Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas
Career Snapshot
The globe is powered by oil and gas. Rotary drill operators are among those who aid in the access to these critical natural resources. They have the specialised knowledge to reach large fields of oil and gas concealed deep down, whether beneath a scorching desert or a raging sea.
Drillers build a derrick at the site, guided by scientists' maps, to support the drilling equipment and stabilise the drill rig. This could be a time-consuming construction project. Then they begin to dig into the ground, cutting through rock strata. The driller takes rock samples to be tested for oil or gas presence.
Drillers must keep a close eye on their progress and equipment. They keep meticulous written records and alter and repair equipment as needed. Workers in this industry are expected to work a lot of overtime. They are frequently sent to isolated drilling locations and may work for 10 to 20 days at a period before receiving time off. Drillers typically begin as roustabouts and develop skills on the job, progressing through positions of increasing expertise and higher compensation over time.
Because rotary drill operators have the most responsibility for the drilling operation, they are paid the most. While jobs in this area are becoming more rare in the United States, experienced drillers are frequently engaged by American or foreign corporations to work abroad. This employment can pay well and allow you to travel throughout the world.