Oil Job Descriptions
The oil industry can be broadly classified into two areas – upstream and downstream. Upstream consists of the oil exploration and extraction and is focused on geo-science whilst downstream considers processing, distribution and trading and handles how oil is utilised once it has been pulled from the ground.
1.Administration
2.Design
3.Drilling
Oil & Gas Engineer
Engineers are involved in all stages of oil and gas production. They evaluate sites that contain oil and gas, calculate the amounts that can be recovered, and specify and supervise operations until the well is exhausted. There are two main types of engineer:
Reservoir engineers estimate how much oil and gas could be taken from a reservoir’s rock, using mathematical and computer models to simulate the size and shape of the reservoir. They draw up plans that will allow as much oil and gas as possible to be extracted, and decide on the best locations for production wells to maximise profit.
They monitor and amend their production schemes during the life of the reservoir, working closely with operational staff. In fact, reservoir engineers are involved at just about every stage of oil field evaluation, development and production.
Drilling engineers are responsible for the drilling of wells. They provide engineering support for all stages of oil and gas extraction, including planning and drawing up the drilling programme, designing and selecting equipment, formulating requirements for drilling mud (the fluid mixture that removes the displaced bits of rock), drill bits and cement, co-ordinating the work of the drilling team, providing on-site support, monitoring safety, ensuring that environmental standards are met, and analysing drilling performance and factors affecting cost and efficiency
Oil and gas engineers work with geologists and geophysicists who locate new field reserves of oil and gas and assess the prospects for producing oil or gas in new or existing fields. Some geologists also work as mud loggers, looking for hydrocarbons in the rock. Engineers also liaise with specialist contractors.
Roustabouts and Roughnecks
Roustabouts and roughnecks work as part of a small team on offshore oil or gas drilling rigs or production platforms. Roustabouts do unskilled manual labouring jobs on rigs and platforms, and roughneck is a promotion from roustabout.
Roustabouts do basic tasks such as:
* cleaning, scraping and painting the deck, equipment and work areas
* off-loading supplies from boats and moving them to storage areas
* mixing and conditioning drilling mud
Roughnecks do practical tasks involved in the drilling operation, under the supervision of the driller.
4.Engineering
Marine Engineer
Marine engineering is a multi-disciplinary field requiring an understanding and knowledge of mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical and electronic systems.
Marine engineers work in:
* Shipbuilding and ship repair: engineers design, develop and construct ships and all the associated machinery, and keep them maintained and repaired.
* Merchant Navy: marine engineer officers make sure machinery, instruments and systems on ships work safely and efficiently.
* Royal Navy: marine engineer officers specialise in surface ships, submarines or weapons.
* Offshore oil and gas industry: engineers design, construct, modify and operate offshore platforms and associated systems.
* Marine surveying: engineers inspect ships and offshore installations and plant, for safety and insurance purposes.
* Experienced marine engineers are usually either incorporated or chartered.
Marine Engineer Technician
Marine engineering technicians work in a practical way in jobs connected with the sea. Their work divides into three areas:
* Ocean engineering or work on the seabed, such as looking for oil or laying pipelines.
* Offshore engineering or working on the sea. This covers work on offshore platforms, ships and on ships’ engines and equipment and also work with extraction equipment.
* Onshore engineering on land, designing and manufacturing marine equipment and carrying out shipbuilding and repairs.
Materials Technician
Everything we use is made from materials - substances like metals, alloys, ceramics, polymers and rubber. The products they are used in can range from roads and buildings to aircraft, artificial hips and even sports equipment.
Materials technicians investigate the properties of materials to make sure that the products they are used in will be safe, reliable and efficient. They could be involved in testing anything from a motorway bridge to a tiny component for telecommunications equipment.
The work involves using specialist equipment like grinding machines, hardness testing machines and powerful microscopes.
Materials technicians collect data from their research, using computers to store and analyse it, and they produce written reports on their findings.
Materials technicians usually work 35 to 40 hours a week. They are based in offices but may also work in laboratories or in places like oil rigs or near motorways. Working conditions vary and may involve dirt, noise, cold, wet, heat and dust. It may be necessary to work in confined spaces or high places and bend, lift and carry. Safety clothing and equipment is used.
