Service Unit Operators, Oil, Gas, and Mining

Operate equipment to increase oil flow from producing wells or to remove stuck pipe, casing, tools, or other obstructions from drilling wells. May also perform similar services in mining exploration operations.

Job Task

• Analyze conditions of unserviceable wells in order to determine actions to be taken to improve well conditions.
• Assemble and lower detection instruments into wells with obstructions.
• Assemble and operate sound-wave generating and detecting mechanisms in order to determine well fluid levels.
• Confer with other personnel in order to gather information regarding pipe and tool sizes, and borehole conditions in wells.
• Direct drilling crews performing such activities as assembling and connecting pipe, applying weights to drill pipes, and drilling around lodged obstacles.
• Direct lowering of specialized equipment to point of obstruction, and push switches or pull levers in order to back-off or sever pipes by chemical or explosive action.
• Interpret instrument readings in order to ascertain the depth of obstruction.
• Observe load variations on strain gauges, mud pumps, and motor pressure indicators; and listen to engines, rotary chains, and other equipment in order to detect faulty operations or unusual well conditions.
• Plan fishing methods and select tools for removing obstacles, such as liners, broken casing, screens, and drill pipe, from wells.
• Start pumps that circulate water, oil, or other fluids through wells, in order to remove sand and other materials obstructing the free flow of oil.
• Close and seal wells no longer in use.
• Drive truck-mounted units to well sites.
• Install pressure-control devices onto well heads.
• Operate controls that raise derricks and level rigs.
• Perforate well casings or sidewalls of boreholes with explosive charges.
• Quote prices to customers; and prepare reports of services rendered, tools used, and time required so that bills can be produced.
• Thread cables through pulleys in derricks and connect hydraulic lines, using hand tools.

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