17-2171.00

Petroleum Engineers

Devise methods to improve oil and gas extraction and production and determine the need for new or modified tool designs. Oversee drilling and offer technical advice.

Career Cluster:Energy & Natural Resources
Job Family:Architecture and Engineering
Job Zone:Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
STEM:Research, Development, Design, and Practitioners
Industry:Management of Companies and Enterprises
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Technology Tools

Autodesk AutoCADC++Eclipse IDEGoogle AnalyticsLinuxMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft Visual StudioMicrosoft ProjectRMicrosoft VisioMicrosoft WordOracle DatabasePythonSAP softwareThe MathWorks MATLAB

Key Tasks

  • Specify and supervise well modification and stimulation programs to maximize oil and gas recovery.
  • Test machinery and equipment to ensure that it is safe and conforms to performance specifications.
  • Monitor production rates, and plan rework processes to improve production.
  • Maintain records of drilling and production operations.
  • Analyze data to recommend placement of wells and supplementary processes to enhance production.
  • Assist engineering and other personnel to solve operating problems.
  • Direct and monitor the completion and evaluation of wells, well testing, or well surveys.
  • Develop plans for oil and gas field drilling, and for product recovery and treatment.
  • Assign work to staff to obtain maximum utilization of personnel.
  • Assess costs and estimate the production capabilities and economic value of oil and gas wells, to evaluate the economic viability of potential drilling sites.
  • Simulate reservoir performance for different recovery techniques, using computer models.
  • Confer with scientific, engineering, and technical personnel to resolve design, research, and testing problems.
  • Design and implement environmental controls on oil and gas operations.
  • Supervise the removal of drilling equipment, the removal of any waste, and the safe return of land to structural stability when wells or pockets are exhausted.
  • Interpret drilling and testing information for personnel.
  • Coordinate activities of workers engaged in research, planning, and development.
  • Inspect oil and gas wells to determine that installations are completed.
  • Write technical reports for engineering and management personnel.
  • Evaluate findings to develop, design, or test equipment or processes.
  • Coordinate the installation, maintenance, and operation of mining and oil field equipment.
  • Take samples to assess the amount and quality of oil, the depth at which resources lie, and the equipment needed to properly extract them.
  • Design or modify mining and oil field machinery and tools, applying engineering principles.
  • Conduct engineering research experiments to improve or modify mining and oil machinery and operations.
  • Use drone technology for aerial surveying and monitoring of drilling sites.

Skills

Reading Comprehension
75%
Critical Thinking
75%
Speaking
72%
Systems Analysis
72%
Writing
72%
Active Listening
72%
Complex Problem Solving
72%
Systems Evaluation
72%
Judgment and Decision Making
72%
Active Learning
69%
Monitoring
69%
Time Management
66%
Social Perceptiveness
66%
Coordination
66%
Science
60%
Mathematics
56%
Persuasion
50%
Instructing
50%
Service Orientation
50%
Learning Strategies
50%
Management of Personnel Resources
47%
Negotiation
47%
Operations Monitoring
47%
Management of Material Resources
44%
Quality Control Analysis
41%
Management of Financial Resources
38%
Troubleshooting
31%
Operations Analysis
31%
Technology Design
31%
Operation and Control
28%
Programming
22%
Equipment Selection
22%
Installation
19%
Equipment Maintenance
3%
Repairing
0%

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology
85%
Mathematics
78%
Computers and Electronics
63%
Physics
63%
Chemistry
60%
Administration and Management
59%
Administrative
55%
Economics and Accounting
55%
English Language
54%
Law and Government
54%
Design
54%
Mechanical
45%
Customer and Personal Service
41%
Public Safety and Security
34%
Education and Training
33%
Geography
31%
Communications and Media
29%
Sales and Marketing
29%
Personnel and Human Resources
28%
Production and Processing
26%
Transportation
26%
Telecommunications
25%
Biology
20%
Foreign Language
17%
Building and Construction
17%
Psychology
12%
Sociology and Anthropology
5%
History and Archeology
3%
Philosophy and Theology
3%
Food Production
1%
Medicine and Dentistry
1%
Therapy and Counseling
1%
Fine Arts
0%

