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Petroleum Engineers Go Back to List
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.
 Technology used in this occupation:
 
  • Computer aided design CAD software
  •  Tasks
     
  • Assess costs and estimate the production capabilities and economic value of oil and gas wells, to evaluate the economic viability of potential drilling sites.
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  • Monitor production rates, and plan rework processes to improve production.
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  • Analyze data to recommend placement of wells and supplementary processes to enhance production.
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  • Specify and supervise well modification and stimulation programs to maximize oil and gas recovery.
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  • Direct and monitor the completion and evaluation of wells, well testing, or well surveys.
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  • Assist engineering and other personnel to solve operating problems.
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  • Develop plans for oil and gas field drilling, and for product recovery and treatment.
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  • Maintain records of drilling and production operations.
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  • Confer with scientific, engineering, and technical personnel to resolve design, research, and testing problems.
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  • Write technical reports for engineering and management personnel.
  •  Skills
     
  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
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  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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  • Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
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  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
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  • Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
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  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
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  • Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
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  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
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  • Systems Analysis - Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
  •  Knowledge
     
  • Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
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  • Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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  • Physics - Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.
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  • Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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  • Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
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  • Economics and Accounting - Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
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  • Chemistry - Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal m
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  • English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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  • Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
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  • Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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     Education & Training
      Education:   Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
      Related Experience:   A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
      View Related Programs on Connecticut's Education & Training ConneCTion site.
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    ONET Resource Center Some of the occupational information on this page is formulated from O*NETTM v17.0 data. O*NETTM is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.
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