Michigan Occupational Information System
#076 - PETROLEUM TECHNICIAN

Petroleum Technicians assist scientists, engineers, and managers in the exploration of petroleum fields and in the drilling, production, processing, and transporting phases of the petroleum industry.

NATURE OF THE OCCUPATION

A Petroleum Technician's duties may range from uncomplicated, routine tasks to those which are highly complex and challenging. In exploration, drilling, and production a Petroleum Technician may:

Assist in the seismic testing of promising geological formations

Assist in drilling test wells

Log drill cores (operate monitoring equipment that keeps records of the progress and kinds of stone, clay, or mineral layer the drill passes through)

Make preliminary interpretations of data for use by scientists and engineers

Collect petroleum samples from producing wells

Assist in the calculation of flow rates, well potentials and reserves

Recommend corrective action for production breakdowns

Supervise the assembly of testing instruments and equipment at drilling sites

Assist in the design and construction of field facilities

Prepare written evaluations, recommendations, and other reports for improving drilling technology and productivity

Assist in activities which involve the transportation of crude petroleum from well sites to holding points and pipelines

Tools, equipment, and materials used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Some Petroleum Technicians work in specialized areas:

010.161-018 SEISMIC PROSPECTING OBSERVERS plan and direct activities of field parties engaged in collecting seismic data used in prospecting for oil and gas.

010.261-014 ELECTRICAL PROSPECTING OBSERVERS measure the resistance of earth formations to electrical charges, using electrical apparatus to obtain data for locating rock strata favorable to further petroleum exploration activities.

010.261-018 GRAVITY PROSPECTING OBSERVERS record readings of gravity meters, torsion balance, and other gravity measuring instruments at various points in terrain to look for gravity characteristics which indicate potential sources of petroleum deposits.

010.261-022 OIL-WELL DIRECTIONAL SURVEYORS measure sonar, electrical, or radioactive characteristics of earth formations in oil-or gas-well boreholes to evaluate productivity of reservoirs, using sonic, electronic, or nuclear measuring instruments.

010.281-022 MUD ANALYSIS WELL-LOGGING OPERATORS analyze mud that is circulated through oil- or gas-well boreholes during drilling operations and drill cuttings, using special testing equipment, to detect the presence of oil or gas, and interpret the findings to locate productive areas.

024.267-010 GEOLOGICAL AIDES examine and compile geological information to provide technical data for petroleum geologists using surface and subsurface maps, oil and gas well activity reports, and sand and core analysis studies.

024.381-010 LABORATORY ASSISTANTS perform routine chemical or physical tests of earth samples in the field or in laboratories to determine the content of hydrocarbon or other minerals indicating the presence of petroleum and mineral deposits.

029.261-022 TESTERS analyze samples of crude oil and petroleum products during processing stages, using laboratory apparatus, testing equipment, and following standard test procedures, to determine physical and chemical properties and to ensure that products meet quality control standards.

930.167-010 TECHNICAL OPERATORS chart pressure, temperature, and other characteristics of oil and gas-well boreholes or producing wells, using special subsurface instruments, and interpret findings for use in determining further drilling or producing procedures.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Petroleum Technicians work as part of a team under the supervision of engineering and scientific personnel. Depending on the position, they may supervise the work of petroleum exploration and drilling workers and other technicians.

Working conditions vary considerably. Technicians in oil fields or on offshore rigs must work outdoors in all types of weather. Work at these sights may be strenuous and dirty. Other Technicians work in clean, well lighted and ventilated laboratories and offices.

Technicians must practice strict safety and fire prevention techniques and wear protective clothing such as hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, and safety shoes.

Working hours for Petroleum Technicians depend on the type of work being done. Those working in production drilling and well maintenance usually work a 5-day, 40-hour week, on one of three shifts. The average workweek for workers in the oil and gas extraction industry in late 1997 was about 44.9 hours. Overtime might be necessary in order to complete projects.

Technicians working in the field may work longer hours, with individuals on offshore drilling rigs working up to seven days a week. For each week of offshore work, Technicians get from 1 or 2 weeks off. Living quarters on these rigs are small as those on a ship.

Exploration and drilling crews travel frequently, moving from place to place. Ships and helicopters are used to transport Technicians to offshore drilling sites.

Some Petroleum Technicians, as a condition of employment, must become members of unions where they work. Members of unions must pay periodic dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities of a scientific and technical nature

• Activities dealing with things and objects

• Activities using special equipment, processes, and techniques

• Working outdoors in all kinds of weather

You Should be Able To:

• Work on a team with others

• Use reason and logic

• Communicate well in speech and writing

• Visualize three-dimensional objects from diagrams

• See detail in objects or drawings

• Recognize slight differences in shapes and shadings

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy

• Rate information using standards which can be measured or checked

• Perform mathematical operations quickly and accurately

• Perform a variety of duties which change often

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

An oil pipeline has a radius of 2 meters and is 300 yards long. How many gallons would it require to fill this section of the pipeline?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Terminology such as subsurface oil and gas reservoir, geothermal operations, casing and drilling muds.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

Prepare a work plan to include a schedule of drilling operations.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

Analytical skills and be detail oriented in inspecting wells and monitoring production rates.

A high school diploma (with an emphasis on science and mathematics) or its equivalent is a minimum requirement for this occupation. Previous experience or training in construction work, heavy equipment operations, or surveying is helpful. An Associate degree in petroleum technology or a related area is becoming increasingly important for the more challenging positions. A Technician who operates a motor vehicle must have a valid Michigan driver's license.

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer and a High School Diploma or Equivalent or an Associate Degree (two years of study beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0300 AUTOMOTIVE , 0500 BUILDING TRADES , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1200 ELECTRONICS , 2200 MATH , 2900 SCIENCE , 3000 SOCIAL STUDIES , 3200 TECHNICAL DRAWING , 3300 TECHNOLOGY , 3400 WOODS

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this MOIScript

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

129 PETROLEUM TECHNOLOGY

Programs in Petroleum Technology provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills needed for employment as assistants to petroleum engineers or petroleum geologists.

Courses vary from school to school but may include:

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program