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

Nov 4, 2021 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The demand for petroleum drilling supervisors is on the rise due to the increased focus on safety and efficiency in the oil and gas industry. These supervisors are responsible for overseeing the drilling process, ensuring that safety regulations are observed and that the drilling operations are completed on time and within budget. They also manage personnel, equipment, and supplies, coordinate with other departments, and inspect the drill sites for potential hazards. As a result, these supervisors are essential for maintaining a safe, efficient, and successful drilling operation, which can lead to increased productivity, lower costs, and improved profitability.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. Most employers require a high school diploma or GED to become a petroleum drilling supervisor.
Complete Postsecondary Education. Employers may prefer applicants who have completed postsecondary courses in petroleum engineering, geology, or related field.
Obtain Industry Experience. Candidates can gain experience in the oil and gas extraction field through internships or entry-level jobs.
Earn Professional Certifications. Professional certifications may be required for some positions. Certifications may be available through organizations such as the American Association of Drilling Engineers or the Society of Petroleum Engineers.
Obtain a Supervisor License. Depending on the jurisdiction, a supervisor license may be required to advance to a petroleum drilling supervisor position.
Pursue Advanced Training and Education. Advanced training and education may be required to obtain a petroleum drilling supervisor position. This may include safety training, hazardous material handling, and other related topics.

To remain ahead and efficient as a Petroleum Drilling Supervisor, it is important to stay organized and up-to-date as the industry is constantly changing. Keeping up with the latest technology and trends in the industry is essential, as it can help drilling operations run smoothly and efficiently. Regularly assessing the equipment used in drilling, as well as the personnel involved, can help to identify any potential issues or areas of improvement.

communicating with other departments and personnel involved in the process can help to ensure that all aspects of the drilling operation are running smoothly and everyone is on the same page. Lastly, staying proactive and engaged in the process can help to anticipate any potential issues and address them before they become a major issue.

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Job Description

Monitor and direct drilling operations, including the preparation of drilling plans, maintenance of wells, and monitoring of safety protocols.
Set and enforce standards for drilling performance and safety, ensuring that all operations meet or exceed industry standards.
Monitor and analyze operational data, including drilling reports and production data, to identify problems and develop solutions.
Maintain accurate records of drilling operations, including costs, safety protocols, and other relevant information.
Develop and implement strategies to increase productivity and efficiency of drilling operations.
Establish and maintain relationships with vendors, contractors, and other stakeholders.
Manage personnel and ensure compliance with company policies and procedures.
Monitor performance of drilling equipment and make adjustments as needed.
Assist with the preparation of budgets and estimates for proposed drilling operations.
Ensure compliance with all applicable environmental regulations and laws.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of safety protocols and procedures for oil and gas drilling operations
Knowledge of drilling operations and equipment
Ability to develop and implement operational plans
Ability to manage and lead a team of professional personnel
Knowledge of well control principles
Ability to troubleshoot and resolve operational problems
Ability to identify operational risks and develop mitigation strategies
Ability to make decisions quickly and effectively in a high-pressure environment
Ability to effectively communicate with colleagues, subordinates, and contractors
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

One of the most important skills to have as a Petroleum Drilling Supervisor is excellent communication. Good communication is essential in order to effectively coordinate and direct the drilling team and ensure the safe and efficient operation of the drill site. A Petroleum Drilling Supervisor must be able to effectively communicate with all members of the drilling crew, as well as with other personnel involved in the operation.

Good communication also allows the supervisor to provide clear instructions, set expectations, and ensure any issues are addressed in a timely manner. good communication is necessary for ensuring that any safety or environmental concerns are addressed properly and efficiently. The ability to communicate effectively is integral for a successful, safe and efficient Petroleum Drilling Supervisor.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in the petroleum drilling industry?
How would you handle a situation where there is a disagreement between you and your team?
What steps would you take to ensure safety and efficiency on a drilling rig?
Describe a metric you would use to measure the success of a drilling project?
What strategies do you use to motivate and engage the team?
How do you stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices?
How do you handle unexpected issues and difficult decisions on the job?
Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision in your previous role?
What do you think are the most important qualities of a successful drilling supervisor?
How do you ensure that all safety protocols are met during a drilling operation?

