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  3. Measurement While Drilling (MWD) Specialist

Measurement While Drilling (MWD) Specialist

NOC #83101

  • Environment Primarily outdoor work
  • Education Post-secondary diploma
  • Average salary $54,000 to $101,000

Career profile

Measurement while drilling (MWD) specialists collect and interpret data that measures the trajectory of a horizontal oil or natural gas well as it is being drilled. They measure the incline, depth and direction of the drill to develop a three-dimensional plot of a wellbore. Information provided by MWD specialists provides decision-making support and allows directional drillers to steer the drilling operation and conform to a drilling plan.

MWD specialists lift the MWD tool, 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.

Oil and gas services

In this occupation activities may include:

  • Loading MWD equipment on vehicles in accordance with applicable regulations
  • Assembling MWD tools as part of the bottom hole assembly (BHA)
  • Interpreting MWD data and providing to geologists, drillers, management or the client, as required
  • Identifying, preventing and reporting potential hazards
  • Conducting post-operations tests once equipment is pulled out of the wellbore

Education

  • A post-secondary diploma in an applied science, engineering, geology, petroleum or related discipline is typically required. Computer literacy is also required.

Certifications

  • Standard and emergency first aid
  • H2S Alive

Licensing

  • Class 5 driver’s licence and a clean driving record

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 an aptitude for technology and enjoy measuring data.

  • Computer use
  • Document use
  • Critical thinking
  • Numeracy
  • Monitoring operations
  • Installing equipment
  • Attention to detail
  • Controlling operations
  • Active listening
  • Troubleshooting