For the right person, a career as a wireline operator definitely has its advantages. At current, there are thousands of openings for wireline operators with a number of oil and gas companies. Despite some rough years dealing with environmental issues, the oil and gas industry is still quite strong and will remain so. Working as a wireline operator comes with a respectable salary that starts at around $120,000 per year with a CDL and explosives certification.
Duties of a Wireline Operator
A wireline operator can be responsible for everything from rigging the wireline truck to lowering electrical cable and instruments necessary to facilitate the normal activities associated with drilling.
Below you will find some additional responsibilities of a wireline operators:
• Lower down-hole plugs
• Lower and operate fishing tools that are used to retrieve malfunctioning or lost wire and/or equipment.
• Lowering e-line (highly sophisticated electronic logging equipment)
• Lowering and operating perforated guns – equipment used to break through the well casing in order to allow the oil and gas to flow freely into the well.
Wireline operators drive wireline trucks, which require a CDL to operate. A good wireline operator will have a high mechanical aptitude as well as substantial physical strength and endurance. They will also have a proclivity for working outdoors in all types or weather and conditions.
Qualifications
• Commercial Driver’s License with air break certification
• Licensed by a provincial government agency to handle the certain types of explosive that they will be responsible for handling
• Certification in transporting dangerous goods
• First aid training and certification
Diversity and Adventure
Admittedly, being a wireline operator is not for everyone. If you don’t like working outdoors in weather that can venture to the extremes on both ends, this may not be the career for you, but if you are the adventurous type that enjoys the outdoors and you don’t mind the change of scenery – this just might be what you are looking for.
Because of the diversity of responsibilities associated with being a wireline operator there is a lot of room for growth in the position.
International Travel
Because most oil and gas companies have international operations, this presents an opportunity for you to travel the globe and put your skills to work. Obviously, overseas work comes with increased pay and unique expense benefits.
Even in an economy that is in flux, there are certain industries and positions that are holding strong. Over the next six years, the market for wireline operators are expected to grow at a rate above the national average. This ensures that there will be career opportunities and job security. If you are not already qualified, you will require the proper training, but any investment in preparing for this career will be more than worthwhile.