Service Unit Operators, Oil & Gas

realistic interests remove obstructions power tools oil flow safety inspection drive truck derricks detect faulty operations install devices construction

Pulling Unit Operator, Rig Operator, Service Operator, Service Rig Operator

What they do:
Operate equipment to increase oil flow from producing wells or to remove stuck pipe, casing, tools, or other obstructions from drilling wells. Includes fishing-tool technicians.
On the job, you would:
  • Maintain and perform safety inspections on equipment and tools.
  • Operate controls that raise derricks or level rigs.
  • Listen to engines, rotary chains, or other equipment to detect faulty operations or unusual well conditions.

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology

  • mechanical
  • product and service development

Math and Science

  • arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
  • chemistry

Business

  • customer service
  • sales and marketing

Safety and Government

  • public safety and security

Skills

Basic Skills

  • thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
  • keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Abilities

Hand and Finger Use

  • keep your arm or hand steady
  • hold or move items with your hands

Controlled Movement

  • quickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat
  • use your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down

Attention

  • pay attention to something without being distracted
  • do two or more things at the same time

Hearing and Speech

  • tell the difference between sounds

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

They do well at jobs that need:

  • Dependability
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Attention to Detail
  • Persistence
  • Self Control

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel Hot Technology In Demand

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint Hot Technology

Enterprise resource planning ERP software

  • SAP software Hot Technology

Education

Education: (rated 2 of 5)
high school diploma/GED or
no high school diploma/GED
usually needed

Get started on your career:

Find Training
Apprenticeship.gov

Job Outlook

Below Average
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
Local Salary Info
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See more details at O*NET OnLine about service unit operators, oil and gas.