Technological advancement is critical to future development of any industry especially oil and gas. There are often significant technological advances during a downturn so there will be some jobs with companies conducting research. Also, data analytics is emerging as a companies evaluate Big Data, etc. In addition, there are always jobs in technology not necessarily related to petroleum.
Some of those are listed here:
GeoAnalytics Scientist
Holistic evaluation of data is key to understand structured geoscience and engineering information. Many companies are using new software and techniques to evaluate both structured and unstructured data. Internships are available. AAPG is in the process of developing a “GeoAnalytics Certification.”
Educational Requirements:
- BS geology min; MS-PhD for higher position and pay
- Additional edu/training in computer science or software development
Experience-Expertise:
- Expertise in Data Management for energy applications—structured vs. unstructured data
- Knowledge of software such as Python, C++, Matlab, Jupiter Notebook, common applications and algorithms
- Experience with data applications, mapping, petrophysics, predictive operations, geophysics, well planning
- Knowledge of data and algorithms, pattern recognition, pattern classification, predictive analysis
- Ability to solve problems and work with data from surface surveys (drones), sensors (production, etc.), petrophysics, passive seismic, geochemical, etc.
Professional Opportunities:
- Petroleum data analyst
- Financial data analyst
- Research data analyst
Compensation:
Potential Clients:
- Energy companies
- Engineering firms
- Petroleum service companies
- Financial institutions
Opportunity Ratio:
- Emerging=2/3.5=Med to High Job Density
Examples:
- Data Scientist, Aramco Services Co., Houston, TX: Aramco (4/01/20)
- Geospatial (Environmental) Data Analyst, Belcan, Chesterfield, MO: Indeed (04/01/20)
GIS/Geographic Information Services Expert
GIS experts are needed for multiple disciplines including oil and gas. This is an established field with moderate job density if you consider all fields.
Educational Requirements:
Experience and Expertise:
- Drafting using AutoCAD, Canvas, and/or ARCInfo of similar software.
- Knowledge of mapping and use of 3-D technology.
- Experience with aerial photography, satellite imagery, drone-based technology.
Professional Opportunities:
- Digital drafting
- Spatial analyst
- Interactive map developer
Compensation:
- Jr. $25-50k/yr, Sr. $50-75k/yr
Potential Clients:
- Energy companies
- Engineering / Environmental companies
- Construction industry
- Government agencies
Opportunity Ratio:
- Semi-Mature Industry=4/3=Medium job density
Examples:
- GIS Analyst, Robert Half Tech, New Orleans, La ($65-75k): CareerBuilder (05/14/20)
- GIS Technician-Jr, ESG Consulting, Atlanta, GA: ZipRecruiter (5/18/20)
- GIS Analyst I, Dallas County, Dallas, TX: Glassdoor (4/28/20)
Remote Sensing Analyst
At this time jobs are limited in this industry for oil and gas; however, remote sensing is used in many other fields such as environmental, hydrogeology, bio-marine, security, etc. Remote sensing jobs typically require a higher level of education and are often closely tied to GIS. Applicants should be familiar with space-based and non-imaging EO-IR sensors (Electro-Optical/Infrared).
Educational Requirements:
- BS-PhD College degree; MS/MA-PhD preferred
- Must have additional training/education in remote sensing
Experience and Expertise:
- Commercial visual imagery and elevation data—satellite, aerial photo and drone acquisition.
- Data management; experience with Matlab or similar software
- Good communications skills
- Advanced—Radiative Transfer Model theory
Professional Opportunities:
- Technical analysis and evaluation of remote sensing data
- Geophysical analysis and prospecting—gravity, aeromagnetics, ground-penetrating radar, etc.
