Overview
Oil and gas well drilling workers operate drilling and service rig machinery as intermediate members of the rig crew. Oil and gas well services operators drive trucks and operate specialized hydraulic pumping systems to place cement in wells or to treat wells with chemicals, sand mixtures or gases to stimulate production. They are employed by drilling and well service contractors and by petroleum producing companies.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Oil and gas well drilling workers
Use specialized equipment, information and maps to determine and document the location of buried pipelines and other utilities in preparation for seismic exploration and drilling activities
Align and manipulate sections of pipe or drill stem from platform on rig derrick during removal and replacement of strings of pipe, or drill stem and drill bit
Operate and maintain drilling mud systems and pumps during drilling, and mix mud, chemicals and additives
Record mud flows and volumes and take samples
Operate and maintain drilling rig diesel motors, transmissions and other mechanical equipment
Assist in setting up, taking down and transporting drilling and service rigs
Supervise floorhands and labourers.
Oil and gas well services operators
Drive well services truck to well site
Assemble pumping equipment and attach pumps and hoses to wellhead
Operate hydraulic pumping systems to pump chemicals, gases, sand, cement or other material into well
Read gauges to monitor pressure, density, rate and concentration and adjust pumping procedure as required
May mix chemicals and cements.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$61,525
$83,424
$94,895
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
British Columbia
46expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Completion of secondary school is required.
Training of up to three months with an experienced operator is required for oil and gas well services operators.
Completion of petroleum industry-approved training courses may be required.
Additional information
Progression to oil and gas well driller or service rig operator is possible with experience.
Progression to supervisor of well services is possible for gas and oil well services operators.
Certification requirements
Optional: The following certifications are optional to practice as Oil and gas well drilling and related workers and services operators in B.C.
- Basic first aid and CPR - Oil and gas well drilling and related workers and services operators
- Hydrogen Sulphide Awareness
- First Line Supervisor Blowout Prevention
- Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) Certification - Oil and gas well drilling and related workers and services operators
- Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) - Oil and gas well drilling and related workers and services operators
- Fall Protection for Rig Work - Oil and gas well drilling and related workers and services operators
Basic first aid and CPR - Oil and gas well drilling and related workers and services operators
To work as an Oil and gas well drilling and related workers and services operators in B.C., you may need to be registered with the Basic first aid and CPR.
Hydrogen Sulphide Awareness
To work as Oil and gas well drilling and related workers and services operators in B.C., you may need to complete a course in Hydrogen Sulphide Awareness. Click the link below for more information.
First Line Supervisor Blowout Prevention
To work as Oil and gas well drilling and related workers and services operators in B.C., you may need to complete a course in First Line Supervisor Blowout Prevention. Click the link below for more information.
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) Certification - Oil and gas well drilling and related workers and services operators
To work as an Oil and gas well drilling and related workers and services operators in B.C., you may need the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) Certification. Eligibility is achieved by completing the relevant course.
Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) - Oil and gas well drilling and related workers and services operators
To work as an Oil and gas well drilling and related workers and services operators in B.C., you may need the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Certification. Eligibility is achieved by completing the relevant course.
Fall Protection for Rig Work - Oil and gas well drilling and related workers and services operators
To work as Oil and gas well drilling and related workers and services operators in B.C., you may need to complete a course in Fall Protection for Rig Work. Click the link below for more information.
Work Experience
Work experience required
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
No post-secondary education required
No post-secondary education required. You can work in this career without post-secondary education. Some on the job training may be provided. With additional training or experience, you may be able to progress into higher level, supervisory or management positions.