All about the profession rig operator

In the past few years, young people have become attracted to working professions. Despite the fact that office positions are still leading in popularity, a large number of school graduates began to think about getting a working specialty. Today in our article we will talk about who the rig operator is and what is his job.

Rig operator - an employee whose duties include the implementation of drilling processes. Most often, such activities are relevant for the discovery of natural deposits (for example, oil or gas) or even their exploration. The driver is engaged in the direct operation of the drilling rig, and, if necessary, in the repair and commissioning of such complex equipment. Thus, we can conclude that the work of a specialist is very complex and responsible. A person holding such a position should have a large amount of specialized knowledge, skills.

At the same time, it is worth noting the fact that, like any other profession, the position of a specialist in charge of managing a drilling rig is characterized not only by positive but also by negative traits.

The advantages of the professional activity of a rig operator include:

• prestige and status (in the Russian Federation, work related to oil and gas production is considered respected);
• demand (a person with the appropriate qualifications will not remain without work, since today there are a large number of open vacancies);
• high wages (material remuneration for the work of the rig operator provides a high standard of living);
• high probability of career growth, etc.

However, in addition to the pros, there are also disadvantages. Among them, most often distinguish:

• the demand for specialists only in some regions of the country (accordingly, to get a job it will be necessary to move or work on a rotational basis, which is not acceptable for every person);
• high level of responsibility (even a small mistake of an employee can lead to serious negative consequences), etc.

As you can see, the merits of the profession far outweigh the disadvantages. However, for some people, the disadvantages are so significant that they refuse this work. One way or another, but it is important to carefully analyze all the details and nuances in order to make an objective and balanced decision, which you will not regret in the future.

The profession in question is included in a single tariff qualification reference book (or ETKS). Here, in detail, all its features and distinctive characteristics are spelled out. So, according to this document, the specialist must carry out his work activities strictly in accordance with the job description, which details all the duties of the employee:

• drilling operations on a clearly defined construction site;
• mining activities;
• selection and packaging of samples necessary for a detailed study (for example, soil or water samples);
• transportation of necessary items;
• safety precautions, etc.

In this way, job description - This is the most important document. Even at the stage of interviews and interviews, each employer invites applicants to familiarize themselves with it so that the candidate for the position can soberly assess his strength and understand whether he meets the requirements for him. At the same time, the list of duties given above is not closed. Each employer can supplement and change it depending on the specific activities of a particular enterprise. Accordingly, a highly skilled specialist must be able to quickly adapt and adapt.

Keep in mind that For refusal to perform or for poor performance of their duties, the rig operator may be held responsible.

As mentioned above, the rig operator must perform a list of complex functions and tasks. To do this as competently and efficiently as possible, he must have specialized professional knowledge, skills and abilities, among which are:

• knowledge of regulatory documents, laws and regulations that govern the professional activities of a specialist;
• knowledge of labor law;
• knowledge of the rules of sanitation and hygiene;
• knowledge of the internal routine;
• knowledge of the device and the technical features of the rig, which is the direct work;
• understanding of the components of drilling rigs and masts;
• the ability to properly carry out the drilling procedure (with and without coring) in various environmental conditions;
• knowledge of the fundamentals of the processes of cementation, silicification, grouting, bitumenization, freezing of wells;
• the ability to carry out repair and adjustment work (with regards to the equipment being operated) and many others. other

In addition, depending on the specific activities of a particular enterprise, as well as the wishes of the employer knowledge and skill requirements may change. In any case, the specialist can not be limited only to the basic list.

In order to qualify as a drilling rig operator, you must undergo appropriate training. Most often, employers hire those candidates who have a diploma of secondary vocational education from a college or technical school. In this case, not only the presence of the diploma itself, but also the grades in it have an important role. In some cases, employers may also accept specialists who have completed specialized courses.

It should be noted right away that the learning process is rather complicated and complex. So, the student will have to study:

• device and operating principles of drilling machines and related equipment;
• rules and methods for implementing the direct drilling procedure;
• geology;
• operating standards for drilling machines;
• labor protection and many others other

In addition, in the process of obtaining education special attention needs to be paid to internships and practicesthat are an integral part of learning. It is in the process of practical activity that students master the necessary skills that will be useful in further work, as well as gain invaluable experience.

It is also worth noting that one should not stop at receiving only basic education. Even after employment It is recommended to regularly attend various specialized courses, seminars and lectures in order to stay up to date with the latest innovations in the industry. It is also important that, depending on the competence of the specialist, his rank changes - the higher he is, the more complex and complex duties and tasks are included in the job description, respectively, the higher the material reward for the specialist’s work. Thus, the driver of the 3rd category, during the performance of his work functions, uses the 1st category rigs in drilling, uses motorized drills and portable hand sets. At the same time, the employee with the highest - 6th - qualification, controls the correctness of the fulfillment of his duties by other employees and occupies a leadership position.

After completing the training, a young specialist can apply for the position of assistant rig operator. The thing is that at this stage a person does not yet have the proper amount of theoretical knowledge and skills to fully and skillfully perform the necessary work. After some time has elapsed (depending on the learning ability and activity of the specialist), he can transfer to the position of a machinist and gradually (over time and with advanced training) increase his rank.

As for the branches of human activity, most often such specialists are involved in such areas as:

• oil and gas;
• gold mining;
• geological industry;
• engineering and surveying field, etc.

Wherein Specialists can work both in public institutions and in private organizations. Both options have both advantages and disadvantages. For example, in the private sector, material remuneration for labor is much higher, but government organizations offer a full social package.

Depending on your professional ambitions and desires, you can stay on your job as a drilling rig operator all your life, only increasing your rank, or move up the career ladder. So, often these specialists reach the level of a junior technical engineer. At the same time, further growth is possible when obtaining higher education.