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Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas - 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. Includes fishing-tool technicians.

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • Pulling Unit Operator
  • Reverse Unit Operator
  • Rig Operator
  • Service Operator
  • Service Rig Operator
  • Tool Pusher
  • Well Servicing Rig Operator
  • Wireline 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.
  • Listen to engines, rotary chains, or other equipment to detect faulty operations or unusual well conditions.
  • Maintain and perform safety inspections on equipment and tools.
  • Monitor sound wave-generating or detecting mechanisms to determine well fluid levels.
  • 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

  • Apply new technologies to improve work processes.
  • Communicate with other construction or extraction personnel to discuss project details.
  • Direct construction or extraction personnel.
  • Drive trucks or truck-mounted equipment.
  • Inspect equipment or tools to be used in construction or excavation.
  • Install plumbing or piping.
  • Maintain extraction or excavation equipment.
  • Measure work site dimensions.
  • Monitor extraction operations.
  • Operate cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting equipment.
  • Operate detonation equipment.
  • Operate pumps or compressors.
  • Prepare excavation or extraction sites for commissioning or decommissioning.
  • Prepare operational reports.
  • Select construction equipment.

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • Cannon Crewmember (Army - Enlisted)
  • Cavalry Scout (Army - Enlisted)
  • Combat Engineer (Army - Enlisted)
  • Equipment Operator (Navy - Enlisted)
  • M1 Armor Crewman (Army - Enlisted)
  • Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic (Army - Enlisted)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

No information available.

DOT Crosswalk Titles

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