Service Unit Operator / Oil / Gas

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.

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: Pulling Unit Operator; Reverse Unit Operator; Rig Operator; Service Operator; Service Rig Operator; Tool Pusher; Well Servicing Rig Operator; Wireline Operator

Tasks

• Maintain and perform safety inspections on equipment and tools.
• Operate controls that raise derricks or level rigs.
• Listen to engines, rotary chains, or other equipment to detect faulty operations or unusual well conditions.
• Prepare reports of services rendered, tools used, or time required, for billing purposes.
• Install pressure-control devices onto wellheads.
• Confer with others to gather information regarding pipe or tool sizes or borehole conditions in wells.
• Operate pumps that circulate water, oil, or other fluids through wells to remove sand or other materials obstructing the free flow of oil.
• Drive truck-mounted units to well sites.
• Interpret instrument readings to ascertain the depth of obstruction.
• Thread cables through derrick pulleys, using hand tools.
• Select fishing methods or tools for removing obstacles such as liners, broken casing, screens, or drill pipe.
• Close and seal wells no longer in use.

Knowledge

• Mechanical
• Mathematics
• Customer and Personal Service
• Engineering and Technology
• Education and Training
• Public Safety and Security
• Administration and Management
• Sales and Marketing
• Production and Processing
• Chemistry
• English Language
• Transportation

Skills

• Critical Thinking
• Monitoring
• Active Listening
• Reading Comprehension
• Writing
• Speaking
• Active Learning

Abilities

• Problem Sensitivity
• Arm-Hand Steadiness
• Control Precision
• Multilimb Coordination
• Near Vision
• Reaction Time
• Hearing Sensitivity
• Oral Comprehension
• Perceptual Speed
• Selective Attention
• Manual Dexterity
• Oral Expression
• Inductive Reasoning
• Far Vision
• Auditory Attention
• Speech Recognition
• Speech Clarity
• Deductive Reasoning
• Flexibility of Closure
• Visualization
• Static Strength
• Visual Color Discrimination
• Depth Perception
• Written Comprehension
• Written Expression
• Information Ordering
• Category Flexibility
• Time Sharing
• Finger Dexterity
• Rate Control
• Trunk Strength
• Extent Flexibility
• Gross Body Equilibrium