From exploration to drilling to refining, there are many jobs that keep crude oil flowing.
It takes many sets of hands to extract liquid petroleum, commonly known as crude oil, out of the earth. The oil must first be located, then drilled for and extracted. Afterward, it must be purchased and shipped to a refinery, where it can be broken down into the most usable fuels, such as gasoline. All alone the way, different people perform different jobs to keep the crude flowing.
Geologistw
Geologists are responsible for locating subsurface deposits of crude oil. They will often do this through a process called seismic imaging, in which they attempt to approximate the layout of a large underground area and determine the spaces most likely to contain oil. The geologists will then consult with engineers to determine the most effective spots to situate a well.
Petroleum Engineers
Petroleum engineers are responsible for designing, situating, and constructing the infrastructure used to drill for and extract the oil. This includes drills, pumps and derricks. The engineer must examine the geologist's map of the site to determine both the most effective location to drill and the most effective method for harvesting the oil.
Mechanics
If some device or system breaks down, it is up the mechanic to fix it. Mechanics perform basic maintenance and repairs on all crude oil infrastructure. Although the position is specialized, they may often also work in other, less skilled positions between repair jobs.
Roughnecks
A roughneck, the name given to a member of a crew on an oil rig, can fill any one of several positions, including the operators who work the engines, the mud pump, or the tongs. The lowest member of the rig crew is the roustabout, who is responsible for the least skilled, most menial tasks.
Energy Traders
After oil has been collected, it must be sold. While some integrated oil companies own their own refineries and sell their oil in the form of finished products, others choose to sell their crude on the open market. This is generally done through an energy broker or trader who, acting on behalf of a client or for the purposes of speculation, will buy the oil and then resell it.
Refinery Personnel
Before it can be combusted for energy, the crude oil must be distilled down to a more usable fuel, such as gasoline or kerosene. This is done in large stills called refineries. The people who supervise the refinery must have a strong understanding of both engineering and chemistry, as well as a good business sense to know which fuels to make.
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