Petroleum Engineers

Petroleum Engineers plan and direct the engineering aspects of locating and extracting petroleum or natural gas from the earth.

What the job involves

• Conducts preliminary surveys of petroleum and natural gas deposits with prospectors, geologists, geophysicists, other scientists and engineers to determine the resources present, the feasibility of extracting the reserves, and the design and development of the extraction process

• Prepares operation and project cost estimates and production schedules, and reports the progress, production and costs compared to budget

• Assesses the natural, technical, financial and safety risks associated with the phases of the project development, construction and operations

• Co-ordinates the utilisation of labour and equipment consistent with efficiency targets, statutes, safety guidelines and environmental conditions

• Conducts research and provides advice on engineering operations for the exploration, location and extraction of petroleum and natural gas

• Determines location for drilling

• Decides on types of derrick and equipment including seabed platforms

• Devises methods of controlling the flow of oil and gas from wells