How to Find a Job on an Oil Rig

Recently, television programs like Oil, Sweat, and Rigs and Black Gold have documented the daily life of individuals in one of the world's most adventurous and intriguing careers, the offshore oil drilling industry. These shows and other coverage have created a growing population of job seekers who are looking to make their entry into the oil and gas business. Finding positions and beginning a career in this field can be an intimidating task, so becoming informed about the industry and getting adequately prepared can be the determinant of an applicant's success.

It is important to first understand the breadth and diversity of jobs and career paths available aboard oil rigs. Most job hunters begin their search by pursuing a position as a Roustabout. Roustabouts are responsible for the grunt work of the rig: maintenance duties, daily cleaning, and general upkeep. As experience is acquired, individuals can move into more specialized positions such as rig electricians, painters, or drill technicians. Additionally, applicants may find a number of jobs in the offshore industry that utilize skills they hadn't expected. "Mud Workers" coordinate the use of drilling fluids and require a strong background in chemistry. Those interested in culinary pursuits will find a number of cooking and catering positions available, an integral part in keep the rig's staff going from day to day.

Regardless of the position one desire's to pursue, a few key insights into the offshore oil rig industry need to be considered. First, an increasing number of applicants means that open positions are becoming more and more competitive. Even with extensive experience and knowledge in certain fields, applicants may find it hard to immediately secure a high-paying, specialized job aboard the oil rig. The best bet is often to start at the bottom of the ladder and take temporary work as a Roustabout. This position allows for the acquisition of valuable experience and a chance to show off specific skills or abilities.

Second, it is important to recognize that many jobs on oil rigs are only hired on a temporary basis. Job seekers need to be aware of and prepared for the insecurity that comes along with moving from job to job and rig to rig every few weeks. These temporary positions can, however, lead to more permanent employment as one gains more experience. Lastly, it is vital to recognize that trying to contact oil companies and rigs directly is not the best way to secure a job. A more viable alternative is to work through any one of the many employment agencies that deal exclusively in the offshore oil drilling industry. Most of these agencies can be found online and afford individual applicants with credibility and industry contacts they don't have alone.

The offshore oil drilling industry can be a daunting area within which to begin seeking employment. By gathering information about the industry, locating positions that match one's experience and expertise, as well as locating reliable employment agents, adventurous job hunters can successfully find themselves living the dream of an oil rig worker.