Careers in Mining and Resources WA

› Home › Careers › Petroleum Engineer

Petroleum Engineer

Also known as: Petroleum Geoscientist, Oil and Gas Engineer, Offshore Engineer, Reservior Engineer

Petroleum engineers plan and manage the recovery of oil and gas from petroleum reservoirs

study geological and geophysical information to determine what type of drilling equipment and method of drilling would be the most efficient and cost effective, and plan the locations for drilling
assist in estimating the economic potential of oil and gas reserves by directing the testing of boreholes
identify the liquids or gases contained, the rate at which they can be recovered, and the temperatures and pressures that need to be dealt with
plan and conduct research and provide advice on engineering operations for the extraction of petroleum or natural gas
work out the best way to develop oil and gas reserves and to maximise recovery and profit
determine methods of controlling the flow of oil or gas from wells and keep records of production
plan ways to transport the oil and gas reserves to the seabed, including the use of downhole pumps and gaslift systems
study operating equipment, environmental problems and the treatment of oil to remove sediment and water
conduct operations and activities in accordance with environmental policies and codes
work safely and use any equipment provided for health and safety purposes
monitor the necessary safety procedures and facilities for personnel working on the project.