Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas

Also known as: Coiled Tubing Operator, Fishing Tool Operator, Gather Operator (+27 more)

Operate equipment to increase oil flow from producing wells or to remove stuck pipe, casing, tools, or other obstructions from drilling wells. Includes fishing-tool technicians.

🎓 Experience Level 2 (Some preparation needed) 📈 Energy & Natural Resources

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What You'll Do

Confer with others to gather information regarding pipe or tool sizes or borehole conditions in wells.
Drive truck-mounted units to well sites.
Install pressure-control devices onto wellheads.
Thread cables through derrick pulleys, using hand tools.
Operate pumps that circulate water, oil, or other fluids through wells to remove sand or other materials obstructing the free flow of oil.
Close and seal wells no longer in use.
Operate controls that raise derricks or level rigs.
Direct drilling crews performing activities such as assembling and connecting pipe, applying weights to drill pipes, or drilling around lodged obstacles.
Perforate well casings or sidewalls of boreholes with explosive charges.
Prepare reports of services rendered, tools used, or time required, for billing purposes.

Essential Skills

Operations Monitoring 4.0/5

Critical Thinking 3.75/5

Operation and Control 3.75/5

Monitoring 3.62/5

Active Listening 3.38/5

Troubleshooting 3.38/5

Judgment and Decision Making 3.25/5

Complex Problem Solving 3.12/5

Equipment Maintenance 3.12/5

Reading Comprehension 3.0/5

Writing 3.0/5

Speaking 3.0/5

Career Fit Overview

Use this summary to understand the kind of profile this role rewards. It helps you judge whether this career looks like a stronger match than your current role, a nearby move worth exploring, or a broader path to compare more seriously.

Top passions

Maker: Building and fixing energizes you. You like tangible results and practical tools.
Organizer: Bringing order to data and processes satisfies you.
Analyst: Investigating problems and finding patterns keeps you engaged.

Common styles

Cautiousness, Dependability, Attention to Detail, Stress Tolerance, Perseverance

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Key Abilities

This career demands strong capabilities in the following areas:

Problem Sensitivity 4.0/5

Arm-Hand Steadiness 4.0/5

Control Precision 4.0/5

Multilimb Coordination 3.75/5

Near Vision 3.62/5

Reaction Time 3.5/5

Hearing Sensitivity 3.5/5

Oral Comprehension 3.38/5

Technologies & Tools

Computerized maintenance management system CMMS Data logger software Inventory tracking software Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft SharePoint Microsoft Word SAP software Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software Time and attendance software

Work Environment & Strengths

Common Strengths for This Career

Cautiousness (High importance: 4.65/5)
Dependability (High importance: 4.65/5)
Attention to Detail (High importance: 4.41/5)
Stress Tolerance (High importance: 4.37/5)
Perseverance (High importance: 4.18/5)

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How to Become One

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful but is usually not required. Training is often provided on the job.

Similar Careers to Explore

Also Known As

This career is known by many different job titles across industries. Here are all the variations:

Coiled Tubing Operator Fishing Tool Operator Gather Operator Oil and Gas Equipment Operator Oil and Gas Field Technician Oil and Shale and Tar Processing Technician Oil Processing Technician Oil Well Fishing Tool Technician Oil Well Service Operator Oil Well Service Unit Operator Pulling Unit Operator Reverse Unit Operator Rig Operator Service Operator Service Rig Operator Service Unit Operator Shale Processing Technician Spray Rig Operator Swabber Tar Processing Technician Tool Pusher Unit Operator Well Cleaner Well Service Pump Equipment Operator Well Service Rig Operator Well Services Operator Well Servicing Rig Hand Well Servicing Rig Operator Wireline Operator Work Over Rig Operator

Career Fit FAQs

Is this career a good fit for me

This page shows the role itself. To see personal fit, use the assessment to compare your interests, motivations, and strengths against this career and against the role you are in now.

Can this help if I want to stay in my field

Yes. Many people use career pages like this to compare nearby roles in the same field and see whether they need a full switch or a better-fit version of the work they already know.

What should I compare first

Start with the daily tasks, the preparation level, and the work-style signals on this page. Then use the assessment to see whether this role looks like a stronger fit than your current role or just a different title.

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