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  3. Oil and Gas Well Drillers, Servicers, Testers and Related Workers

Oil and Gas Well Drillers, Servicers, Testers and Related Workers

NOC #83101

  • Environment Primarily outdoor work
  • Education High school diploma
  • Average salary $54,000 to $139,000

Career profile

Drillers, servicers, testers and related workers operate specialized equipment, tools and instruments and work for drilling and service companies. They direct the activities and control the operation of drilling and hoisting equipment on drilling and service rigs and work under the supervision of a rig manager.

Specialties include:

Oil and gas services, Offshore, Carbon capture, utilization and storage, Well site decommissioning, Geothermal

In this occupation activities may include:

  • Lowering, operating and using instruments, tools and equipment
  • Recording data and maintaining records
  • Performing tests and undertaking maintenance
  • Inspecting, testing or measuring materials and products for conformance to specifications
  • Cleaning, maintaining, calibrating and repairing measuring instruments or testing equipment

More detailed activities are found under each specialty listed above.

Education

  • A high school diploma (or equivalent) is typically required. In order to be a downhole tool specialist, a post-secondary diploma in mechanical, electrical, electronics, instrumentation, petroleum engineering technology or related disciplines is typically required. In other specialties, industry courses and previous experience working on a drilling or service rig are considered assets.

Certifications

  • Standard and emergency first aid
  • H2S Alive
  • Additional safety certifications may be required depending on the role and employer requirements

Licensing

  • Requirements are different depending on the role and may include an air brake endorsement, a special oil well operator certificate and Class 1, 3 or 5 driver’s licence.

Additional Requirements

  • Ability to pass a pre-employment physical assessment and drug test
  • A clean driving record
  • Shiftwork/variable work hours
  • Primarily outdoor work
  • Physical work
  • Safety-sensitive environment
  • Travel likely required
  • Work away from home/in-camps

You are adaptable and a quick learner.

  • Active listening
  • Mathematics
  • Mechanics
  • Judgment and decision making
  • Attention to detail
  • Engineering and technology
  • Selecting equipment
  • Monitoring operations
  • Troubleshooting
  • Using computers
  • Critical thinking
  • Public safety and security
  • Installing equipment
  • Complex problem solving
  • Maintaining equipment