From unskilled laborers to highly educated scientists, there are many different jobs in the gas and oil industry. There are different jobs for each phase of the exploration, extraction, refining, and distribution process. Oil exploration is usually done by scientists who conduct land surveys and analyze samples to see if there are any economically extractable hydrocarbons in a particular area. Engineers and other positions that require significant amounts of education are included in the extraction phase, as are both skilled and unskilled labor. Other jobs in the gas and oil industry are in the refining and distribution systems.
Hydrocarbon exploration is the first category of jobs in the gas and oil industry. This type of work is typically done by scientists such as geologists and geophysicists. Seismic data is typically used by these highly trained scientists to determine which areas are likely to contain oil or natural gas reserves.
During exploratory drilling, geologists known as mud loggers are also used to examine the strata removed from new wells. Hydrocarbons can sometimes be found in these cuttings if they are examined carefully. At this point, reservoir engineers can be used to design wells and optimize drill sites.
Many other gas and oil industry jobs may become available during the drilling phase. Roostabouts are unskilled laborers who assist in the drilling process. These workers can assist more skilled laborers and are frequently responsible for various maintenance tasks at drill sites. Roughnecks are skilled laborers who perform a variety of tasks related to the drilling process. This process is usually overseen by a driller and involves a variety of other highly skilled manual labor jobs.
Divers and other crew members are needed to operate vessels and stationary rigs in the offshore gas and oil industry. Divers can be based on boats or oil rigs and are frequently hired to repair broken equipment. Diver-transporting boats require a variety of skilled crew positions, and oil rigs require a variety of support personnel. Engineers are often hired to design oil rigs and mobile drilling platforms, but they can also be hired to plan and supervise specific operations.
Refinery jobs in the gas and oil industry typically require skilled labor, trade knowledge, or an engineering degree. A refinery operator’s job entails keeping track of various equipment and overseeing the start and stop of refinery processes. Instrument technicians, electricians, and maintenance mechanics are all employed by most refineries. Chemical, electronic, and mechanical engineers are among the other positions available.