What is a toolpusher?

A toolpusher is an oil field crew member who works their way up through the ranks of the drilling crew.

What’s the difference between offshore and onshore drilling?

There are several differences, but the main one is that in onshore settings, the equipment is a simpler setup. The rig can support itself. Offshore drilling requires anchoring or some way of keeping things steady in deeper waters. There are different offshore rig types that require shallower operations but still need man-made platforms.