- Develop, with support of sensor experts, methods for mapping sensor performance attributes to forecast capability
- Scientific algorithm developer
Compensation:
- Pay ranges from $39-140k/yr
Potential Clients:
- Pipeline companies
- Engineering companies
- Government, e.g., JPL
Opportunity Ratio:
- Mature=5/2=Low to Moderate Job Density; much higher for PhDs and experience
Examples:
- GIS/Remote Sensing Intern, Dewberry Engineers, Inc., USA (BS): Motherworks (4/15/20)
- Remote Sensing Scientist, The Aerospace Corp., El Segundo, CA: (BS-MS+5yrs)
- Remote Sensing and Ice Scientist, JPL, Pasadena, CA (PhD): Upwork (4/15/20)
Automation-Telemetry Technician
Remote well-site data collection and now drilling data are increasing in use by operating companies. Good jobs outside of petroleum are also available.
Educational Requirements:
- BS geology, geophysics, or engineering
Experience-Expertise:
- Good with software and software development.
- Familiar with wellsite operations or other remote operations.
- Knowledge of artificial intelligence used to predict well performance to set up workovers.
- Familiar with the cloud-based data management.
- Good sales experience, salesmen are often needed.
Professional Opportunities:
- Remote operations specialist
- Well site telemetry
- Pipeline automation
- Telemetry software developer
Compensation:
- Pay ranges from$40k-75k/yr
Potential Clients:
- Energy companies
- Large multi-service companies, e.g., Schlumberger, Halliburton, Baker Hughes
- Operation consulting vendors, e.g. eLynx, GreaseBook, etc.
Opportunity Ratio:
- Emerging=2/2=Low-Med Job Density
Examples:
- Remote DevOps Engineer, Paylocity, Remote: Indeed (04/28/20)
- Automation Tech, WPX Energy, Wink, TX: Indeed & Work in Texas (4/15/20)
- Automation Technician-Onshore, Wood Group, Carlsbad, NM (BS+5yrs): Lensa (04/01/20)
- Software Developer, eLynx, Tulsa, OK
IT Analyst
If you have a minor/major in computer science or similar fields there are IT jobs available in various fields. Even during downturn energy companies need IT specialists and systems experts so there will be continued opportunities in these areas. Although there are few energy IT jobs shown on commercial search sites interested applicants should apply directly to company HR. Significant amount of training is available online.
Educational Requirements:
- BS degree
- Additional edu/training in computer science
Experience-Expertise:
- Expertise in basic computer languages.
- Knowledge of computer hardware systems
Professional Opportunities:
- IT systems analyst
- Tech coordinator
- Customer support analyst
- Systems analyst--design and development
- Systems administrator
Compensation:
- Pay ranges from $25-60k/yr ; Sr/Mgr $60-100k/yr boe
Potential Clients:
- Energy companies
- Engineering / Environmental companies
- Security companies
- Government agencies
- Construction, testing and implementation.
Industry / Density Ratio:
- Mature=5/3=Job Density
Examples:
- ServiceNow IT Analyst: Williams, Tulsa (BS+5yrs), OK: ZipRecruiter (4/15/20)
- IT Analyst, TEKsystems, Inc, Denver, CO: CareerBuilder (5/17/20)
Software Developer
This is a field that continues to develop and expand. Geologists with good computer science and software development skills can use their analytical skills. There are jobs in the energy sector but there are a multitude of job opportunities across many businesses. Significant amount of training is available online.
Educational Requirements:
- College degree with focus on computer science
- Must train for HTML, PHP, Java, CSS, and/or Python; plenty of online training
Experience-Expertise:
- Experience with computer languages
- Integration with existing web applications
- Good understanding of market needs in a particular field
- Potential access to capital
Professional Opportunities:
- Software consultant
- Software programmer
- Software engineer
Compensation:
- Pay ranges from $50-110k/yr boe
Potential Clients:
- Energy companies
- Tech companies
- Medical-technical (i.e. imaging software)
- General business
- Educational institutions
- Government
Opportunity Ratio:
- Mature (expanding)=5/4=Good Job Density
Examples:
- Software Developer, Censhare, US: Glassdoor (5/07/20)
- Software Developer, Tech USA, Denver, CO: Glassdoor (5/02/20)
- Entry Level Software Developer (BS CS+): SkillStorm (5/01/20)
Note: There are hundreds of jobs available for web development. Check the web.
