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Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas

Construction and Extraction (47-5013)

Operate equipment to increase oil flow from producing wells or to remove stuck pipe, casing, tools, or other obstructions from drilling wells. Includes fishing-tool technicians.

At a Glance

Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas earns a median of $57,980/yr with +0.4% projected growth. Typical entry: No formal educational credential. Top skills: Controlling Machines and Processes, Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials, SAP software.

Median Annual Wage

$57,980/yr

Projected Growth (2024-34)

+0.4%

Annual Openings

4

Typical Education

No formal educational credential

Skills & Requirements

Skills (7)

Operations Monitoring

Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

4.0
Operation and Control

Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

3.8
Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

3.8
Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

3.6
Troubleshooting

Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

3.4
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.

3.4
Judgment and Decision Making

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

3.3

Knowledge (5)

Mechanical

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

4.1
Mathematics

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

3.9
Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

3.7
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.

3.4
Public Safety and Security

Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

3.3

Abilities (17)

Control Precision

The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

4.0
Problem Sensitivity

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

4.0
Arm-Hand Steadiness

The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

4.0
Multilimb Coordination

The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.

3.8
Near Vision

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

3.6
Hearing Sensitivity

The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.

3.5
Reaction Time

The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.

3.5
Manual Dexterity

The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

3.4
Selective Attention

The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

3.4
Perceptual Speed

The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.

3.4
Oral Comprehension

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

3.4
Auditory Attention

The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.

3.3
Far Vision

The ability to see details at a distance.

3.3
Inductive Reasoning

The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

3.3
Oral Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

3.3
Speech Recognition

The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

3.3
Speech Clarity

The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

3.3

Technology (6)

SAP software

Category: Enterprise resource planning ERP software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Word

Category: Word processing software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft SharePoint

Category: Document management software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft PowerPoint

Category: Presentation software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Office software

Category: Office suite software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Excel

Category: Spreadsheet software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5

Work Activities (30)

Controlling Machines and Processes

Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

4.7
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

4.5
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

4.4
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others

Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

4.4
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

4.3
Training and Teaching Others

Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

4.2
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships

Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

4.2
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

4.2
Performing General Physical Activities

Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.

4.1
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People

Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

4.1
Coaching and Developing Others

Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

4.1
Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

4.0
Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

4.0
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment

Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

4.0
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

3.9
Handling and Moving Objects

Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

3.9
Communicating with People Outside the Organization

Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

3.9
Assisting and Caring for Others

Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

3.9
Developing and Building Teams

Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

3.8
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates

Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

3.7
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment

Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

3.7
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information

Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

3.7
Processing Information

Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

3.6
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards

Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

3.6
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others

Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

3.6
Scheduling Work and Activities

Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

3.5
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others

Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

3.5
Performing Administrative Activities

Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

3.5
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others

Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

3.5
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

3.4

Careers with Overlapping Skills

These occupations share the most skills. A career transition between them means many of your skills transfer directly.

Explore Key Skills

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