Salaries start from around £16,000, rising to over £30,000 for specialist technicians.
A materials technician should:
* have research skills
* be a good communicator
* be confident with statistics and using computers
* be interested in science and engineering.
5.Environment
Environmental Scientist
Environmental scientists study the natural world, particularly how it is affected by human activities. Environmental science is a vast field, addressing issues such as climate change, population growth and dwindling energy supplies. Scientists often apply their expertise to help ensure ‘sustainable development’ by choosing practices that minimise environmental damage.
They work across a range of different sectors, including conservation, energy, engineering and waste management. The work may also involve protecting communities, for example by ensuring that water supplies are safe to drink, or by taking steps to prevent the risk of floods caused by climate change. The potential roles are varied, and may lead a scientist to study in almost any environment, at home or abroad. Scientists are also likely to spend a lot of time in analysis work in offices or laboratories. They usually work as part of a team.
An environmental scientist needs:
* a sound background in science and maths
* a precise and methodical approach
* to have planning and problem-solving skills
* to be able to analyse and interpret data
* to have strong communication skills
* to enjoy working outdoors and be willing to work abroad
* to be interested in maths, science, geography and environmental issues.
Oceanographer
Oceanographers study different aspects of the seas. They may investigate the creatures that live in the oceans, the rocks on the seabed, tides and currents, or how the sea affects climate. Their research has many practical uses for industry and for government policy.
Most oceanographers specialise in one of four main fields of research:
* marine biology
* marine chemistry
* marine geology
* physical oceanography
6.Financial/Legal
7.Geoscience
Cartographers
Cartographers are makers of maps. These could be:
* detailed town plans used by local people and visitors
* Ordnance Survey maps used by walkers or military personnel on exercise
* road atlases that help people plan journeys
* maps of other countries
* specialist maps for geological, political and environmental purposes.
Geologist
Geologists are concerned with the structure, composition and evolution of the Earth and its natural resources. Geologists work in a wide variety of different areas, including:
* energy exploration
* mining and quarrying
* water supplies
* civil engineering
* environmental geology
* geological mapping and surveying
* research
* teaching
* volcanology and seismology
Geological Technician
Geological technicians support the work of professional geologists by supplying the information and data they need to complete their research. Their tasks could include:
* collecting and analysing information from rock samples
* preparing rock and soil samples for testing
* entering and processing data on a computer.
Senior technicians could also be responsible for:
* training and supervising junior staff
* maintaining quality standards and producing reports.
Geophysicist
Geophysicists use the principles of physics to measure and assess the properties of the earth and its environment in order to manage exploration and development projects on land and at sea. They plan, oversee and analyse complex land and marine surveys.
Geophysical technicians undertake practical field and laboratory work to support geophysical exploration and development work.
Geophysicists usually work as part of a team with engineers, geologists, engineering geologists and geophysical technicians.
They spend time in an office analysing data on a computer or they may be based in a laboratory, undertaking sample tests and research. Those involved in data collection may operate from a field camp, where they spend their day outside. Geophysicists are also employed to work offshore.
Salaries for geophysicists range from around £20,000 to £50,000, and for geophysical technicians start at around £14,000.
Geophysicists need:
* the ability to work with complex software packages to manage information
* good scientific and technical skills and knowledge
* good numeracy skills
* strong written and verbal communication skills
* to pay careful attention to detail
* a methodical approach to problem solving.
8.Heatlth & Safety
9.HR/Personnel/Training
10.IT/Communications
11.Logistics/Procurement
12.Management
Project Manager
Project managers lead large projects and have responsibility for planning, management, co-ordination and financial control. Projects may include the building of a hospital, shopping complex or airport terminal, or the design and implementation of an ICT solution. Project managers:
* discuss with their client exactly what is required and then develop a detailed plan
* agree the timescale for the project, costs involved and quality standards required
* select and lead a project team
* may negotiate with contractors for the supply of materials and services
* monitor the project constantly to make sure that it is progressing on time, on budget and to the necessary quality standards
* meet clients regularly to report on the project’s progress
* use well-established project management methods and computers to assist with project control.
