17 Frac Operator Interview Questions and Answers

Frac operators work in the oil and gas industry. They are responsible for operating and maintaining the equipment used in hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking”—a process used to extract oil and gas from the ground.

Frac operators typically work for oil and gas companies, but they may also work for service companies that provide fracking services to the oil and gas industry.

If you’re interested in a career as a frac operator, you will likely need to go through a job interview. This guide includes sample frac operator interview questions and answers that you can use to prepare for your interview.

Are you comfortable working with high-pressure equipment?

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your comfort level with working in a potentially dangerous environment. High-pressure equipment is used during the fracking process, so it’s important that you feel confident about operating these machines and understand how they work. In your answer, try to explain why you are comfortable working with high-pressure equipment and what training or experience you have with it.

Example: “I am very comfortable working with high-pressure equipment because I’ve been doing it for years. During my time as an apprentice, I learned all about the different types of pressure equipment and how to operate them safely. I also worked on several projects where I had to use high-pressure equipment, so I’m familiar with its operation.”

What are some of the most important safety protocols you follow when operating a hydraulic fracturing operation?

An interviewer may ask this question to assess your commitment to workplace safety. They want to know that you will follow their company’s policies and procedures regarding safety, as well as any state or federal regulations. In your answer, explain the steps you take to ensure a safe work environment for yourself and others on the job site.

Example: “I always make sure I’m wearing all of my personal protective equipment when operating a hydraulic fracturing operation. This includes steel-toed boots, hard hats, earplugs, eye protection and gloves. I also check in with my team members before starting each shift to make sure they’re prepared for the day’s work.

In addition, I always adhere to the specific protocols outlined by my employer. For example, at my last job, we had to wait until our supervisor arrived onsite before beginning operations. We also had to keep a fire extinguisher within reach while working.”

How do you communicate with other members of the fracturing team to ensure that everyone is on the same page?

Communication is an important skill for any employee to have, but it’s especially crucial for a frac operator. The interviewer will want to know that you can effectively communicate with your team members and ensure everyone is working together to complete the job as efficiently as possible.

Example: “I find that communication is one of the most important skills in this role because I’m often communicating with other members of my fracturing team about various aspects of the job. For example, during the planning phase, I’ll talk with the geologist about what type of rock we’re going to be fracturing and how much pressure we should use. Then, once we begin the actual fracturing process, I’ll check in with the pump operators to make sure they’re using the right amount of pressure and with the truck drivers to make sure they’re delivering the correct amount of fluid.”

What is your experience with operating hydraulic fracturing pumps?

This question is an opportunity to show your interviewer that you have the skills and experience necessary for this role. If you don’t have any direct experience operating hydraulic fracturing pumps, consider describing a time when you had to learn how to operate new equipment or technology.

Example: “I’ve worked with several different types of hydraulic fracturing pumps in my previous roles as a frac operator. I’m comfortable working with both vertical and horizontal pumps, which are common in most oil fields. In my last position, I was responsible for training two other operators on how to use the company’s new horizontal pump. It took some time to get used to the controls, but we were able to successfully complete our first job using the new pump.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to troubleshoot a problem with a fracturing pump.

An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your problem-solving skills and how you apply them in the workplace. Use examples from your experience that highlight your ability to think critically, communicate effectively with others and solve problems efficiently.

Example: “In my last position as a frac operator, I had to troubleshoot a fracturing pump when it suddenly stopped working during a job. The client was on site at the time, so I needed to fix the issue quickly. After inspecting the equipment, I noticed that one of the wires connecting the pump to the power source had come loose. I fixed the wire connection and got the pump back up and running within 30 minutes.”

If the well starts to leak during the fracturing process, what would be your course of action?

This question is an opportunity to show your problem-solving skills and ability to make quick decisions. Your answer should include a step-by-step process of what you would do in this situation, including how you would communicate with the team and any steps you would take to ensure safety during the leak.

Example: “If I noticed that the well was leaking, my first course of action would be to stop the fracturing process immediately. Then, I would assess the situation by checking all the equipment and making sure there are no other leaks. If everything checks out, then I would restart the process. However, if there’s still a leak after restarting the process, then I would shut down again and call for backup.”

What would you do if you noticed that one of your coworkers was not following safety protocols?

Employers want to know that you will speak up if someone is not following safety protocols. They also want to know how you would handle the situation in a way that encourages your coworker to follow protocol while maintaining their confidence and self-esteem. In your answer, explain what steps you would take to address the issue without making it personal or causing conflict.

Example: “I would first approach my coworker privately and ask them why they are choosing not to wear their hard hat or other protective gear. I would try to make sure they understand that I am not trying to embarrass them but rather ensure their safety. If they still refuse to comply with the rules, I would report the incident to my supervisor so they could handle the situation.”

How well do you understand the different types of rock and how they impact the fracturing process?

The interviewer may ask you a question like this to assess your knowledge of the industry and how it relates to their company. Use examples from your experience to highlight your expertise in the field.

