Oil and Gas|Oil|Gas

Dictionary of Occupational Titles

PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS PRODUCTION INDUSTRY

cable splicer

Splices conductor cables used to lower electrical testing or surveying instruments into oil or gas wells or boreholes, using handtools: Unwraps armor strands (protective covering) from end of cable. Strips insulation from stranded conductor cable, using stripping pliers. Cuts ends of conductor cable, using pliers. Clamps cable ends together in vise to form butt joint. Solders joint, using silver solder and iron. Wraps joint with insulating tape to form smooth insulation of same diameter as original cable. Wraps armor strands over joint. Trims ends of armor strands, using cutters, to form smooth butt joints and solders joints, using silver solder and iron. May test conductor cables, using equipment, such as voltmeters and capacity and resistance bridges.

CASER

Performs any combination of following tasks as member of casing crew: Removes thread protectors from casing sections, using pipe wrenches. Attaches pull-in cable to section of casing and signals crewmember to hoist casing onto derrick platform. Attaches cable clamp on casing. Signals rig operator to hoist casing. Pushes or pulls suspended casing to position and align casing section for coupling. Tightens threaded casing sections, using spin rope or spin chain and casing tongs. Removes handslips (curved metal wedges) from casing section to enable rig operator to lower string of coupled casing into borehole. Places handslips around casing at wellhead (after rig operator lowers casing string into borehole to position casing for further coupling) to prevent string of casing from falling into borehole during change or addition of casing sections. Pushes or pulls suspended casing sections while on casing board on derrick tower to assist crewmembers on derrick floor in stabbing (aligning) casing sections.

casing puller

pulling-machine operator; rig operator; tube puller; work-over rig operator Controls power hoisting equipment to pull casing, tubing, and pumping rods from oil and gas wells for repair and to lower repaired equipment, testing devices, and servicing tools into well: Attaches cable clamp to top of pump rod or casing and starts winch or hydraulic jack that raises rod or casing. Disconnects sections of rod or casing, using hand and power wrenches and tongs. Runs packer (plug device) into well to control flow of oil, water, or gas during well-pulling operations. Lowers swabber into well to clear mud from screens at bottom of well and to establish flow of oil. Lowers pressure-recording device into well and interprets charts. Lowers special tools into well to fish for broken rods and tubing and to scrape paraffin and incrustations from casing or tubing. Plugs well with cement [CEMENTER, OIL WELL (petrol. & gas)]. Tests pipe for leaks, using hydraulic-testing equipment. May drive truck equipped with portable hoisting equipment. May be designated according to type of equipment used as Hydraulic Oil-Tool Operator (petrol. & gas).

Cathead Worker

roughneck Assists ROTARY DRILLER (petrol. & gas) in operating machinery to drill oil or gas wells, using handtools and power tongs and wrenches: Assembles and disassembles casings and pipe sections, using hand and power wrenches and tongs. Sets curved metal wedges around pipe string at wellhead to prevent string from falling into well during change or addition of pipe sections. Tightens or loosens threaded joints between sections, using tongs or chain wrenches. Guides lower end of pipe sections to or from well opening. Loosens or tightens joints, using cathead (winch). Mixes drilling mud (clay and sand slush), using power agitators. Reads gauge to ascertain pressure on drilling tools at bottom of well and reports irregularities to ROTARY DRILLER (petrol. & gas). Repairs drilling machinery, slush pumps, and derricks. Digs drainage ditches, racks tools, and cleans drilling floor around rig. May assist in erecting and dismantling rigs. Performs other duties as described under HELPER (any industry) Master Title. May be known according to specific duty performed as Back-Up Worker (petrol. & gas); Cathead Worker (petrol. & gas); Lead-Tong Worker (petrol. & gas); Pipe Racker (petrol. & gas).

Cementer Helper

Assists OIL-WELL-SERVICE OPERATOR (petrol. & gas) in controlling blending and pumping equipment to treat oil or gas wells and permeable rock formations with cement, acid, or chemicals: Drives truck equipped with acid pumps, mixers and related equipment to well site. Unloads and assembles pipes and pumping equipment, using handtools. Dumps acids, cement, or other treating materials in mixer to blend solution. Opens valve as directed to admit specified amounts of solution into well. Dismantles and loads equipment on truck after treatment. May be designated according to duty performed as Acidizer Helper (petrol. & gas); Cementer Helper (petrol. & gas); Formation-Fracturing-Operator Helper (petrol. & gas).

Cementer, Oil Well

Controls pumping and blending equipment to acidize, cement, or fracture gas or oil wells and permeable rock formations: Consults with SUPERINTENDENT, DRILLING AND PRODUCTION (petrol. & gas) to determine well conditions, pipe sizes, and amounts of acid, cement, or fracturing chemicals to be used. Gives directions to OIL-WELL-SERVICE-OPERATOR HELPER (petrol. & gas) to unload pipes, fittings, and chemicals, and to correct pipes between pumps and well, using handtools. Mixes acids, chemicals or dry cement according to service specified by customer. Observes meters and pressure gauges to regulate quantity and consistency of materials and to control pump pressure. May perform routine maintenance on vehicles and equipment. May be designated according to specialty as Acidizer (petrol. & gas); Acidizer, Water Well (construction); Cementer, Oil Well (petrol. & gas); Formation-Fracturing Operator (petrol. & gas).