13.Marine/Diving/ROV
Diver
Divers work underwater in rivers, canals, lakes, reservoirs or the sea. They are employed by all kinds of organisations - their work can vary greatly according to the employer's business.
They could work:
* for a commercial construction or engineering company, inshore or offshore
* with marine scientists, collecting specimens and recording data
* as a police underwater search diver
* as a nautical archaeologist
* in the media, photographing and filming underwater
* as a professional diving instructor
* with the Royal Navy.
Marine Engineer
Marine engineering is a multi-disciplinary field requiring an understanding and knowledge of mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical and electronic systems.
Marine engineers work in:
* Shipbuilding and ship repair: engineers design, develop and construct ships and all the associated machinery, and keep them maintained and repaired.
* Merchant Navy: marine engineer officers make sure machinery, instruments and systems on ships work safely and efficiently.
* Royal Navy: marine engineer officers specialise in surface ships, submarines or weapons.
* Offshore oil and gas industry: engineers design, construct, modify and operate offshore platforms and associated systems.
* Marine surveying: engineers inspect ships and offshore installations and plant, for safety and insurance purposes.
* Experienced marine engineers are usually either incorporated or chartered.
Marine Engineer Technician
Marine engineering technicians work in a practical way in jobs connected with the sea. Their work divides into three areas:
* Ocean engineering or work on the seabed, such as looking for oil or laying pipelines.
* Offshore engineering or working on the sea. This covers work on offshore platforms, ships and on ships’ engines and equipment and also work with extraction equipment.
* Onshore engineering on land, designing and manufacturing marine equipment and carrying out shipbuilding and repairs.
Oceanographer
Oceanographers study different aspects of the seas. They may investigate the creatures that live in the oceans, the rocks on the seabed, tides and currents, or how the sea affects climate. Their research has many practical uses for industry and for government policy.
Most oceanographers specialise in one of four main fields of research:
* marine biology
* marine chemistry
* marine geology
* physical oceanography
14.Operations (other)
Oil & Gas Industry Technician
Technicians in the oil and gas extraction industry may be:
* Process operation technicians, who produce, process and deliver oil or gas by operating and monitoring production systems.
* Maintenance technicians, who carry out maintenance work to keep mechanical, electrical, instrument and control systems in good repair and working order.
15.Quality/Inspection
16.Sales/Marketing
17.Terminal/Refinery
Chemical Engineer
Chemical engineers apply their knowledge to changing raw materials into products. They deal with all kinds of materials, in addition to chemicals, and they extract as many products as they can from raw materials in a cost-effective and safe way.
* In processing environments: they process raw materials into products such as paper, cosmetics, food, drugs, textiles, fuel and metals.
* In research environments: they are involved in energy processing, cryogenics, propellants, microchips and skin tissue engineering.
* In production environments: they may be involved in the construction and day to day operation of the processing plant.
Chemical Plant Process Worker
Chemical plant process workers operate machinery and monitor equipment which process and mix chemicals. Some companies create sophisticated chemicals which help to make pharmaceuticals, soaps, toiletries and cleaning products. Others mix chemicals together to make finished products such as paints, plastics and fertilisers.
A process worker’s job may involve:
* monitoring meter and instrument readings
* testing samples of the product
* making sure health and safety requirements are observed
* cleaning and preparing the equipment
* measuring out ingredients and adding them into the reaction tanks
* carrying out minor maintenance work.
Measurement & Control Technician
Measurement and control technicians run and look after the instruments that monitor and control processes in a whole range of industries, such as breweries, chemicals or automatic assembly lines in manufacturing.
They work with sophisticated sensors and control systems to make sure products are measured, weighed, manufactured, sorted or packaged efficiently, or to keep systems operating effectively.
The work of measurement and control technicians can involve:
* routine maintenance and repair of components
* setting and adjusting sensors
* designing, producing, testing and operating new systems
* supervising other people.
18.Trades
Platers/Fabricators
Platers/fabricators work mainly in engineering and construction. They help to prepare steel or other metal plates and sections for the manufacture of items such as power station boilers, pressure vessels for chemical plants and refineries, and storage tanks for oil and other liquids.
The work of a plater/fabricator may involve:
* reading and interpreting engineering drawings
* measuring and marking out plates and sections for cutting, shaping and drilling
* operating plate cutting machines and edge preparation machines
* cutting slots in metal and drilling or punching holes.