Example: “I have worked with many different types of rock, including shale, sandstone, granite and limestone. Each type has its own unique properties that affect the fracturing process. For example, I once had a client who was drilling for oil but instead found natural gas. The client wanted to use hydraulic fracturing to extract the gas, so we needed to adjust our equipment to accommodate the specific rock formation. We used nitrogen-based fracturing fluid because it’s more effective on gas than water.”

Do you have any experience reading logs and interpreting data?

This question can help the interviewer determine your level of experience and expertise in this role. If you have previous experience reading logs, you can share an example of a time when you used that skill to solve a problem or complete a task.

Example: “In my last position as a frac operator, I was responsible for monitoring all aspects of the job site including pressure levels, fluid temperatures and chemical concentrations. One day, we noticed that our oil-based solution wasn’t mixing with water properly. After reviewing the data from the logs, I realized that the temperature of the water had dropped below the recommended range. We adjusted the temperature of the water and continued working.”

When performing a clean-up, what is the most important thing to do to ensure that the area is safe to re-enter?

The interviewer may ask you a question like this to assess your safety practices and procedures. Use examples from past experiences where you followed proper clean-up protocols, ensuring the area was safe for other workers to enter.

Example: “The most important thing I do when performing a clean-up is to make sure that all of my tools are properly stored away in their designated areas. In my last position, we had an incident where one of our frac operators left his equipment out after a clean-up, which resulted in another operator accidentally using it during production. This led to some contamination issues, so now we have specific rules about storing equipment after each job.”

We want to improve our fracturing speed. What would you do to increase our output without sacrificing safety?

This question is a great way to test your problem-solving skills. It allows you to showcase your ability to analyze data and make decisions that can benefit the company’s production goals.

Example: “I would first look at our equipment, as it may be outdated or in need of repair. If this isn’t the issue, I would then check for any bottlenecks in the fracturing process. For example, if we’re running low on sand, I would ensure we have enough on hand to complete the job. Another bottleneck could be the amount of water used during the fracturing process. To increase speed, I would try to reduce the amount of water needed per fracture.”

Describe your experience with using computers to process data and communicate with coworkers.

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your computer skills and how you use them in the workplace. Use your answer to describe your experience with computers, including any specific programs you’ve used for work or personal projects.

Example: “I have several years of experience using computers to process data and communicate with coworkers. In my last position as a frac operator, I used computers to monitor pressure levels, temperature levels and other important information during each stage of the fracking process. I also used computers to communicate with my team members through email and instant messaging. This allowed us to collaborate on different aspects of the job and share our ideas.”

What makes you stand out from other candidates for this position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to their company. Before your interview, make a list of three things that make you the best candidate for this role. These could be specific skills or experiences you have that other candidates might not.

Example: “I am an excellent communicator, which is important in this position because I need to work with many different people on a daily basis. I also have five years of experience working as a frac operator, so I know what it takes to succeed in this role. Finally, I am passionate about my career and committed to learning new things.”

Which fracturing methods do you prefer and why?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the industry and how you can apply it. You should be prepared to answer this question with a specific example from your experience as a frac operator.

Example: “I prefer using slickwater fracturing because it’s one of the most cost-effective methods for increasing production in wells. It uses water mixed with sand, which reduces the amount of proppant needed per fracture. This method also allows me to use smaller amounts of chemicals, which helps reduce costs even more. I’ve used slickwater fracturing on several occasions when my company was looking to save money while still improving well production.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of being a frac operator?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to get an idea of your priorities as a frac operator. It’s important to show that you understand what it takes to be successful in this role, and how you plan on achieving those goals.

Example: “I think communication is the most important aspect of being a frac operator. I know from experience that miscommunication can lead to safety issues or even equipment failure. To avoid these problems, I always make sure my team members are aware of any changes I’m making to the operation. I also encourage them to speak up if they have questions about their tasks.”

How often do you perform maintenance on your fracturing equipment?

This question can help the interviewer determine your level of experience with operating fracturing equipment. It also helps them understand how often you may need to take time off work for maintenance purposes and whether this could affect their operations. Your answer should include a specific timeframe in which you perform regular maintenance on your equipment, as well as any additional training or certifications that allow you to do so.

Example: “I usually perform monthly maintenance checks on my fracturing equipment. I have two years of experience working with these machines, and during that time I’ve learned what to look for when performing routine checks. If I notice anything out of the ordinary, I know exactly what steps to take to ensure everything is running smoothly.”

There is a problem with the well and you cannot start the fracturing process. What do you do?

This question is a great way to test your problem-solving skills. It also shows the interviewer that you are able to work independently and solve problems when they arise. In your answer, try to explain how you would identify the issue and what steps you would take to fix it.

Example: “If there was a problem with the well before I could start the fracturing process, I would first make sure that all of my equipment is in working order. If everything checks out, then I would contact my supervisor or another member of the team for help. If no one else can help me, then I would call the client to let them know about the delay and ask if they have any suggestions on how to proceed.”