Oil drill operations rely on the use of derricks for their production. An oil derrick is used to dig a hole for an oil well, then to push the drill pipe deep into the earth. A mud mixture is sprayed from the drill bit to push material from the cuttings up out of the hole and cool the drill equipment, as well as to keep the bore hole stable. Then a well pipe replaces the drill pipe, so oil can be pumped out, using valves to allow the oil to move up the bore hole without sliding back down. Many workers at oil and gas drilling sites share duties to keep wells operating efficiently and safely. Derrick operators and rotary drill operators keep the mud, made of water, clay, air, and chemicals, flowing, so drills run smoothly. These workers listen to drills to ensure the vibrations are normal and may collect samples of material from the hole to monitor output. Derrick and drill operators place derricks in the correct location and keep them running around the clock, monitoring gauges, repairing equipment, and checking for problems. Drill operators also train drill crews on procedures and safety measures. Wellhead pumpers operate pumps that force oil and gas out of wells and into storage tanks and pipelines. They also monitor other production equipment and ensure that materials are being pumped at the correct pressure, density and concentration. Service unit operators work in oil and gas drilling, as well as mining operations, to troubleshoot drilling issues and resolve them. They use equipment to increase oil flow from producing wells, or to remove stuck pipes, tools, or other obstructions from drilling wells and mining exploration operations. These workers are employed by the oil and gas industry at construction sites and drilling rigs. They may work on offshore oil platforms drilling the ocean floor, or in remote locations in the far north or Middle East, which may require living onsite for long periods. Work may be seasonal, and shifts are often around the clock. Extreme weather conditions and dealing with heights is also part of the job. Machinery is noisy, and safety rules are critical. Wellhead pumpers typically need a high school diploma, while derrick operators, rotary drill operators, and service unit operators typically have no specific education requirements.
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.
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
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
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
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
You might use software like this on the job:
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
SAP software
high school diploma/GED or no high school diploma/GED usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.