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Service Unit Operators, Oil, Gas, and Mining - 47-5013.00

O*NET-SOC Description

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. Includes fishing-tool technicians.

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

SOC Occupation Groups

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Apply green technologies or techniques such as the use of coiled tubing, slim-hole drilling, horizontal drilling, hydraulic fracturing, or gas lift systems.
  • Close and seal wells no longer in use.
  • Confer with others to gather information regarding pipe or tool sizes or borehole conditions in wells.
  • Direct drilling crews performing activities such as assembling and connecting pipe, applying weights to drill pipes, or drilling around lodged obstacles.
  • Drive truck-mounted units to well sites.
  • Examine unserviceable wells to determine actions to be taken to improve well conditions.
  • Insert detection instruments into wells with obstructions.
  • Install pressure-control devices onto wellheads.
  • Interpret instrument readings to ascertain the depth of obstruction.
  • Monitor sound wave generating or detecting mechanisms to determine well fluid levels.
  • 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.
  • Operate controls that raise derricks or level rigs.
  • Operate pumps that circulate water, oil, or other fluids through wells to remove sand or other materials obstructing the free flow of oil.
  • Operate specialized equipment to remove obstructions by backing-off or severing pipes by chemical or explosive action.
  • Perforate well casings or sidewalls of boreholes with explosive charges.
  • Prepare reports of services rendered, tools used, or time required, for billing purposes.
  • Select fishing methods or tools for removing obstacles such as liners, broken casing, screens, or drill pipe.
  • Thread cables through derrick pulleys, using hand tools.

Detailed Work Activities

  • analyze technical data, designs, or preliminary specifications
  • assemble detonation units for construction or extraction work
  • charge blasting holes with explosives
  • confer with engineering, technical or manufacturing personnel
  • control operation of compressors
  • determine amount or kind of explosive needed to complete job
  • determine locations, angles, and depths of blast holes
  • detonate blasting charges for construction or extraction work
  • direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
  • drill blasting holes
  • monitor operation of drilling equipment
  • operate hoist, winch, or hydraulic boom
  • operate power driven pumps
  • plan or organize work
  • prepare reports
  • remove or retrieve tools, equipment, casings or pipe from wells
  • use hand or power tools
  • use measuring devices in construction or extraction work
  • use precision measuring tools or equipment
  • use two-way radio or mobile phone

Military Crosswalk Titles

No information available.

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

No information available.

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Fishing-Tool Technician, Oil Well
  • Oil-Well-Service Operator
  • Service-Unit Operator, Oil Well