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I have recently returned home from Afghanistan. I am looking to get into the oil field as a Production Operator. How can I become an operator with no experience?

Veteran

Timothy Ballard Thibodaux, LA

I also have an Secret Security Clearance and passport for overseas travel for work. Any advice would be helpful and I really appreciate it.

26 January 2015 4 replies Career Exploration

Answers

Advisor

Aitbek Amatov Athens, GA

Schlumberger is looking for offshore oil field operators ( at least was looking when the prices were higher). Louisiana is a great place for oil field operators, they prefer people with military experience as a sign of better discipline and honesty.
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http://careers.slb.com/

Advisor

Joe Edinger Berlin, OH

Ohio is another excellent opportunity. The Carrolton, Ohio area is booming with horizontal drilling and companies are starving for workers. Excellent opportunities to advance.

Advisor

Neil Serafin Easthampton, MA

Hi Tim. I agree with Jerry. If you head North from LA you may find the oil patch in a downturn. I have been through at least three booms and busts in the oil patch since 1977. In energy,time of entry and leaving is everything. Oil field work is like my industry (Cable TV) a start from the bottom unless you are maybe a mud engineer with a degree. Drive a truck first, then work on a rig. Managers are made in the oil patch by walking the walk and talking the talk of the grunts. As for overseas the next big deal is off Israel. The Israel oil patch is off Cyprus (the Southern part of Cyprus held by Greece) . With the new Greek government on board now, the exploration will be increased to pay off Greek debt. I would target that part of the planet for employment.

Advisor

Jerry Welsh Middleville, MI

As you may be aware with the oil market price down, there have been some cut backs on drilling and exploration. Location maybe your issue at this point. I do workshops with military in ND and if you can locate a place to live there are jobs. The key to ND is starting by driving truck and network and work your way up. It does not take much more than showing up on time sober and show some interest. A number of companies from the south provide experienced workers that come to ND. My opinion would be you will have to come up and get the experience up there. Go online with American Job Centers jobcenter.usa.gov There is a special place for veterans to go and if you have not used your Gold Card yet, you may do so. ND has had 20,000 unfilled jobs for the last 5-6 years, again the key is to reach out find a place to live and then start job hunting in that area, or request assistance with the potential employers.

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