The oil field industry focuses on the upstream sector, involving the exploration and extraction of crude oil and natural gas from subterranean reservoirs. This work is foundational to the world’s energy supply, requiring coordination across various technical and manual disciplines. An oil field worker is part of the ecosystem designed to locate, drill, and produce hydrocarbons. The workforce contributes to the successful operation of remote drilling sites.
Defining the Field: Operational Duties and Tasks
The day-to-day operations of an oil field worker center on the physical mechanics of drilling and extraction, supporting the cycle of well development. This work begins with preparing the rig site, which involves building infrastructure, such as access roads and the pad where the drilling unit will sit. Once the rig is assembled, workers handle the process of drilling the wellbore into the earth.
Operational duties include running and maintaining the drill string, the assembly of pipe that rotates the drill bit. As the hole deepens, workers add new sections of pipe, known as stands, and remove the string to change the drill bit, a process called “tripping.” Specialized fluids, often called “mud,” are circulated to cool the bit, stabilize the wellbore, and bring rock cuttings to the surface. A major task involves casing and cementing the well, where steel pipe is inserted into the hole and fixed with cement to prevent collapse and isolate production zones. After drilling, tasks shift to well completion, which prepares the well for the long-term flow of oil or gas to the surface.
Specialized Roles in the Oil Field
Roughneck and Roustabout
The roustabout is typically an entry-level worker who performs general labor tasks around the rig or platform. Their responsibilities include cleaning, scraping, painting equipment, organizing supplies, and maintaining work areas. Roustabouts assist skilled workers, like welders and mechanics, by moving tools and materials, and they may be involved in mixing and conditioning the drilling mud.
The roughneck, sometimes referred to as a floorhand, is a more experienced worker who operates directly on the rig floor. These workers engage in the physically demanding process of connecting and disconnecting sections of drill pipe and casing using specialized tools like tongs and the iron roughneck. Roughnecks are directly involved in the drilling operation, working under the supervision of the driller.
Driller and Derrickhand
The driller is the head of the drilling crew and is responsible for the direct control and operation of the rig’s machinery. This individual monitors drilling parameters in real-time, such as weight on the bit, rotation speed, and pressure, and makes adjustments to ensure the well is drilled efficiently and safely. The driller is the main supervisor on the rig floor, directing the roughnecks and communicating with technical staff.
The derrickhand works high up on the derrick, the tall structure supporting the drilling assembly. Their primary job during “tripping” is to guide the stands of pipe into or out of the racking area, or “fingers,” at the top of the derrick. When not handling pipe, the derrickhand manages the mud system, which includes monitoring the drilling fluid’s density and viscosity, and adding chemicals to maintain its properties.
Equipment Operators
Equipment operators are responsible for driving, operating, and maintaining the machinery necessary for oil field operations. This category includes individuals who run cranes, forklifts, excavators, and transport vehicles used for moving equipment and supplies around the remote site. Operators handle complex machinery associated with well services, such as wireline units, cementing pumps, or coil tubing units, which are used for specific operations within the wellbore. Their expertise ensures the safe and efficient movement and deployment of materials and downhole tools.
Field Engineers and Geologists
Field engineers and geologists provide the technical and analytical guidance that directs the labor of the rig crews. A petroleum geologist or geological engineer studies the subsurface to identify potential hydrocarbon-bearing reservoirs using seismic surveys and data analysis. They develop drilling plans, monitor formations encountered during drilling, and use real-time data to adjust the drilling path to maximize recovery.
The field engineer, often a petroleum or drilling engineer, focuses on the mechanical execution and optimization of the drilling and completion process. They design the wellbore, select the equipment, and oversee technical aspects of operations like cementing, well control, and hydraulic fracturing. These technical roles require advanced degrees and involve translating complex scientific data into actionable instructions for the rig crew.
Maintenance and Support Staff
Oil field sites rely on skilled trades and support personnel to maintain operations in remote locations. Maintenance technicians, welders, electricians, and mechanics are frequently on site to inspect, troubleshoot, and repair complex machinery, engines, and electrical systems. Keeping equipment like mud pumps, generators, and drill components in working order prevents costly downtime.
Support staff also includes administrative personnel, safety officers, and medical technicians who manage the logistics and well-being of the crew. On offshore platforms or remote land camps, roles like cooks, galley hands, and housekeeping staff provide accommodation and catering services. These roles sustain the workforce that lives on-site for extended periods.
The Unique Work Schedule and Environment
Oil field work is defined by demanding shift patterns and remote environments that require workers to live on-site. The most common arrangement is a rotational schedule, such as “14 days on, 14 days off,” or “21 on, 21 off,” where the number of days worked equals the number of days spent off-site. During their rotation, workers typically put in 12-hour shifts each day, with operations running 24 hours a day.
The work environment can be either onshore, involving land-based rigs, or offshore, located on platforms or vessels at sea. Workers on rotation live in specialized accommodations, sometimes called “man camps” or crew quarters, with meals provided. This schedule allows for concentrated periods of work followed by substantial time off, but it requires workers to be away from home and family for consecutive weeks.
Essential Qualifications and Training
Entry into the oil field industry requires a minimum of a high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) certificate for manual labor positions. Physical fitness is a requirement for most field roles, as the work is demanding, often involving lifting at least 50 pounds and working long hours. Candidates must also pass a physical examination and be capable of working in remote locations for extended periods.
For technical and engineering roles, a post-secondary degree in a related field such as petroleum engineering, mechanical engineering, or geology is necessary. Specialized safety training and certifications are mandatory for all workers entering the field. Common requirements include general safety training like OSHA certification, as well as specific certifications such as Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET) for those working offshore.
Addressing the Risks: Safety Protocols and Hazards
The oil field environment presents numerous hazards due to heavy machinery, high-pressure systems, and flammable materials. Workers are exposed to the risk of injury from dropped objects, slips on wet or oily surfaces, and accidents involving the movement of drill pipe and equipment. There is also potential for exposure to flammable gases and vapors, which pose a risk of fire or explosion, as well as toxic gases like hydrogen sulfide.
A strict safety culture is implemented through comprehensive protocols, training, and the mandatory use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). PPE is the first line of defense and includes items such as steel-toed boots, hard hats, safety glasses, and flame-resistant clothing. Fall protection, like safety harnesses and lanyards, is required for workers operating at heights, such as the derrickhand. Sites maintain detailed emergency response plans for fires, spills, and medical incidents, which is important given the remote nature of the work.