The oil and gas industry is the one that runs the developed global economy. This industry starts with exploration and drilling, proceeds through refining and distribution, and encompasses every single category in between. Given such diversity and complexity, there are varieties of careers that exist and match the skills and talents individuals possess. Be you a starter of your career or looking for another, the types of oil and gas jobs are quite extensive. Having a career in oil and gas is the best decision that you can take.
Explore Course: Economics of Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Course
If you want to excel in your career choosing the oil and gas training courses is the best solution. British Academy for Training and Development offers the best courses for many people. Below, we will list the different types of jobs in the oil industry. Then, we'll focus on positions within various fields: sectors of exploration, field operations, refining, and management. But first, let's talk about some of the highest-paying roles in the oil and gas sector, as well as how to start a career in this exciting industry.
The oil and gas industry is divided into three main sectors: upstream, midstream, and downstream, each offering different career opportunities. There are many types of jobs in the oil industry.
This sector is responsible for finding the oil and gas, extracting it from the ground, and bringing it to the surface. This includes exploration, drilling, and production. Jobs in this sector are very technical and field-based. The key positions include:
They apply seismic surveys, which are accompanied by other exploration techniques in identifying possible oil and gas deposits. Their job would be the interpretation of geological data, which forms the basis for devising a plan to locate the most favorable points for drilling.
These engineers plan, design, and execute well-drilling operations. A drilling engineer works with geologists at all times to ensure that drilling takes place in a safe manner and within the budgeted schedule and cost.
These engineers study and operate the recovery of oil and gas from reservoirs. They are supposed to maximize production with minimal costs.
These engineers manage the day-to-day field activities at an oil production facility. They control the machines and rectify any problem, which occurs during the production process.
Technicians assist in field operations. They provide maintenance to the equipment, do repairs, and make sure the production process runs smoothly.
The midstream sector deals with the transport and storage of oil and gas. The major ones are made up of pipelines, ships, and storage facilities. Although the midstream position may not require as much technical capability as an upstream position, they are still very integral to the oil and gas supply chain.
These look after the monitoring and operation of pipeline systems carrying oil or gas from production sites to points of storage or distribution. They should, therefore check the pipeline for leakages and ensure that its operations are efficient.
Their managers care for the storage tanks and facilities where oil or gas are kept. These operators keep watch on levels, pressure, and safety systems so that no spills or accidents may happen.
A logistics coordinator ensures oil and gas are delivered on schedule and in safety. This ranges from managing transportation routes to scheduling shipments, possibly towards storage or further processing.
The term downstream sector refers to crude oil refinement into finished products like gasoline, diesel, as well as petrochemicals. It also pertains to the marketing and distribution of these products.
They work in oil refineries that process crude oil into various products. The oil refinery operators are in charge of monitoring the equipment and systems involved in refining and ensuring that safety is not compromised.
In the oil industry, chemical engineers are involved in the refining processes; they develop new methods for extracting and refining oil products and ensure that the output meets the standards of safety and the environment.
These are salespersons who sell refined oil products to customers such as service stations, industrial consumers, and large commercial firms.
These officers ensure that a refinery or production facility operates fully in compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
Exploration is the first stage followed by the oil and gas production stage. In this process, the exploration stage finds oil and gas reserves that are expected to be exploited in the future for production purposes. Oil and gas exploration jobs are important to the growth of the industry and its sustainability. You can choose among many oil company positions. Some of the common job types include:
A geophysicist uses all kinds of special equipment in studying a physical representation of the earth, which often helps identify possible locations with reservoir oil and gas. The seismic data and other geological data interpreted by the geophysicists then assist during an exploration process. The Oil and gas exploration jobs are plenty, but it depends on whatever you choose.
A geologist is involved in determining the composition, structure, and processes of the earth by predicting at what possible location oil and gas reserves would be found. During the exploration phase, the geologists mostly collaborate with the geophysicist and drilling engineers.
They interpret seismic data in the location of new oil and gas deposits. They ensure that exploration activities are both cost-effective and efficient. There are many oil field positions names and you can choose among them.
