Drilling is required to access underground natural resources. Drilling for water, ore, oil, natural gas, and a variety of minerals, including diamonds, is done by skilled workers. Professionals drill on land most of the time, but offshore oil deposits necessitate specialized skills and equipment to complete difficult jobs. Drilling jobs include mechanics and laborers, technicians, rig supervisors, drilling engineers, and geologists, to name a few. The majority of drilling jobs are available in government agencies and private, contracted companies.
Laborers and mechanics, who manually operate and maintain rigs and other equipment on a job site, hold the majority of all drilling jobs. These experts are in charge of taking precise measurements, clearing a site, positioning drills, and operating heavy machinery. Construction of wells frequently necessitates the use of welders, torches, and cement mixers. When large drill bits break or stop working, which happens frequently, skilled mechanics are required. Most employers require mechanics and laborers to have a high school diploma and to learn the trade through on-the-job apprenticeships, though some individuals may receive additional training through vocational school programs.
A drill technician may be required to perform many of the same tasks as laborers and mechanics, as well as important clerical duties, depending on the employer and the nature of the job. A drill technician spends most of his or her time on the job site and in the office, recording expenses and analyzing the progress of a team. He or she may be required to submit invoices to the appropriate government agencies or companies, request additional funds, keep track of the quantity and quality of the resource acquired through drilling, and write job completion reports. The majority of technicians have earned a high school diploma, an associate degree, or a bachelor’s degree in business or physical science.
Rig supervisors are in charge of coordinating drilling operations and overseeing site activity. They supervise laborers, keep an eye on the quality of their work, and make important decisions to boost productivity and efficiency. To get a job as a rig supervisor drilling, people usually need a bachelor’s degree in construction management or business. Offshore rig managers typically receive specialized training and certification.
A successful drilling practice requires highly skilled engineers and geologists. To estimate the size and quality of a reserve, geologists conduct field research at a potential drill site. They provide expert advice on how and where to drill based on careful calculations and research. Drilling equipment and wells are designed by civil and mechanical engineers using computer-aided drafting software. They draw blueprints, conduct computer simulations, and supervise the construction and operation of machinery. Most engineers and geologists have advanced degrees in their fields and work as assistants for several years before becoming independent drillers.