19.Other
1.Administration
2.Design
3.Drilling
Oil & Gas Engineer
Engineers are involved in all stages of oil and gas production. They evaluate sites that contain oil and gas, calculate the amounts that can be recovered, and specify and supervise operations until the well is exhausted. There are two main types of engineer:
Reservoir engineers estimate how much oil and gas could be taken from a reservoir’s rock, using mathematical and computer models to simulate the size and shape of the reservoir. They draw up plans that will allow as much oil and gas as possible to be extracted, and decide on the best locations for production wells to maximise profit.
They monitor and amend their production schemes during the life of the reservoir, working closely with operational staff. In fact, reservoir engineers are involved at just about every stage of oil field evaluation, development and production.
Drilling engineers are responsible for the drilling of wells. They provide engineering support for all stages of oil and gas extraction, including planning and drawing up the drilling programme, designing and selecting equipment, formulating requirements for drilling mud (the fluid mixture that removes the displaced bits of rock), drill bits and cement, co-ordinating the work of the drilling team, providing on-site support, monitoring safety, ensuring that environmental standards are met, and analysing drilling performance and factors affecting cost and efficiency
Oil and gas engineers work with geologists and geophysicists who locate new field reserves of oil and gas and assess the prospects for producing oil or gas in new or existing fields. Some geologists also work as mud loggers, looking for hydrocarbons in the rock. Engineers also liaise with specialist contractors.
Roustabouts and Roughnecks
Roustabouts and roughnecks work as part of a small team on offshore oil or gas drilling rigs or production platforms. Roustabouts do unskilled manual labouring jobs on rigs and platforms, and roughneck is a promotion from roustabout.
Roustabouts do basic tasks such as:
* cleaning, scraping and painting the deck, equipment and work areas
* off-loading supplies from boats and moving them to storage areas
* mixing and conditioning drilling mud
Roughnecks do practical tasks involved in the drilling operation, under the supervision of the driller.
4.Engineering
Marine Engineer
Marine engineering is a multi-disciplinary field requiring an understanding and knowledge of mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical and electronic systems.
Marine engineers work in:
* Shipbuilding and ship repair: engineers design, develop and construct ships and all the associated machinery, and keep them maintained and repaired.
* Merchant Navy: marine engineer officers make sure machinery, instruments and systems on ships work safely and efficiently.
* Royal Navy: marine engineer officers specialise in surface ships, submarines or weapons.
* Offshore oil and gas industry: engineers design, construct, modify and operate offshore platforms and associated systems.
* Marine surveying: engineers inspect ships and offshore installations and plant, for safety and insurance purposes.
* Experienced marine engineers are usually either incorporated or chartered.
Marine Engineer Technician
Marine engineering technicians work in a practical way in jobs connected with the sea. Their work divides into three areas:
* Ocean engineering or work on the seabed, such as looking for oil or laying pipelines.
* Offshore engineering or working on the sea. This covers work on offshore platforms, ships and on ships’ engines and equipment and also work with extraction equipment.
* Onshore engineering on land, designing and manufacturing marine equipment and carrying out shipbuilding and repairs.
Materials Technician
Everything we use is made from materials - substances like metals, alloys, ceramics, polymers and rubber. The products they are used in can range from roads and buildings to aircraft, artificial hips and even sports equipment.
Materials technicians investigate the properties of materials to make sure that the products they are used in will be safe, reliable and efficient. They could be involved in testing anything from a motorway bridge to a tiny component for telecommunications equipment.
The work involves using specialist equipment like grinding machines, hardness testing machines and powerful microscopes.
Materials technicians collect data from their research, using computers to store and analyse it, and they produce written reports on their findings.
Materials technicians usually work 35 to 40 hours a week. They are based in offices but may also work in laboratories or in places like oil rigs or near motorways. Working conditions vary and may involve dirt, noise, cold, wet, heat and dust. It may be necessary to work in confined spaces or high places and bend, lift and carry. Safety clothing and equipment is used.
Salaries start from around £16,000, rising to over £30,000 for specialist technicians.
