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Career Exploration

Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas

Also called: Pulling Unit Operator, Rig Operator, Service Operator, Service Rig Operator

What they do:

Operate equipment to increase oil flow from producing wells or to remove stuck pipe, casing, tools, or other obstructions from drilling wells. Includes fishing-tool technicians.

On the job, you would:
  • Maintain and perform safety inspections on equipment and tools.
  • Operate controls that raise derricks or level rigs.
  • Listen to engines, rotary chains, or other equipment to detect faulty operations or unusual well conditions.
On the job, you'll need:

Engineering and Technology

  • mechanical
  • product and service development

Math and Science

  • arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
  • chemistry

Business

  • customer service
  • sales and marketing

Safety and Government

  • public safety and security

Basic Skills

  • thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
  • keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Hand and Finger Use

  • keep your arm or hand steady
  • hold or move items with your hands

Controlled Movement

  • quickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat
  • use your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down

Attention

  • pay attention to something without being distracted
  • do two or more things at the same time

Hearing and Speech

  • tell the difference between sounds

Realistic

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

  • Dependability
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Attention to Detail
  • Persistence
  • Self Control

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Enterprise resource planning ERP software

  • SAP software

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Below Average.

New job opportunities are less likely in the future.

Median Annual Salary: $50,140

Education

High school diploma/GED or no high school diploma/GED is usually needed.