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

May 10, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The increase in demand for Petroleum Exploration Technicians has caused a shortage in qualified personnel. This has led to higher wages for those with the relevant skills, allowing them to take advantage of the lucrative job opportunities available in the industry. Furthermore, this has also caused a surge in the number of people seeking to enter the field, resulting in a rise in training and education programs to meet the growing demand.

Companies have also been investing more in technology to help them locate and extract oil, meaning that those with technological expertise are especially sought after. All of these factors have contributed to the growth of the petroleum exploration sector, and have helped make it one of the most lucrative industries in the world.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Since most employers of Petroleum Exploration Technicians prefer to hire those with a high school degree, it is important to obtain one.
Consider taking college courses. Many employers require a college degree in petroleum engineering, geology, geophysics, geochemistry, or similar fields. Attending college will also provide the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills necessary for the position.
Gain experience in the field. Many employers prefer candidates with prior experience in the petroleum exploration industry. Consider obtaining an internship or working as a technician in a related field.
Become certified. Some employers may require certification in areas such as hazardous materials handling and safety. Contact the American Petroleum Institute (API) for more information about becoming certified.
Find a job. Look for petroleum exploration technician positions online or in newspapers and trade magazines. Networking with people in the industry may also help to find job opportunities.

The petroleum exploration industry is constantly changing and evolving, so it is important for technicians to stay up-to-date on the latest technology and techniques. Staying informed and capable requires an individual to stay abreast of the latest news and developments in the industry. This can be done by actively participating in conferences, workshops, and training sessions, as well as reading industry publications, staying in contact with colleagues, and joining professional organizations.

Keeping up to date with the latest technology and techniques can help technicians stay ahead of the curve and provide a competitive advantage in their career. having a comprehensive understanding of industry regulations and standards can help ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. By staying informed and capable, technicians can remain at the forefront of the industry and be better prepared to handle any situation that may arise.

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Job Description

Collect and analyze geological data from borehole samples.
Monitor and analyze drilling operations.
Conduct seismic surveys and interpret seismic data.
Prepare well reports, geological maps, and cross-sections.
Analyze geological formations to identify potential drilling sites.
Operate and maintain a variety of geological equipment.
Select and use appropriate sampling and measuring techniques to collect geological data.
Develop and maintain databases for geological data.
Interpret seismic data and other subsurface information to determine petroleum-bearing structures.
Prepare maps, graphs, and other visuals for presentations to clients and colleagues.
Research new technologies and techniques for the exploration of petroleum deposits.
Provide technical consultation to clients on subsurface conditions and related issues.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of oil and gas exploration principles and techniques
Knowledge of the geography and geology of oil and gas fields
Ability to read and interpret geological maps and data
Ability to follow safety protocols
Proficiency in operating specialized exploration equipment
Ability to work outdoors in a variety of environmental conditions
Knowledge of environmental regulations and safety standards
Ability to work as part of a team
Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues
Strong problem-solving skills
Attention to detail

The ability to effectively analyze data is essential for any Petroleum Exploration Technician. From seismic surveys to borehole logs and core sample analysis, Petroleum Exploration Technicians are tasked with interpreting and analyzing information in order to assess the potential of an oil and gas reservoir. As such, having strong analytical skills is key to success in this job.

understanding geological concepts, such as stratigraphy and structural geology, is also important in interpreting the data. Furthermore, it is necessary to have excellent communication skills in order to effectively collaborate and share information with colleagues. Finally, a deep knowledge of the software used to analyze and present data is also essential for any Petroleum Exploration Technician.

With these skills, a Petroleum Exploration Technician can more accurately assess a potential oil or gas reservoir and make informed decisions about where to drill for resources.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in petroleum exploration?
How would you describe your knowledge of geological mapping techniques?
What processes do you use to evaluate well data?
Describe the geophysical survey methods you have utilized in the past.
What tools do you use to analyze seismic and other data?
How do you maintain safety and environmental standards in your work?
How do you keep up with new technology and trends in the industry?
Describe a challenging situation you faced while working on an exploration project.
How would you manage a team of other exploration technicians?
Describe the steps you typically take when researching a new area for potential oil and gas reserves.

Common Tools in Industry

Geophysical survey equipment. A range of equipment used to measure and monitor subsurface geophysical properties. (eg: seismic reflection, gravity and magnetic surveys)
Borehole logging tools. Equipment used to measure and record the physical properties of a borehole. (eg: temperature, electrical and resistivity logs)
Stratigraphic sampling. Tools for collecting physical samples from the subsurface for further testing and analysis. (eg: core samples, chips, and cuttings)
Drilling equipment. A range of tools used to drill and extract samples from the subsurface. (eg: drill rigs, mud pumps and rotary drilling tools)
Mapping software. Software used to create geological maps and analyze data sets. (eg: ArcGIS and Petrel)
Geophysical modelling software. Software used to model subsurface geology, such as rock types and structures. (eg: SeisWorks and Kingdom Suite)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG)
Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE)
American Association of Drilling Engineers (AADE)
National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE)
Society of Petroleum Evaluation Engineers (SPEE)
International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC)
American Oil and Gas Historians (AOGH)
International Well Control Forum (IWCF)
Offshore Technology Conference (OTC)
Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG)

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Common Important Terms

Geology. The study of the physical structure and substance of the Earth, including its history and the processes that shape it.
Seismology. The scientific study of earthquakes and other seismic activity.
Drilling. The act of creating a hole in the ground, usually for the purpose of extracting oil or gas.
Geophysics. The study of the physical properties of the Earth, including its structure, composition, and dynamics.
Geochemistry. The study of the chemical composition and distribution of minerals, rocks, and soils.
Subsurface Mapping. The process of gathering data to create an image of the subsurface environment.
Logging. The process of recording information about the physical characteristics of a borehole.
Reservoir Engineering. The application of engineering principles to the evaluation and development of oil and gas reservoirs.
Well Completion. The process of installing equipment for a well to be used for production.
Production Engineering. The application of engineering principles to the optimization of petroleum production.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Petroleum Exploration Technician? A1: A Petroleum Exploration Technician is a professional responsible for the safe and efficient operation of exploration, drilling, and production activities in the oil and gas industry. Q2: What skills do Petroleum Exploration Technicians need? A2: Petroleum Exploration Technicians need to have strong knowledge of petroleum engineering principles and techniques, safety protocols, and the ability to read and interpret geological maps and data. They must also be able to use specialized software programs to analyze seismic data, perform risk assessments, and design well paths. Q3: What qualifications are necessary to become a Petroleum Exploration Technician? A3: To become a Petroleum Exploration Technician, you must have at least a bachelor's degree in petroleum engineering or a related field, such as geology or geophysics. Experience working in the oil and gas industry is also highly beneficial. Q4: What is the average salary for a Petroleum Exploration Technician? A4: According to PayScale.com, the national average salary for a Petroleum Exploration Technician is $80,528 per year, with the top 10% earning an average of $132,876 per year. Q5: What types of jobs are available for Petroleum Exploration Technicians? A5: Petroleum Exploration Technicians can work in a variety of roles, including exploration geophysicist, mud engineer, well site supervisor, drilling engineer, production engineer, reservoir engineer, or rig technician.