Common Tools in Industry

Drilling Rig. A large structure used to drill deep into the earth to extract oil or gas, (e. g. the Derrick).
Hoisting System. A mechanical lifting system that is used to raise and lower heavy objects, (e. g. the crown block and traveling block).
Rotary Table. A heavy-duty rotating table that is used to move the drill stem vertically, (e. g. the rotary table).
Mud Pumps. A type of pump used to circulate drilling mud and other fluids through the drill string, (e. g. mud pumps).
Drill Pipe. A long, tubular steel pipe used to connect the drill bit to the rest of the drilling system, (e. g. drill pipe).
Blowout Preventer. A large valve used to shut off the flow of fluids in the event of a sudden pressure increase, (e. g. a blowout preventer).
Drill Bits. A tool used to cut through hard surfaces, such as rock, clay, and gravel, (e. g. drill bits).
Casing. A metal pipe that is inserted into the well to hold back the pressure and prevent caving, (e. g. casing).
Well Logging Equipment. Specialized tools used to measure and record the characteristics of a borehole or well, (e. g. gamma ray loggers).
Directional Drilling Tools. Specialized tools used to direct the drill bit in a set direction, (e. g. a steerable motor).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association of Drilling Engineers (AADE)
International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC)
Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE)
Society of Petroleum Evaluation Engineers (SPEE)
International Association for the Properties of Water and Steam (IAPWS)
American Petroleum Institute (API)
National Driller Association (NDA)
International Well Control Forum (IWCF)
Offshore Operators Committee (OOC)
International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association (IPIECA)

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Common Important Terms

Drilling Rig. A large structure on land or in the sea that is used to drill for and extract oil and gas.
Drilling Platform. The platform which supports the drilling rig and is used to move it around as needed.
Drilling Operation. The process of creating a wellbore in order to reach an oil or gas reservoir.
Subsurface Geology. The study of the rocks, minerals and other subsurface materials that make up the Earth's crust.
Geological Mapping. The process of creating maps of the Earth's surface features and subsurface layers to better understand its composition and structure.
Well Logging. The process of recording data about a well such as its depth and composition during drilling operations.
Casing. The steel pipe that is placed into a wellbore to protect its walls from collapsing inwards while also preventing the escape of any oil or gas.
Perforation. The process of creating holes in the casing to allow for the flow of oil and gas out of the wellbore.
Stimulation. The process of increasing the production of oil or gas by using chemicals or other methods to increase the permeability of the reservoir rock.
Completion. The process of preparing a well for production by connecting the wellhead to other equipment such as pumps and valves.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are needed to become a Petroleum Drilling Supervisor?

To become a Petroleum Drilling Supervisor, candidates must have at least 5 years of experience in the oil and gas industry and possess a valid oilfield safety certificate.

What does a Petroleum Drilling Supervisor do?

A Petroleum Drilling Supervisor oversees the day-to-day operations of an oil or gas well drilling rig. This includes supervising the work of the drilling crew, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and reviewing any technical issues that arise.

What skills are required to be a successful Petroleum Drilling Supervisor?

Successful Petroleum Drilling Supervisors must possess strong organizational and leadership skills, as well as be able to troubleshoot technical issues and remain calm under pressure. Additionally, they must have a strong understanding of industry regulations and safety protocols.

What is the average salary for a Petroleum Drilling Supervisor?

The average salary for a Petroleum Drilling Supervisor is approximately $95,000 per year.

What type of environment does a Petroleum Drilling Supervisor work in?

Petroleum Drilling Supervisors work in a variety of environments, including onshore and offshore rigs and production facilities. The work environment is often physically demanding, and supervisors must be able to handle long hours and hazardous conditions.