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Abilities

Deductive Reasoning
75%
Problem Sensitivity
75%
Oral Expression
75%
Inductive Reasoning
75%
Oral Comprehension
75%
Written Comprehension
75%
Written Expression
75%
Category Flexibility
72%
Fluency of Ideas
69%
Information Ordering
69%
Near Vision
66%
Speech Clarity
63%
Speech Recognition
63%
Originality
60%
Visualization
56%
Mathematical Reasoning
56%
Selective Attention
53%
Number Facility
53%
Perceptual Speed
50%
Flexibility of Closure
50%
Far Vision
47%
Time Sharing
47%
Speed of Closure
44%
Memorization
41%
Visual Color Discrimination
41%
Hearing Sensitivity
35%
Finger Dexterity
28%
Auditory Attention
25%
Depth Perception
25%
Control Precision
19%
Multilimb Coordination
13%
Trunk Strength
10%
Reaction Time
3%
Spatial Orientation
3%
Wrist-Finger Speed
3%
Sound Localization
0%
Extent Flexibility
0%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
0%
Night Vision
0%
Stamina
0%
Static Strength
0%
Explosive Strength
0%
Peripheral Vision
0%
Speed of Limb Movement
0%
Dynamic Strength
0%
Gross Body Equilibrium
0%
Glare Sensitivity
0%
Dynamic Flexibility
0%
Rate Control
0%
Response Orientation
0%
Manual Dexterity
0%
Gross Body Coordination
0%

Work Activities

Analyzing Data or Information
90%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
87%
Working with Computers
86%
Getting Information
85%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
84%
Processing Information
80%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
80%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
78%
Thinking Creatively
78%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
78%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
78%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
75%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
74%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
69%
Scheduling Work and Activities
69%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
69%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
69%
Documenting/Recording Information
68%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
67%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
67%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
64%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
60%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
60%
Developing and Building Teams
59%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
58%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
56%
Selling or Influencing Others
46%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
46%
Performing Administrative Activities
45%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
43%
Coaching and Developing Others
41%
Training and Teaching Others
38%
Staffing Organizational Units
36%
Assisting and Caring for Others
28%
Controlling Machines and Processes
14%
Performing General Physical Activities
14%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
13%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
10%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
10%
Handling and Moving Objects
9%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
9%

Work Context

E-Mail

How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?

100%

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

100%

Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

97%

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

95%

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

89%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

88%

Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?

82%

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?

82%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

81%

Duration of Typical Work Week

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

79%

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

75%

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

73%

Frequency of Decision Making

How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

73%

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

71%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

70%

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

67%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

65%

Level of Competition

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

63%

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?

55%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

55%

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?

49%

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?

47%

Conflict Situations

How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

46%

Consequence of Error

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?

44%

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

43%

Public Speaking

How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?

38%

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

37%

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

32%

Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

30%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

30%

Physical Proximity

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?

29%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

29%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

28%

Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

28%

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?

28%

Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

25%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

25%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

24%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

24%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

24%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?

18%

Outdoors, Under Cover

How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?

18%

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)

13%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?

11%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?

10%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

9%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

7%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?

7%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

6%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?

6%

Work Schedules

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

6%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?

5%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

5%

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

5%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

4%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?

1%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

0%

Education

Bachelor's degree

72%

Interests

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, t

74

Investigative

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the f

71

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or hum

57

Enterprising

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertis

32

Artistic

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts,

15

Social

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

13

Work Styles

Attention to Detail
86%
Cautiousness
83%
Dependability
82%
Innovation
73%
Intellectual Curiosity
73%
Achievement Orientation
71%
Perseverance
71%
Integrity
68%
Adaptability
60%
Stress Tolerance
60%
Self-Confidence
58%
Initiative
55%
Tolerance for Ambiguity
50%
Leadership Orientation
47%
Self-Control
44%
Cooperation
36%
Social Orientation
25%
Sincerity
19%
Optimism
16%
Humility
6%
Empathy
4%

Work Values

Independence
78%
Working Conditions
78%
Achievement
72%
Recognition
72%
Support
67%
Relationships
45%

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