Web Developer
This field continues to emerge and expand with good job density and decent pay. A college degree is not required but is recommended. Significant amount of training is available online.
Educational Requirements:
- HSw/CC-College degree
- Must train for HTML, PHP, Java, CSS, and/or Python; plenty of online training
Experience-Expertise:
- Good with computers and programing.
- Should be creative and good at design—Adobe expertise a plus
- Experience running stable, cloud-based applications
- Must be willing to review detailed code and be very patient.
- Good organization and communication skills
Professional Opportunities:
- Independent consultant--can work from home
- Online company web developer
- Online advertising
Compensation:
- Pay ranges from $35-75k/yr
Potential Clients:
- Energy companies
- Any business enterprise
- Educational institutions
- Government
Opportunity Ratio:
- Mature (Expanding)=4.5/4=High Job Density
Examples:
- Front End Web Developer, NSA, Fort Meade, MD (BS+3/$50-77boe): Indeed (04/10/20)
- Web developer, EZ Messenger, OKC, OK (HS-BS+2): Indeed (05/01/20)
Note: There are hundreds of jobs available for web development. Check the web.
Virtual Meetings Technician
This is an emerging field for teaching, remote work, and conferences. The impact of the Corona virus will change the face of small (25-1000) to large (1000 to 10,000+) conferences around the world and expertise in this field will translate to jobs. 3D visualization and gamification have been used successfully to train individuals in geosteering and also in operations on the rig, as well as OSHA training. Significant amount of training is available online.
Educational Requirements:
- College degree
- Training in virtual platforms; plenty of online training available
Experience-Expertise:
- Good organizational skills
- Meeting planning experience
- Excellent communications skills
Professional Opportunities:
- Meeting/events planner
- Digital training specialist
- Workforce planner
- Remote consultant
Compensation:
- Pay ranges from $35-75k/yr
Potential Clients:
- Most businesses
- Financial institutions
- Schools/Universities
- Government
Opportunity Ratio:
- Expanding=2/3=Medium Job Density
Examples:
- Workforce Planner, Cigna, Hartford, CT-Rwa (BS-5+): Indeed (05/11/20)
- Virtual Events Planner, eXp Realty, Dan Diego, CA-Rwa (BS=2 yrs): Indeed 5/12/20
Note: There are hundreds of jobs available for web development. Check the web.
Drone Operator
Remote Pilot Operators (RPO) for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) is a fast-growing industry around the world. Applications are broad and technology is rapidly advancing. Good pilots can be independent and consult. The US military is looking to train new recruits in this field.
Educational Requirements:
- HS-BS/BA degree
- Most drone pilots will be required to hold a FAA Part 107 license in the US (~$150 + training)
Experience-Expertise:
- Must have remotely piloted aircraft experience
- Familiar with drones, e.g. DJI Phantom 4 series, Mavic e-pro and Mavic 2 Zoom hardware
- Familiar with software for editing and output
- In some cases, must own personal drone; DJI Phantom costs ~$1600 plus Mobile Station. Total investment can range from $10,000-20,000.
Professional Opportunities:
- Pipeline and facilities inspections
- Elevation and property inspections
- Military reconnaissance, close air support and real-time battle assessment
- Drone deliveries
- Surveillance and security
Compensation:
- Pay ranges from $30-85k/yr
Potential Clients:
- Energy companies
- Multinational conglomerate technology companies, e.g. Amazon, Google
- Realty/Land companies
- Government
- Consulting companies
Opportunity Ratio:
- Emerging Industry=1.5/4=Moderate to High Job Density
Examples:
- Drone Pilot, Bees360, Tulsa, OK (FAA part 107): Jobatic (4/15/20)
- Small-Medium UAS Pilot, Textron, Fort Worth, TX: ZipRecruiter (4/15/20)
Note: There are hundreds of jobs available for web development. Check the web.