What You'll Do

  • Confer with others to gather information regarding pipe or tool sizes or borehole conditions in wells.
  • Drive truck-mounted units to well sites.
  • Install pressure-control devices onto wellheads.
  • Thread cables through derrick pulleys, using hand tools.
  • Operate pumps that circulate water, oil, or other fluids through wells to remove sand or other materials obstructing the free flow of oil.
  • Close and seal wells no longer in use.
  • Operate controls that raise derricks or level rigs.
  • Direct drilling crews performing activities such as assembling and connecting pipe, applying weights to drill pipes, or drilling around lodged obstacles.
  • Perforate well casings or sidewalls of boreholes with explosive charges.
  • Prepare reports of services rendered, tools used, or time required, for billing purposes.

Essential Skills

Operations Monitoring 4.0/5
Critical Thinking 3.75/5
Operation and Control 3.75/5
Monitoring 3.62/5
Active Listening 3.38/5
Troubleshooting 3.38/5
Judgment and Decision Making 3.25/5
Complex Problem Solving 3.12/5
Equipment Maintenance 3.12/5
Reading Comprehension 3.0/5
Writing 3.0/5
Speaking 3.0/5

Career Fit Overview

Use this summary to sense whether the day to day rhythm and focus of this path line up with what energizes you.

Top passions

  • Maker: Building and fixing energizes you. You like tangible results and practical tools.
  • Organizer: Bringing order to data and processes satisfies you.
  • Analyst: Investigating problems and finding patterns keeps you engaged.

Common styles

Dependability, Initiative, Leadership, Attention to Detail, Persistence

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Key Abilities

This career demands strong capabilities in the following areas:

Problem Sensitivity 4.0/5
Arm-Hand Steadiness 4.0/5
Control Precision 4.0/5
Multilimb Coordination 3.75/5
Near Vision 3.62/5
Reaction Time 3.5/5
Hearing Sensitivity 3.5/5
Oral Comprehension 3.38/5

Technologies & Tools

Computerized maintenance management system CMMS Data logger software Inventory tracking software Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft SharePoint Microsoft Word SAP software Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software Time and attendance software

Work Environment & Style

Common Styles for This Career

  • Dependability (High importance: 4.48/5)
  • Initiative (High importance: 4.22/5)
  • Leadership (High importance: 4.19/5)
  • Attention to Detail (High importance: 4.13/5)
  • Persistence (High importance: 4.12/5)

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How to Become One

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful but is usually not required. Training is often provided on the job.

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Also Known As

This career is known by many different job titles across industries. Here are all the variations:

Coiled Tubing Operator Fishing Tool Operator Gather Operator Oil and Gas Equipment Operator Oil and Gas Field Technician Oil and Shale and Tar Processing Technician Oil Processing Technician Oil Well Fishing Tool Technician Oil Well Service Operator Oil Well Service Unit Operator Pulling Unit Operator Reverse Unit Operator Rig Operator Service Operator Service Rig Operator Service Unit Operator Shale Processing Technician Spray Rig Operator Swabber Tar Processing Technician Tool Pusher Unit Operator Well Cleaner Well Service Pump Equipment Operator Well Service Rig Operator Well Services Operator Well Servicing Rig Hand Well Servicing Rig Operator Wireline Operator Work Over Rig Operator