A materials technician should:
* have research skills
* be a good communicator
* be confident with statistics and using computers
* be interested in science and engineering.
5.Environment
Environmental Scientist
Environmental scientists study the natural world, particularly how it is affected by human activities. Environmental science is a vast field, addressing issues such as climate change, population growth and dwindling energy supplies. Scientists often apply their expertise to help ensure ‘sustainable development’ by choosing practices that minimise environmental damage.
They work across a range of different sectors, including conservation, energy, engineering and waste management. The work may also involve protecting communities, for example by ensuring that water supplies are safe to drink, or by taking steps to prevent the risk of floods caused by climate change. The potential roles are varied, and may lead a scientist to study in almost any environment, at home or abroad. Scientists are also likely to spend a lot of time in analysis work in offices or laboratories. They usually work as part of a team.
An environmental scientist needs:
* a sound background in science and maths
* a precise and methodical approach
* to have planning and problem-solving skills
* to be able to analyse and interpret data
* to have strong communication skills
* to enjoy working outdoors and be willing to work abroad
* to be interested in maths, science, geography and environmental issues.
Oceanographer
Oceanographers study different aspects of the seas. They may investigate the creatures that live in the oceans, the rocks on the seabed, tides and currents, or how the sea affects climate. Their research has many practical uses for industry and for government policy.
Most oceanographers specialise in one of four main fields of research:
* marine biology
* marine chemistry
* marine geology
* physical oceanography
6.Financial/Legal
7.Geoscience
Cartographers
Cartographers are makers of maps. These could be:
* detailed town plans used by local people and visitors
* Ordnance Survey maps used by walkers or military personnel on exercise
* road atlases that help people plan journeys
* maps of other countries
* specialist maps for geological, political and environmental purposes.
Geologist
Geologists are concerned with the structure, composition and evolution of the Earth and its natural resources. Geologists work in a wide variety of different areas, including:
* energy exploration
* mining and quarrying
* water supplies
* civil engineering
* environmental geology
* geological mapping and surveying
* research
* teaching
* volcanology and seismology
Geological Technician
Geological technicians support the work of professional geologists by supplying the information and data they need to complete their research. Their tasks could include:
* collecting and analysing information from rock samples
* preparing rock and soil samples for testing
* entering and processing data on a computer.
Senior technicians could also be responsible for:
* training and supervising junior staff
* maintaining quality standards and producing reports.
Geophysicist
Geophysicists use the principles of physics to measure and assess the properties of the earth and its environment in order to manage exploration and development projects on land and at sea. They plan, oversee and analyse complex land and marine surveys.
Geophysical technicians undertake practical field and laboratory work to support geophysical exploration and development work.
Geophysicists usually work as part of a team with engineers, geologists, engineering geologists and geophysical technicians.
They spend time in an office analysing data on a computer or they may be based in a laboratory, undertaking sample tests and research. Those involved in data collection may operate from a field camp, where they spend their day outside. Geophysicists are also employed to work offshore.
Salaries for geophysicists range from around £20,000 to £50,000, and for geophysical technicians start at around £14,000.
Geophysicists need:
* the ability to work with complex software packages to manage information
* good scientific and technical skills and knowledge
* good numeracy skills
* strong written and verbal communication skills
* to pay careful attention to detail
* a methodical approach to problem solving.
8.Heatlth & Safety
9.HR/Personnel/Training
10.IT/Communications
11.Logistics/Procurement
12.Management
Project Manager
Project managers lead large projects and have responsibility for planning, management, co-ordination and financial control. Projects may include the building of a hospital, shopping complex or airport terminal, or the design and implementation of an ICT solution. Project managers:
* discuss with their client exactly what is required and then develop a detailed plan
* agree the timescale for the project, costs involved and quality standards required
* select and lead a project team
* may negotiate with contractors for the supply of materials and services
* monitor the project constantly to make sure that it is progressing on time, on budget and to the necessary quality standards
* meet clients regularly to report on the project’s progress
* use well-established project management methods and computers to assist with project control.
13.Marine/Diving/ROV
Diver
Divers work underwater in rivers, canals, lakes, reservoirs or the sea. They are employed by all kinds of organisations - their work can vary greatly according to the employer's business.
