Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas

What the job really is

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.

At a glance

• Sector: Construction & Extraction
• O*NET-SOC code: 47-5013
• O*NET job zone: 2 — some preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• 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.

Tools and technology

Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft SharePoint, Microsoft Word, SAP software, Adjustable hand wrenches, Cement mixers, Cement pumps, Channel lock pliers, Chemical casing cutters, Chemical pipe cutters

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas
• Roustabouts, Oil and Gas
• Wellhead Pumpers
• Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers
• Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas
• Helpers--Extraction Workers
• Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers
• Gas Plant Operators

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 2 (some preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.