How to Be Drilling Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 5, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Increased demand for oil and gas exploration has led to a need for specialized drilling technicians. These technicians are responsible for operating drilling and production equipment in order to extract oil and gas from the ground. They must have a thorough knowledge of safety procedures, as well as a working understanding of the equipment and its operation.

In addition, they must be able to troubleshoot any mechanical or technical issues that might arise while drilling. The effects of having a qualified drilling technician on staff can include reduced downtime due to equipment malfunctions, improved safety on the job site, and the ability to extract more oil and gas from the ground in a timely manner.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Most employers require drilling technicians to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
Gain experience in the industry. Many employers prefer to hire technicians who have prior experience in the industry. You may be able to gain experience through an apprenticeship or an internship with a drilling company.
Pursue an associate's or bachelor's degree in a related field. Depending on the employer, you may be required to have a degree in a related field, such as engineering or geology.
Obtain on-the-job training. After you have been hired, you may be required to undergo on-the-job training with experienced drilling technicians. This training will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to perform your job duties effectively and safely.
Become certified in the specialty. Some employers may require you to become certified in a specialty, such as directional drilling or rotary drilling. Certification is usually obtained through a trade organization or professional association.

Drilling technicians play an important role in ensuring that drilling operations are carried out efficiently and correctly. The experience and knowledge of a drilling technician is critical to the success of any drilling project. Poorly executed drilling can result in a variety of costly delays, safety issues, and environmental issues.

To ensure optimal performance and efficiency, it is important for drilling technicians to be familiar with relevant industry standards and regulations, understand the types of drills and tools being used, and keep up to date with advances in drilling technology. In addition, they should also be able to accurately interpret data and adjust drilling parameters accordingly. By doing so, drilling technicians can ensure that the job is completed safely and on time, while reducing the potential for costly mistakes or accidents.

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Job Description

Operate and maintain drilling equipment in oil and gas fields
Set up and monitor drilling operations
Monitor data from measuring instruments
Ensure safe and efficient operation of drilling services
Troubleshoot and repair malfunctioning equipment
Perform maintenance, inspection and testing on drilling equipment
Install, assemble and disassemble drilling rigs
Maintain records of all equipment and personnel used in the drilling process
Liaise with other personnel to ensure smooth drilling operations
Monitor and adjust drilling parameters as necessary to ensure optimal performance

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of safety and environmental regulations in drilling operations.
Knowledge of relevant drilling techniques and equipment.
Ability to interpret and understand technical data, engineering plans and blueprints.
Ability to use a variety of tools and equipment to conduct drilling operations.
Ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues.
Ability to maintain accurate records of drilling operations and equipment maintenance.
Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines.
Good mechanical aptitude.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work effectively with a team or independently.

Drilling Technicians have a wide range of responsibilities when it comes to the oil and gas industry. One of the most important skills for these technicians to have is problem-solving. It is essential for them to be able to quickly identify and solve any problems that may arise during the drilling process.

In addition to problem-solving, they must also possess technical knowledge, as they must be able to understand and use complex equipment used during the drilling process. Furthermore, they must have excellent communication skills, as they often need to coordinate with other technicians and staff members onsite. Good physical strength and endurance are also important, as the job requires long hours and strenuous labor.

Finally, attention to detail is a must, as even the smallest mistakes can lead to costly delays or even disasters. With these skills, Drilling Technicians are able to work efficiently and effectively, ensuring that the drilling process runs smoothly and safely.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in the field of drilling?
How do you ensure that all safety standards and regulations are adhered to when working on a drilling project?
Describe a time when you had to troubleshoot a drilling issue and how you handled it.
What techniques do you use to ensure the accuracy of the drilling process?
What challenges have you faced in the past when working with drilling equipment?
How would you handle an emergency situation on a drilling site?
How do you keep up to date with the latest technology and equipment used in drilling?
What methods do you use to maintain the efficiency of your drilling operations?
How do you ensure that all environmental regulations are followed on a drilling project?
How do you adapt to working with different types of clients and their requirements?

Common Tools in Industry

Drill Press. A tool used to drill holes in materials (eg: drilling holes in a piece of wood).
Hammer Drill. A tool used to drill holes into masonry or concrete (eg: drilling anchor holes for wall mounting).
Impact Drill. A tool used to drill holes and drive screws into harder materials (eg: drilling into metal).
Hole Saw. A tool used to cut circular holes in materials (eg: cutting a hole for a door knob).
Diamond Core Drill. A tool used to drill large diameter holes in masonry, concrete, and stone (eg: drilling a hole for a manhole).
Step Drill. A tool used to drill multiple stepped holes in materials (eg: drilling a hole with different sizes).
Right Angle Drill. A tool used to drill holes in tight spaces (eg: drilling in corners or tight spaces).
Countersink Drill. A tool used to create countersunk holes in wood or metal (eg: drilling pilot holes for screws).
Magnetic Drill. A tool used to drill large diameter holes in steel and other metals (eg: drilling a hole for a structural beam).
Drill Bit Sharpener. A tool used to sharpen drill bits for extended use (eg: sharpening a dull drill bit).

Professional Organizations to Know

International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC)
Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE)
American Petroleum Institute (API)
National Drilling Association (NDA)
Canadian Association of Oilwell Drilling Contractors (CAODC)
International Well Control Forum (IWCF)
Energy Institute (EI)
International Association for Great Lakes Research (IAGLR)
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
American Association of Drilling Engineers (AADE)

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Common Important Terms

Drilling Rig. A drilling rig is a large piece of equipment used to drill into the earth in order to gain access to natural resources such as oil and gas.
Directional Drilling. Directional drilling is a type of drilling that allows access to subsurface formations using specialized tools such as mud motors and bent subs.
Borehole. A borehole is a hole drilled into the ground to obtain information about underground rock layers, groundwater, and other subsurface features.
Mud Logging. Mud logging is the process of measuring and recording the properties of the drilling mud used during the drilling process.
Well Logging. Well logging is the process of measuring and recording the physical properties of a well. This includes pressure, temperature, and other parameters.
Casing Running. Casing running involves running pipes down into a wellbore in order to provide structural support for the well.
Fishing. Fishing is the process of retrieving lost or stuck tools from the wellbore.
Perforating. Perforating is a process that involves using explosives to create holes in the casing or walls of a wellbore in order to allow fluid or gas to flow from one formation to another.
Wellhead Equipment. Wellhead equipment is used to control and monitor the pressure, flow, and other aspects of an oil or gas well.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Drilling Technician?

A Drilling Technician is someone who is responsible for overseeing the operation of oil and gas drilling rigs, including the assembly and maintenance of equipment used in the drilling process.

What qualifications are needed to become a Drilling Technician?

To become a Drilling Technician, one should have a high school diploma and related technical certification in the field of drilling technology. Completion of an on-the-job training or apprenticeship program is also beneficial.

What are some of the duties of a Drilling Technician?

The duties of a Drilling Technician include monitoring the drilling process and making adjustments to ensure optimal performance; inspecting and testing equipment; and making repairs when necessary. They may also be responsible for performing mechanical and electrical maintenance on the rigs.

What are the average salary expectations for a Drilling Technician?

According to PayScale, the average salary for a Drilling Technician is $67,062 per year.

What is the job outlook for someone wanting to become a Drilling Technician?

The job outlook for a Drilling Technician is positive, with demand for qualified professionals expected to grow by 6 percent over the next decade.

Web Resources

CE Drilling Fluid Tech - Vernon College www.vernoncollege.edu
Drilling Technology Certificate Program - University of petex.utexas.edu
Advanced Drilling Technologies | Texas A&M University Engineering engineering.tamu.edu