Responsible for the supervision of drilling operations in exploration activities, drilling supervisors will see to it that drilling is done according to plan safely and efficiently.
Oil companies give employment opportunities in all their activities, from upstream exploration to the downstream processes of refining and marketing. Petroleum engineers are among the most common careers in oil companies, including designing and implementing methods of extracting oil and gas from reservoirs, monitoring the performance of wells, and determining the best methods to maximize production.
Project managers of the oil company deal with the planning and implementation of large projects such as drilling, exploration, and developing infrastructure.
HSE Managers ensure that the operational process of oil companies is safe and sound to the standard requirements of the environment. They are highly significant in order to reduce threats to the workers and the environment.
This sector employs the management of funds, analysis of financial statements, and remunerative outputs within an oil company. The main jobs consist of accounting, financial analysis, and investment analysis. The petroleum exploration jobs are generally high paying as well.
The supply chain managers are in charge of dealing with the flow of goods, services, and materials in an oil company. They see that the supply chain is cost-effective and effective.
Oil field workers are required for the proper functioning of rigs or sites through drilling and oil extraction. Such jobs entail high physical stamina and sometimes require work carried out in isolated locations for long periods. There are many types of oil and gas jobs. Some general occupations for oil field workers are listed below:
A driller is a person given the responsibility of operating a drilling rig while being in charge of the entire drilling process. The position plays an integral part in the safe and efficient removal of oil and gas from the earth.
The roughneck carries out his/her work in the drilling rigs. Examples include rig maintenance, machinery operation, and support during other drilling operations.
The tool pusher manages the drilling crew. He/she ensures the implementation of safe and efficient drilling activities.
Mud engineers handle the drilling fluid, also known as "mud," used in drilling. They ensure that this fluid has the right properties for easy drilling and safe operations.
The fuel oil business is an industry within the wide oil and gas business. It is focused on producing and marketing fuel oils like diesel, gasoline, and heating oil. The highest-paying oil and gas jobs will help you earn a good amount. Some of the jobs in the fuel oil business are:
This is simply the process of coordinating the fuel movement from refineries or producers, from storage facilities, and directly to customers. The fuel oil dispatcher ensures the product is delivered at the right time and that all safety measures are observed.
A storage tank operator in the oil industry keeps track of and maintains storage tanks that hold the product fuel oil. In those tanks, they ensure the right sealing, and temperature for keeping the fuel, and appropriately set safety precautions.
The oil and gas industry is characterized by providing high-paying jobs, particularly in technical and leadership-specialized professions. The following are the top-paying jobs in the sector:
Petroleum engineers are among the most desirable and highly paid people in the oil industry; hence they are some of the best-paid professionals in the field due to their skills in reservoir engineering and some forms of extraction.
These experts specialize in identifying oil and gas resources, and handsome paychecks are generally received, especially while working for large oil companies or specialized exploration firms.
Drilling engineers involved in drilling operations' technical phases command attractive salaries, especially those with long experience and strong backgrounds.
Managers of large oil and gas projects are paid very handsomely because of the tasks involved as well as the complexity of the projects they manage.
In the oil industry, safety and environmental factors being significant, experts in health, safety, and environment at different levels are paid handsomely, especially seniors.
A career in the oil and gas industry, based on its complexity, necessitates a specific educational background, skills, and experience. Most positions demand a supporting curriculum in fields such as engineering, geology, or geophysics and related fields. Graduates can join the company from an internship or entry position into the different business lines of exploration, drilling, or production.
Most oil and gas jobs are developed by promotion up the ranks based on experience and acquired professional or specialized training. Positions such as drilling supervisor or reservoir engineer may even be based on years of on-the-job experience; most professionals in that field take additional qualifications to advance in their careers.
In the oil and gas industry, a lot of career opportunities are seen to range from field-based posts such as exploration and drilling to technical levels like geophysical and safety management. The sector is highly diverse at a global level in ensuring that you find either the highest-paying position or one that will allow long-term growth. With new technologies emerging and a growing need for more sustainable ways of living, the demand for professionals in the oil and gas industry should remain quite strong over time.