Occupation Details
Petroleum Engineers
Devise methods to improve oil and gas extraction and production and determine the need for new or modified tool designs. Oversee drilling and offer technical advice.
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Interests
Realistic
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Investigative
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Conventional
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Work Values
Achievement
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Working Conditions
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Independence
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$56,130.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$82,160.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$113,290.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
63,650
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
74,330
+1,068 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
5,487
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.2%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
Degree Needed - Four-year college
Experience Requirements
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Education Requirements
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training Details
Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, conservation scientists, art directors, and cost estimators.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
New York State requires workers in this occupation to hold a license or certification.
Professional Engineer
Learn MoreSkills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Physics
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Chemistry
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Achievement/Effort
Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Innovation
Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Self-Control
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- Computer scanners
- Desktop computers
- Laptop computers
- Personal computers
Technology
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- C++
- Computer Modelling Group CMG STARS
- DFA Capital Management GEMS
- Eclipse IDE
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software
- Finite element analysis FEA software
- GeoGraphix ARIES Portfolio
- Google Analytics
- IBM Notes
- IHS Petra
- IHS QUE$TOR
- Landmark Graphics TOW/cs
- Linux
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- test equipment as part of engineering projects or processes
- conduct performance testing
- inspect project operations, or site to determine specification compliance
- prepare reports
- prepare safety reports
- prepare technical reports or related documentation
- draw prototypes, plans, or maps to scale
- calculate engineering specifications
- direct personnel in support of engineering activities
- delegate authority for engineering activities
- supervise petroleum workers
- assign work to staff or employees
- lead teams in engineering projects
- adhere to safety procedures
- perform safety inspections in construction or resource extraction setting
- inspect facilities or equipment for regulatory compliance
- examine engineering documents for completeness or accuracy
- advise clients or customers
- advise clients regarding engineering problems
- explain complex mathematical information
- coordinate development of refining processes
- direct and coordinate scientific research or investigative studies
- coordinate engineering project activities
- direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
- estimate time needed for project
- explore for oil or gas
- use drafting or mechanical drawing techniques
- use government regulations
- use hazardous materials information
- use pollution control techniques
- use research methodology procedures within manufacturing or commerce
- use scientific research methodology
- follow safe waste disposal procedures
- use technical regulations for engineering problems
- use knowledge of investigation techniques
- use long or short term production planning techniques
- use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems
- use physical science research techniques
- use project management techniques
- use quantitative research methods
- use underwater engineering techniques
- use library or online Internet research techniques
- work as a team member
- write business project or bid proposals
- develop policies, procedures, methods, or standards
- develop plans for programs or projects
- confer with research personnel
- confer with engineering, technical or manufacturing personnel
- communicate technical information
- confer with scientists
- design construction projects
- design control systems
- design mining or petroleum equipment and other extraction systems
- design tools or mechanical devices
- design engineered systems
- design electronic equipment
- design machines
- design transporting processes
- design waste recovery methods
- improve test devices or techniques in manufacturing, industrial or engineering setting
- create mathematical or statistical diagrams or charts
- develop mathematical simulation models
- design electro-mechanical equipment
- plan production processes
- plan oil or ore extraction
- plan testing of engineering methods
- plan construction of structures or facilities
- plan scientific research or investigative studies
- compile numerical or statistical data
- develop tables depicting data
- understand engineering data or reports
- understand properties of gases or liquids
- collect scientific or technical data
- read blueprints
- read schematics
- read technical drawings
- use computer aided drafting or design software for design, drafting, modeling, or other engineering tasks
- use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
- use relational database software
- use spreadsheet software
- use word processing or desktop publishing software
- develop or maintain databases
- use intuitive judgment for engineering analyses
- resolve engineering or science problems
- analyze engineering design problems
- analyze scientific research data or investigative findings
- evaluate costs of engineering projects
- evaluate engineering data
- evaluate manufacturing or processing systems
- evaluate tool designs
- provide analytical assessment of engineering data
- perform statistical analysis in physical science or geological research
- analyze technical data, designs, or preliminary specifications
- analyze project proposal to determine feasibility, cost, or time
- analyze test data
- analyze engineering test data
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- Specify and supervise well modification and stimulation programs to maximize oil and gas recovery.
- Test machinery and equipment to ensure that it is safe and conforms to performance specifications.
- Monitor production rates, and plan rework processes to improve production.
- Maintain records of drilling and production operations.
- Analyze data to recommend placement of wells and supplementary processes to enhance production.
- Assist engineering and other personnel to solve operating problems.
- Assign work to staff to obtain maximum utilization of personnel.
- Direct and monitor the completion and evaluation of wells, well testing, or well surveys.
- Develop plans for oil and gas field drilling, and for product recovery and treatment.
- Assess costs and estimate the production capabilities and economic value of oil and gas wells, to evaluate the economic viability of potential drilling sites.
- Simulate reservoir performance for different recovery techniques, using computer models.
- Confer with scientific, engineering, and technical personnel to resolve design, research, and testing problems.
- Design and implement environmental controls on oil and gas operations.
- Supervise the removal of drilling equipment, the removal of any waste, and the safe return of land to structural stability when wells or pockets are exhausted.
- Interpret drilling and testing information for personnel.
- Coordinate activities of workers engaged in research, planning, and development.
- Write technical reports for engineering and management personnel.
- Inspect oil and gas wells to determine that installations are completed.
- Evaluate findings to develop, design, or test equipment or processes.
- Coordinate the installation, maintenance, and operation of mining and oil field equipment.
- Take samples to assess the amount and quality of oil, the depth at which resources lie, and the equipment needed to properly extract them.
- Design or modify mining and oil field machinery and tools, applying engineering principles.
- Conduct engineering research experiments to improve or modify mining and oil machinery and operations.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
Cornell University Summer College Program: Engineering
<p>If you're skilled in math and science and would like to use your talents to improve the world, then engineering could be the career for you. This program will give you a first-hand look at this diverse and exciting field. You'll investigate a wide range of technical disciplines including: Bioengineering and earth sciences, chemical and electrical engineering, civil and environmental engineering, computer science and engineering and structural and mechanical engineering.</p>
Learn MoreEngineers (Intro)
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
Learn MorePetroleum engineers
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
Learn MoreSue Files
Check out this web-based curriculum designed to put students in the shoes of a paleontologist studying Sue, the largest, most complete, and best preserved Tyrannosaurus rex. Although the scenario presented on this site is fictitious and designed to be an engaging story, all the scientific information regarding Sue the T. rex and the science of paleontology is completely accurate.
Learn MoreTryEngineering.org
This resource for students,ages 8 to18, their parents, their teachers and their school counselors will find this portal about engineering and engineering careers, to be helpful for young people to better understand what engineering means, and how an engineering career can be made part of their future.
Learn MoreTryEngineering.org Lesson Plans
TryEngineering offers a variety of lesson plans for ages 8 to 18 that align with education standards to allow teachers and students to apply engineering principles in the classroom. The provided matrix will allow you to select a lesson that will be age and content appropriate for your classroom.
Learn More