A gas engineer, known also as a petroleum engineer or oil and gas engineer, specializes in designing ways to obtain gas and oil from deep within the earth. The engineer works alongside geologists to identify the properties and formation of the rock holding the oil and gas. With this information the engineer is able to design a mechanism for maximizing the release of these natural resources. In the U.S., petroleum and gas engineering jobs are concentrated in areas with large oil and gas deposits such as Louisiana, Texas, Alaska, Oklahoma and California.
Instructions
1. Get a college degree. Entry level positions in petroleum engineering require applicants to have a bachelor's degree in engineering. The most direct way to become a gas engineer is by obtaining a bachelor's degree in petroleum engineering. However, students with a math or natural sciences degree such as geology may also qualify for gas engineering jobs.
2. Obtain an engineering technology degree. An alternative to an engineering degree, engineering technology degrees can be obtained as a two- or four-year degree plan. Technology degrees focus on practical production and design engineering instead of gas engineering jobs requiring more science and theory.
3. Get licensed. Check with your state's board of engineers to find out whether you qualify to receive professional licensing and the right to legally call yourself an engineer. Each state will have its own process, application and fees for licensing. Expect some combination of education and work experience requirements, a fee and the passing of engineering exams managed by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying. Personal and work references and a state ethics exam may be additional requirements. Expect to pay from $150 to $250 for the licensing fees. Exam fees may be an additional cost.
4. Get certified as a petroleum engineer. Certification can increase your visibility and recognition in the petroleum industry. The Society of Petroleum Engineers offers a petroleum engineer certification to its members. The certification uses a combination of requirements including education, work experience, examination and proof of ethics and professionalism in the form of peer recommendations and references. The certification fee is $125 with an annual $40 fee for renewal.
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