They could work:
* for a commercial construction or engineering company, inshore or offshore
* with marine scientists, collecting specimens and recording data
* as a police underwater search diver
* as a nautical archaeologist
* in the media, photographing and filming underwater
* as a professional diving instructor
* with the Royal Navy.
Marine Engineer
Marine engineering is a multi-disciplinary field requiring an understanding and knowledge of mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical and electronic systems.
Marine engineers work in:
* Shipbuilding and ship repair: engineers design, develop and construct ships and all the associated machinery, and keep them maintained and repaired.
* Merchant Navy: marine engineer officers make sure machinery, instruments and systems on ships work safely and efficiently.
* Royal Navy: marine engineer officers specialise in surface ships, submarines or weapons.
* Offshore oil and gas industry: engineers design, construct, modify and operate offshore platforms and associated systems.
* Marine surveying: engineers inspect ships and offshore installations and plant, for safety and insurance purposes.
* Experienced marine engineers are usually either incorporated or chartered.
Marine Engineer Technician
Marine engineering technicians work in a practical way in jobs connected with the sea. Their work divides into three areas:
* Ocean engineering or work on the seabed, such as looking for oil or laying pipelines.
* Offshore engineering or working on the sea. This covers work on offshore platforms, ships and on ships’ engines and equipment and also work with extraction equipment.
* Onshore engineering on land, designing and manufacturing marine equipment and carrying out shipbuilding and repairs.
Oceanographer
Oceanographers study different aspects of the seas. They may investigate the creatures that live in the oceans, the rocks on the seabed, tides and currents, or how the sea affects climate. Their research has many practical uses for industry and for government policy.
Most oceanographers specialise in one of four main fields of research:
* marine biology
* marine chemistry
* marine geology
* physical oceanography
14.Operations (other)
Oil & Gas Industry Technician
Technicians in the oil and gas extraction industry may be:
* Process operation technicians, who produce, process and deliver oil or gas by operating and monitoring production systems.
* Maintenance technicians, who carry out maintenance work to keep mechanical, electrical, instrument and control systems in good repair and working order.
15.Quality/Inspection
16.Sales/Marketing
17.Terminal/Refinery
Chemical Engineer
Chemical engineers apply their knowledge to changing raw materials into products. They deal with all kinds of materials, in addition to chemicals, and they extract as many products as they can from raw materials in a cost-effective and safe way.
* In processing environments: they process raw materials into products such as paper, cosmetics, food, drugs, textiles, fuel and metals.
* In research environments: they are involved in energy processing, cryogenics, propellants, microchips and skin tissue engineering.
* In production environments: they may be involved in the construction and day to day operation of the processing plant.
Chemical Plant Process Worker
Chemical plant process workers operate machinery and monitor equipment which process and mix chemicals. Some companies create sophisticated chemicals which help to make pharmaceuticals, soaps, toiletries and cleaning products. Others mix chemicals together to make finished products such as paints, plastics and fertilisers.
A process worker’s job may involve:
* monitoring meter and instrument readings
* testing samples of the product
* making sure health and safety requirements are observed
* cleaning and preparing the equipment
* measuring out ingredients and adding them into the reaction tanks
* carrying out minor maintenance work.
Measurement & Control Technician
Measurement and control technicians run and look after the instruments that monitor and control processes in a whole range of industries, such as breweries, chemicals or automatic assembly lines in manufacturing.
They work with sophisticated sensors and control systems to make sure products are measured, weighed, manufactured, sorted or packaged efficiently, or to keep systems operating effectively.
The work of measurement and control technicians can involve:
* routine maintenance and repair of components
* setting and adjusting sensors
* designing, producing, testing and operating new systems
* supervising other people.
18.Trades
Platers/Fabricators
Platers/fabricators work mainly in engineering and construction. They help to prepare steel or other metal plates and sections for the manufacture of items such as power station boilers, pressure vessels for chemical plants and refineries, and storage tanks for oil and other liquids.
The work of a plater/fabricator may involve:
* reading and interpreting engineering drawings
* measuring and marking out plates and sections for cutting, shaping and drilling
* operating plate cutting machines and edge preparation machines
* cutting slots in metal and drilling or punching holes.
19.Other