CHIEF CLERK, MEASUREMENT DEPARTMENT

Supervises and coordinates activities of workers engaged in compiling reports concerning quality and quantity of oil or natural gas produced, purchased, transported, and sold: Directs clerks in compiling of production and sales reports, purchase orders, and transportation records. Oversees consolidation of data used to determine heating quality of natural gas. Directs clerks in compiling production records and other reports. Calculates factors used to compute petroleum or gas volumes transported by pipelines, using adding machine or calculator. Performs duties as described under SUPERVISOR (clerical) Master Title. May direct CHART CLERKS (clerical) in compiling data relating to volume of petroleum or gas products passing specified points on pipeline system and be designated Chart Clerk, Chief (clerical).

CHIEF DISPATCHER

Supervises and coordinates activities of dispatching and clerical personnel in field offices, and advises on types of oil well services for specific drilling or production problems: Advises customers regarding services best suited for specific drilling or production problems, utilizing knowledge of local conditions gained through field experience, to select type of service required. Computes material quantities and quotes prices for service. Dispatches oil well servicing crews, using telephone or radio, to perform services, and oversees clerical activities in field office. Performs other duties as described under SUPERVISOR (clerical) Master Title.

CHIEF ENGINEER

Directs activities of workers in engineering department of petroleum production or pipeline company and advises management on engineering problems: Apportions work among engineering staff according to specialized training. Reviews engineering designs for neatness and accuracy. Directs engineering personnel in formulating plans, designs, cost estimates, and specifications for oil field or pipeline construction, maintenance, and modernization programs. Supervises engineering office workers computing operating budgets, compiling reports, and conducting special investigations and studies to evaluate efficiency of engineering programs. May apply knowledge of petroleum engineering to coordinate work of engineers engaged in solving problems concerned with environment [ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER (profess. & kin.)]. May be designated according to engineering department supervised as Chief Engineer, Drilling And Recovery (petrol. & gas); Chief Engineer, Pipeline (petrol. & gas); Chief Engineer, Production (petrol. & gas); Chief, Reservoir Engineering (petrol. & gas).

Chief Engineer, Drilling And Recovery

Chief Engineer, Pipeline

Chief Engineer,

Production Directs activities of workers in engineering department of petroleum production or pipeline company and advises management on engineering problems: Apportions work among engineering staff according to specialized training. Reviews engineering designs for neatness and accuracy. Directs engineering personnel in formulating plans, designs, cost estimates, and specifications for oil field or pipeline construction, maintenance, and modernization programs. Supervises engineering office workers computing operating budgets, compiling reports, and conducting special investigations and studies to evaluate efficiency of engineering programs. May apply knowledge of petroleum engineering to coordinate work of engineers engaged in solving problems concerned with environment [ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER (profess. & kin.)]. May be designated according to engineering department supervised as Chief Engineer, Drilling And Recovery (petrol. & gas); Chief Engineer, Pipeline (petrol. & gas); Chief Engineer, Production (petrol. & gas); Chief, Reservoir Engineering (petrol. & gas).

CHIEF ENGINEER, RESEARCH

Coordinates research activities to develop new and improved methods of drilling wells and producing oil or gas: Directs, through subordinate engineering personnel, planning and progress of experimental projects in drilling and production operations, such as projects investigating composition of drilling mud, recovery of natural gasoline from crude oil and gas solutions, or dehydration of crude petroleum. Assists CHIEF PETROLEUM ENGINEER (petrol. & gas) in solution of technical operating problems. May direct research activities in geochemical or other petroleum prospecting methods.

chief gauger gauge;

district gauger Supervirses and coordinates activities of GAUGERS (petrol. & gas; petrol. refin.; pipe lines) controlling flow of oil into pipelines and gauging amount of oil stored in tanks or railroad cars. May oversee loading and shipment of oil and preparation of loading reports and bills of lading. Performs duties as described under SUPERVISOR (any industry) Master Title.

CHIEF PETROLEUM ENGINEER

Plans and directs engineering activities of a petroleum company to develop oil fields and produce oil and gas: Formulates programs for developing oil fields, planning schedules for drilling wells and for constructing pumping units, crude-oil treating units, and other production facilities. Coordinates projected activities with civil, electrical, and other engineering departments. Directs, through subordinate workers, selection, installation, use, and repair of oil field equipment. Directs PETROLEUM ENGINEERS (petrol. & gas) in engineering work concerned with drilling new wells and producing flow of oil or gas from wells, in maintaining well logs, and in other engineering activities. Directs laboratory and field research to develop new or to improve old methods and equipment for recovery of oil and gas. Keeps abreast of new developments in petroleum engineering. Selects, trains, and promotes engineering personnel. May direct mechanical, civil, electrical, and other engineering activities. May direct engineering and drilling activities in developing geothermal field and be designated Director, Geothermal Operations (petrol. & gas).

