Overview
Petroleum engineers conduct studies for the exploration, development and extraction of oil and gas deposits; and plan, design, develop and supervise projects for the drilling, completion, testing and re-working of oil and gas wells. They are employed by petroleum producing companies, consulting companies, well logging or testing companies, government, and research and educational institutions.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Conduct feasibility assessment studies for developing new oil and gas fields
Direct and monitor oil and gas drilling operations
Develop drilling programs, select sites and specify drilling fluids, bit selection, drill stem testing procedures and equipment
Direct and monitor the completion and evaluation of wells, well testing and well surveys
Design and select artificial lift machinery, and well and surface production equipment and systems, and specify programs for corrosion control and oil or gas treatment
Develop specifications for and monitor and supervise well modification and stimulation programs to maximize oil and gas recovery
Analyze reservoir rock and fluid data to design optimum recovery methods and to predict reservoir performance and reserves
Monitor and forecast oil and gas reservoir performance and recommend oil recovery techniques which extend the economic life of wells
Design, develop and coordinate the installation, maintenance and operation of subsea well-head and production equipment.
Petroleum engineers may specialize in drilling, production, reservoir analysis or subsea operations.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
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$97,398
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Job openings
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British Columbia
28expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
A bachelor's degree in petroleum engineering or in a related engineering discipline is required.
A master's degree or doctorate in a related engineering discipline may be required.
Licensing by a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers is required to approve engineering drawings and reports and to practise as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.).
Additional information
There is mobility between petroleum engineering specializations at the less senior levels.
Supervisory and senior positions in this unit group require experience.
Engineers often work in a multidisciplinary environment and acquire knowledge and skills through work experience that may allow them to practise in associated areas of science, engineering, sales, marketing or management.
Certification requirements
Mandatory: You need the following certification to practice as Petroleum engineers in B.C.
- Engineers and Geoscientists BC Registration - Petroleum Engineers
Engineers and Geoscientists BC Registration - Petroleum Engineers
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To practice as a petroleum engineer in B.C., you must register with Engineers and Geoscientists B.C. Eligibility is achieved through graduation from an accredited program, 4 years of work experience as an Engineer-In-Training, and successful completion of the National Professional Practice Examination.
Work Experience
Work experience required
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.