You act as a bridge between wellsite operators and the well when questions arise. Well testing operators gather information about what is happening down in the well. You look at wellbore pressure, production rates and saline percentages. The data you provide helps operators determine well performance and whether there are production issues. Are you interested in finding answers? If you’re technically and mechanically inclined, you may want to put your skills to the test as a well testing operator.
Well testing operators use various surface and subsurface tools to evaluate the characteristics of the formations within a wellbore to determine economic viability. They test for pressure, salinity, flow rate and other production factors. These operators interact with members of the drilling crew and supervisors to improve job performance.
Transferability information for this occupation is available on the Oil and gas well drillers, servicers, testers and related workers.
I'm interested in a career in
- Sub-sector Oil and gas services
- Environment Primarily outdoor work
- Average Salary $61,000 to $120,000
- Education High school diploma
- Career Demand Growing
In this occupation activities may include:
- Assisting with gathering accurate reliable data throughout the shift
- Recording surface pressures and gas and liquid rates and determining a well’s production viability
- Conducting tests and recording data about flow rate, pressure, salinity or other production factors
- Inspecting well testing equipment such as H2S monitors, ultra-sonic testing equipment or pressure testing equipment
- Driving trucks with the testing equipment to and from drilling sites
Education
- There are no specific educational requirements. However, a high school diploma is typically preferred by employers. Industry-approved training courses and previous experience working on a drilling or service rig are considered assets.
Certifications
- Standard and emergency first aid
- MSDS and understanding MSDS training chemical handling and storage training
- Pipeline Construction Safety Training (PCST)
- H2S Alive
- Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
- Fall protection
- Confined space entry
- Respirator fit testing
Licensing
- Class 5 driver’s licence
- Travel likely required
- Shiftwork/variable work hours
- Primarily outdoor work
- Physical work
- Safety-sensitive environment
- Work away from home/in camps
You bring precise record keeping, good hand-eye coordination and physical strength to the job. You can follow procedures closely. You are also able to work independently or as part of a team.
- Attention to detail
- Judgment and decision making
- Active listening
- Public safety and security
- Operation monitoring
- Equipment selection
- Operation and control
- Quality control analysis
- Complex problem solving
- Document use