Chief, Reservoir Engineering

CLAIM AGENT

Interviews property holders and adjusts damage claims resulting from activities connected with prospecting, drilling, and production of oil and gas, and laying of pipelines on private property: Examines titles to property to determine their validity and acts as company agent in transactions with property owners. Investigates and assesses damage to crops, fences, and other properties, and negotiates claim settlements with property owners. Collects and prepares evidence to support contested damage claims in courts.

CLEAN-OUT DRILLER

Cleans out and restores old or damaged gas or oil wells, using handtools, as assistant to CLEAN-OUT DRILLER (petrol. & gas): Unloads cleanout tools and equipment at well site. Levels truck bed at wellhead and aligns hoist cable over borehole, using hand-operated jacks. Assembles and attaches specified cleanout tools, such as bailers and swabs, to cable, using wrenches. Guides tools into borehole. Pushes filled bailer to dumping position and unscrews bailer gate to dump mud, water, and debris removed from well. Guides cable lifting tools from well onto hoist drum, using pinchbar. Dismantles and cleans tools and equipment, using wrenches. Oils and greases machinery. Performs other duties as described under HELPER (any industry) Master Title.

CLEAN-OUT-DRILLER HELPER

Operates truck-mounted hoist equipped with derrick to clean out and restore old and damaged oil or gas wells: Moves lever to raise derrick over wellhead. Directs CLEAN-OUT-DRILLER HELPER (petrol. & gas) to jack up truck body and to center hoisting cable over borehole. Assembles and attaches cleanout tools to cable, using handtools. Moves winch lever to lower tools into well. Cleans sand, paraffin, or pipe scale from well, using special scaling and bailing tools. Removes debris from well, using bailer. Lowers blocks composed of soft lead or covered with wax, tar, or soap to take impression of broken equipment in well. Lowers grappling tools into well to probe for and remove obstruction, using hoist. Lowers and raises swabbing tool that creates vacuum and draws well fluids through pipe screens and well perforations, using hoist. May be designated according to specific activity as Bailer (petrol. & gas); Swabber (petrol. & gas).

connection worker

Assembles and repairs oil field machinery and equipment, using handtools and power tools: Digs holes, sets forms, and mixes and pours concrete into forms, to make foundations for wood or steel derricks, using posthole digger, handtools, and wheelbarrow. Bolts or nails together wood or steel framework to erect derrick. Dismantles and assembles boilers and steam engine parts, using handtools and power tools. Bolts together pump and engine parts. Connects tanks and flow lines, using wrenches. Unscrews or tightens pipe, casing, tubing, and pump rods, using hand and power wrenches and tongs.

core analyst

driller, prospecting; shot-hole driller Operates portable rotary drilling rig to drill shallow boreholes to obtain samples of earth formations, for placement of explosives in seismic prospecting, or for other tests to discover petroleum: Positions truck-mounted derrick at drilling area specified on field map. Starts rig and moves throttles and clutches to raise and lower drilling pipes. Counts sections of drill rod to determine depth of borehole. Selects coring bit and barrel. Withdraws core barrel from hole and extracts core from barrel. Records depths at which samples were taken. Repairs equipment, using handtools.

core driller

Operates gasoline, diesel, electric, or steam draw works to drill oil or gas wells: Observes pressure gauge and moves throttles and levers to control speed of rotary table which rotates string of tools in borehole, and to regulate pressure of tools at bottom of borehole. Connects sections of drill pipe, using handtools and powered wrenches and tongs. Selects and changes drill bits according to nature of strata, using handtools. Pushes levers and brake pedals to control draw works which lowers and raises drill pipe and casing into and out of well. Examines operation of slush pumps to ensure circulation and consistency of mud (drilling fluid) in well. Examines drillings or core samples from bottom of well to determine nature of strata. Fishes for and recovers lost or broken bits, casing and drill pipes from well, using special tools attached to end of drill pipe or cable. Keeps record of footage drilled, location and nature of strata penetrated, and materials used. Caps well or turns valves to regulate outflow of oil from well. Repairs or replaces defective parts of machinery, using handtools. May lower and explode charge in borehole to start flow of oil from well. May specialize in drilling underwater wells from barge-mounted derricks or drilling platforms and be designated Rotary Driller, Marine Operations (petrol. & gas).

CRUDE-OIL TREATER

operator; pumper; treater Operates chemical, electrical, and centrifugal oil-treatment units to remove sediment and water from crude oil before transporting oil by pipeline to refineries: Opens valves and starts pumps to pump oil from storage tanks to treating units. Opens valves to mix specified chemicals with oil, and adjusts controls to heat mixture to specified temperature. Starts centrifugal machines that break up oil and water emulsions and drain off water. Opens valves and starts pumps to transfer oil into settling tanks where sediment is precipitated from oil. Tests sample in gravity- or centrifugal-separation machine to determine content of oil specified for pipeline transportation. Pumps treated oil into pipelines leading to refinery. Cleans and lubricates motors, pumps, and other moving parts of units. Records data, such as volume of oil treated, operating temperatures of units, and test results. May operate pumps at oil well sites [OIL PUMPER (petrol. & gas)]. May tend treating-plant equipment to remove impurities from natural gas [GAS TREATER (any industry)].

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