National
| Median wages (2008) |
$18.07 hourly, $37,590 annual |
| Employment (2006) |
28,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2006-2016) |
Decline slowly or moderately (-3% to -9%)
|
| Projected need (2006-2016) |
3,000 additional employees |
47-5013.00 - Service Unit Operators, Oil, Gas, and Mining
Operate equipment to increase oil flow from producing wells or to remove stuck pipe, casing, tools, or other obstructions from drilling wells. May also perform similar services in mining exploration operations.
Sample of reported job titles:
Rig Operator, Pulling Unit Operator, Service Rig Operator, Fishing Tool Supervisor, Service Operator, Reverse Unit Operator-Fisherman, Tool Pusher, Well Servicing Rig Operator, Wireline Operator, Work Over Rig Operator
Tasks
- Observe load variations on strain gauges, mud pumps, and motor pressure indicators; and listen to engines, rotary chains, and other equipment in order to detect faulty operations or unusual well conditions.
- Confer with other personnel in order to gather information regarding pipe and tool sizes, and borehole conditions in wells.
- Drive truck-mounted units to well sites.
- Install pressure-control devices onto well heads.
- Thread cables through pulleys in derricks and connect hydraulic lines, using hand tools.
- Start pumps that circulate water, oil, or other fluids through wells, in order to remove sand and other materials obstructing the free flow of oil.
- Close and seal wells no longer in use.
- Operate controls that raise derricks and level rigs.
- Direct drilling crews performing such activities as assembling and connecting pipe, applying weights to drill pipes, and drilling around lodged obstacles.
- Perforate well casings or sidewalls of boreholes with explosive charges.
