A petroleum technician aids in the assessment and extraction of petroleum deposits. Technicians, who are supervised engineers, can assist in gathering data on a site, managing drilling, and transporting oil for further processing. Petroleum technicians are typically employed oil and gas companies, though some government agencies also employ them. For this job, a technical certificate or two-year degree, as well as extensive on-the-job experience with drilling crews, may be required. Trade publications, public listings, and internal company notices are all good places to look for job openings.
Oil and gas companies can send out a team that includes a petroleum technician to evaluate potential deposits. The team conducts surveys, collects samples, and uses imaging technology to determine the size and nature of the deposit. Throughout the process, geologists and engineers may provide guidance to technicians. These workers can also look after the site’s equipment, prepare costing estimates for various testing methods, and manage assistants.
The petroleum technician can assist in the digging and establishment of wells if a deposit appears to be productive. Installation and maintenance of equipment, as well as cost control at the site, are examples of this work. Petroleum technicians collaborate with drilling crews and support staff to ensure site safety and compliance with environmental and human health regulations. Some technicians keep track of the drilling records and may collaborate with inspectors and regulators if questions about the site arise.
A petroleum technician’s responsibilities may also include transportation. Products discovered on site must be transported to pipelines or storage depots, which may necessitate the use of tankers, temporary lines, and other petroleum transportation methods. To keep the site running smoothly, these systems must be installed and maintained. Transport and storage crews may collaborate with the petroleum technician to avoid spills and keep oil moving to the employer’s processing centers.
This job can be dangerous due to the nature of the work. Oil deposits aren’t always in pleasant places, and they’re often out in the middle of nowhere. Technicians must be able to work in extreme cold and heat, as well as spend long periods of time in the field during emergencies or production crunch times. Employers may provide benefits such as health insurance, paid vacations, and other options to senior technicians with a long track record of service. Joining a professional organization or union can assist a technician in keeping up with changes in the field.