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Petroleum Engineer Job Description

What does a Petroleum Engineer do?

A Petroleum Engineer typically designs and develops methods for extracting oil and gas from underground reservoirs. They analyze geological data and supervise drilling and well testing operations to ensure efficient production of petroleum products. Petroleum Engineers also work closely with geologists and other specialists to determine the most effective drilling methods, and must stay up-to-date with technological advancements in the field to ensure safe and cost-effective production. They ensure that environmental regulations are being followed and work towards developing sustainable methods for oil and gas production.

Our Petroleum Engineer job description includes the Petroleum Engineer responsibilities, duties, skills, education, qualifications, and experience.

Petroleum Engineer Example


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If you need an example job description for a Petroleum Engineer download the one below, alternatively we have many other Engineering job description samples and a job description library with over 3000 job descriptions templates that you can download for free.

What does a Petroleum Engineer do?

A Petroleum Engineer is responsible for designing and implementing methods to extract oil and natural gas from reservoirs located underground or beneath the sea. They use advanced technology and engineering principles to analyse geological data and develop efficient ways to extract these resources. They also maintain and repair equipment used for this purpose. Petroleum Engineers need to have a good understanding of the physical and chemical properties of the oil and gas present in the reservoir and a good knowledge of the relevant drilling and extraction technology. They must be able to work in challenging environments and be comfortable with the use of complex mathematical principles.

Petroleum Engineer Role Purpose

The purpose of a Petroleum Engineer is to develop and implement cost-effective methods for extracting oil and gas from reservoirs. They evaluate potential locations, assess the quality of existing resources and develop plans to maximise the extraction of these resources while maintaining safety and environmental standards. Petroleum Engineers also plan and monitor the drilling of wells and analyse data from production tests to improve the efficiency of operations. They ensure that the equipment used in the extraction process is up to date and in working order, and investigate any problems that arise.

Petroleum Engineer Role

Petroleum engineers are responsible for the development and production of oil and gas reserves. They analyse the subsurface geology of oil and gas reservoirs, develop methods to extract and process the resources, and design, construct and operate the necessary equipment. They are also involved in the optimisation of production processes, ensuring that the most efficient and cost-effective methods are employed.

Petroleum Engineer Duties

  • Carry out subsurface studies to evaluate oil and gas reservoirs and identify the best methods for extraction
  • Plan and design the layout of oil and gas field developments
  • Develop and implement drilling plans and hydraulic fracturing plans for oil and gas well production
  • Analyse data from production operations and interpret results to recommend changes
  • Supervise drilling and production operations of oil and gas wells
  • Carry out regular maintenance on oil and gas well equipment
  • Assess and evaluate the potential of new exploration sites
  • Manage budgets and resources for oil and gas projects

Petroleum Engineer Requirements

  • BSc or MSc in Petroleum Engineering
  • Knowledge of drilling and production operations
  • Experience in reservoir engineering
  • Understanding of oil and gas industry
  • Strong analytical and problem solving skills

Petroleum Engineer Skills

  • Knowledge of petroleum engineering principles
  • Understanding of oil and gas exploration and production
  • Familiarity with reservoir engineering concepts
  • Ability to work with computers and software applications
  • Excellent problem solving and analytical skills

Petroleum Engineer Personal Traits

  • Strong analytical skills
  • Good problem solving skills
  • Creative thinking
  • Good communication skills

How to write a Petroleum Engineer Job Advert

Use our job advert template to write a job advert for posting on job sites and job boards. Our job advertising templates are carefully created to help you reach your audience and beat the competition to the best talent.

A job description informs the reader about a job, whereas a job advert’s main objective is to sell the job opportunity to attract as many suitable applicants possible. A job advert maybe the first touch-point a candidate has with your company so it is important to create a great impression.

Job Advertisements should enticing, so considering using short, exciting language which get the reader’s attention.

How to write a Petroleum Engineer Job Description

To write a job description, we recommend starting with a job description template from our job description library, which contains examples for 800+ positions and professions. Our job description examples include a job summary with duties and responsibilities and skills and requirements, which can be personalised for your job vacancy.

Job Description Advice - Guidance on How to Personalise a Petroleum Engineer Job Specification

The hiring process and recruiting new employees to fill your key roles requires a degree of personalisation if you are to attract the best employees in a competitive employment market. The right person for a crucial role or more senior roles will likely have other employers targeting them. As your job description will be the first point of contact, you need to nail your pitch and provide the best possible service.

Job Description Tips - Help on formatting a Petroleum Engineer Job Specification

When creating your bespoke description and advert, you should cover and promote these points:

Job title: This should accurately reflect the role and include keywords that top talent might be using to search for jobs.

Job duties: The day to day duties, such as administrative tasks, which vary depending on the company and inform the candidate if they can complete the role.

Technical skills: These are the hard skills required through training, such as proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Soft skills: These include the interpersonal skills and general abilities the right candidates will possess. For example, the competency to prioritise multiple tasks, handle customer queries and customer complaints, work alone, or build a good relationship with coworkers.

The company's culture: Highlighting your company culture and values ensures employees thrive and find outstanding job satisfaction. Candidates that are not the right fit won’t waste their time completing the application process, meaning you can focus on qualified individuals and hire in a more timely manner.

Career progression: Including the career path will entice candidates looking for career growth. 

Training and development programs: Smaller companies may need employees with previous experience or provide educational assistance over internal training offered by larger organisations with more significant resources. 

Employee benefits: Compensation and benefits often fail to appear in job ads and while you may want to hold your cards close to your chest, failing to include them is a mistake. Consider answering common questions, such as working hours and paid leave. Researching the average salary for the role in these early stages will ensure you don’t waste your interviewer’s and the candidate’s time.

Skill gaps: Your company may need to bring in new skills beyond those required to complete the key role and duties. Thinking on an organisational level can be beneficial when contemplating skills diversity.

Legal requirements: Ensure your job advert and description does not ask for inappropriate or discriminatory personal details, such as age, marital status, or religion.

How to Hire a Petroleum Engineer

Once you have selected your Job Description download it or convert it to a Job Advert. From here you can post/advertise your job across our network of job boards. If you wish to use the job description for a CV Template click through for advice and Convert to a CV

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