You’re a reel expert. That’s because you drive and operate a vehicle with an enormous reel around which long metal pipe is spooled. You use this coil tubing in oil and gas wells to do everything from stimulating the flow of oil or natural gas to removing obstacles in a drilling operation.
As a member of the oilfield services team, coiled tubing operators drive and operate vehicles equipped with coiled tubing, essentially a long pipe spooled on a large reel. Coiled tubing is used to perform tasks within a well, such as pumping fluids to stimulate the flow of oil or natural gas, removing obstructions, and deploying materials and tools that can be used for measuring well conditions. Coiled tubing is used during the drilling, completion, maintenance and abandonment or remediation of oil or gas wells.
Coiled tubing operators must be able to transport equipment to and from the well location, safely rig in and operate the equipment, perform day-to-day inspections, servicing and maintenance of equipment, and complete all required paperwork accurately and on time.
Transferability information for this occupation is available on the Oil and gas well services operators career.
I'm interested in a career in
- Sub-sector Oil and gas services
- Environment Primarily outdoor work
- Average Salary $41,000 to $70,000
- Education High school diploma
- Career Demand Growing
In this occupation activities may include:
- Communicating with the wellsite supervisor and fellow crew members to complete jobs with a focus on safety, environment and community
- Completing a driver vehicle inspection report (DVIR) to provide information on fluid levels, engine and belt conditions, air brakes, slack adjuster, air lines, wheels, etc.
- Driving and operating in the coil tubing unit or support equipment, such as the fluid pump or crane, to assist in the completions of an oil and gas well
- Monitoring well control parameters and calculations before and during job applications
- Performing regular maintenance checks on the iron/sand truck while following safe work procedures
Education
- A high school diploma (or equivalent) is typically required. Basic mechanical skills and heavy hauling or off-road driving experience are assets to the job.
Certifications
- Standard and emergency first aid
- H2S Alive
- Oilfield Driver Awareness
Additional Requirements
- Ability to pass a pre-employment physical assessment and drug test
- Minimal or no travel
- Shiftwork/variable work hours
- Primarily outdoor work
- Physical work
- Safety-sensitive environment
- Work away from home/in camps
You have the ability to troubleshoot problems and the physical stamina to perform tasks quickly.
- Mathematics
- Mechanics
- Maintaining equipment
- Monitoring operations
- Active listening
- Critical thinking
- Selecting equipment
- Monitoring operations
- Installing equipment
- Planning and organizing
