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Is Integrated Oil & Gas Production a Good Career Path in 2024?

Is integrated oil & gas production a good career path in 2024? - my fave tools

Last updated on August 11th, 2024 at 08:08 pm

The oil and gas industry is among the most lucrative industries for high-paying jobs in the world.

And many of the highest paying, work-life balanced career jobs are integrated oil companies and are quite accessible to many people.

If you’re ever asking if oil & gas production is a good career path, the quick answer is…

An absolute yes!

This article will discuss the:

Best paying jobs in the integrated oil industry
What integrated oil and gas companies are
Companies in the integrated oil & gas production industry
Lastly, provide an answer to your question: “is integrated oil companies a good career?” or is oil & gas production a good career path?

What Is an Integrated Oil and Gas Production Company?

Integrated oil and gas companies are business entities that engage in the potential oil field survey and mapping, exploration, production, refinement, and distribution of oil and gas.

They are referred to as integrated oil companies because they don’t specialise in one segment of the industry or the process involved in oil and gas production and distribution.

They have tens of departments and employ thousands of people to deliver the jobs. Their operations begin from the discovery of oil reserves to drilling, exploration and down to the point it gets to the consumers.

The likes of Chevron and ExxonMobil, are integrated examples of the world’s largest oil and gas companies.

The production of energy for basic consumption in integrated oil companies can be divided into two basic categories:

Upstream: which includes all exploration and production endeavours, midstream, which covers transportation and storage, and
Downstream, which is confined to refinement and marketing activities.

Best Paying Jobs in Integrated Oil & Gas Production Companies

Below is the list of the best-paying jobs in the integrated oil companies:

1 Chemical Engineers

While the Geoscientists work on the discovery of oil and gas, the chemical engineers take over as the exploration and production begin.

Chemical engineers conduct tests and evaluate substances to ensure that companies are using the right chemicals when they take crude oil from the earth.

Chemical engineers are a critical resource to the oil and gas industry, in order to ensure petroleum and oil materials go directly into gas tanks, and that the correct chemicals are used to get crude oil into a usable form.

Therefore, it is an extremely important job, and it’s great for people who like to work in the labs; conducting tests on the materials

This career is one of the best careers in the oil and gas industry.

2. Well Tester

A well tester’s duty is to assess and evaluate oil pipelines. They assess the well, including the pipes to be laid during the stage of development before the actual pipelines are set into the wells.

Their job is very important; a well can collapse, so the stability of the wells and the pipeline down below the earth is very crucial

A well-tester uses his investigative skills to determine the feasibility of the well.

3. Geoscientists

In the oil and gas industry, operations start with geologists and geophysicists in the field.

They survey the land and waters, identify the potential oil reservoirs and use data to interpret the availability of oil and gas deposits hidden beneath the surface.

Upon identification, they supervise the drilling of a discovery well to locate the actual deposit. They collect and examine the drilling materials that are coming out with a geological eye. They stand by to control the drilling process and can instruct when to stop or continue the drilling process.

There are many groups of geoscientists all functioning together to ensure that the oil gets to the surface and the formations are well logged and mapped out.

Wellsite Geologists

A wellsite geologist analyzes core samples and rock-cutting data to build up knowledge of the structure being drilled

wellsite geologist’s responsibilities are:

To evaluate offset data before the start of drilling
Interpret the data and use it to describe the nature of the formations as the drilling process continues.
Advise the team on drilling hazards and using the data to advise engineers on the need for drilling bit optimisation
Based on the core samples, advise on the need to suspend or continue the drilling.
Advise operations personnel on-site and in the operations office.

Geochemists

As a geochemist, during the drilling of a well, especially the discovery well, you will need to:

Analyse the age, nature and components of rock, minerals, soil and other environmental samples
Conduct sample tests and checks, including gas chromatography, carbon and isotope data, viscosity and solvent extraction
Interpret a variety of data and analyse results and liaise with geologists, petroleum engineers and mudloggers
Provide support and recommendations to mainstream geologists.

MudLoggers

Mudlogger’s basic role is to monitor and record drilling activity, providing information to the drilling engineers about a well’s status during the extraction of oil or gas. They are usually a team of Geologists who specialize in sedimentology with an eye for data interpretation using modern software.

responsibility of Mudloggers includes:

Work in wellsite units collecting, processing, logging and describing rock samples
Use various laboratory techniques to analyse samples
Monitor computer recordings of drillings
Interpret information and relate back to the data engineer and drilling team to enhance safety and successful completion of the drilling
Operate and maintain a real-time computer-based data acquisition system, which records all aspects of rig activity
Use data to predict dangerous situations, such as over-pressured formations and assist the wellsite geologist during coring operations.
and also provide written reports to the data engineer, drilling team and operations manager.

4. Operations Manager

There are complex tasks in the Oil and gas companies that require someone to monitor and supervise operations. A director of operations must make sure everything is integrated and runs smoothly.

The oil and gas operations manager’s responsibility includes planning, coordinating, managing, scheduling and safely executing the oil and gas field (onshore and offshore exploration) productions and operations to ensure the production of the products.

It is one of the most challenging jobs in an integrated oil company but it comes with very high pay.

5. Distribution Manager

Distribution managers are those who supervise teams that work in distribution factories. They conduct tests and perform repairs on goods leaving their facility to ensure quality control.

They work with construction teams to provide any necessary materials for the building of pipelines and distribution of gas to consumers. And also create relationships with vendors and work to source materials at competitive pricing.

Distribution Managers earn an average salary of $70,741 per year

6. Oil Truck Drivers

Oil Truck Drivers are responsible for the transportation of oil by road. Their responsibility includes loading tanks at the company’s assigned fuel terminal, conducting fuel oil delivery to the customer’s site, ensuring accurate paperwork, operating oil tankers and forklift trucks as well as undertaking daily vehicle maintenance.

Apart from being able to drive, this job comes with some other requirements, since you’ll be transporting combustible materials.

Average salary: $86,065 (Indeed)

7. Project Manager

Project Managers in the oil and gas companies lead teams composed of engineers, chemists, technical specialists, and some other departments.

Their main responsibility includes:

developing and finalizing project execution and quality plan.
They also review project costs and schedule estimates and participate in the development of the control cost and schedule.
They deliver the HA Project on schedule, safely and within budget

Average salary: $92,500 (Talent.com)

8. Design Engineers

Design engineers are professionals who are responsible for creating blueprints and planning for the completion of complex construction jobs. Part of their job is to meet with clients, vendors and construction teams to gather the information required for their calculations. Design engineers consider a variety of factors when designing construction equipment and operations. When working with natural gas, They often create systems that capture the gas and deliver it to customers with minimal losses, while following all relevant safety protocols.

Designer engineers earn an average salary of $79,343 per year.

9. Petroleum engineer

Petroleum engineers design methods for extracting raw materials, such as natural gas and oil, from beneath the ground. They work on-site to determine the tools and equipment needed for a successful project and meet frequently with the production manager and the construction team to develop extraction strategies that minimize losses. Petroleum engineers frequently work overtime while an extraction site is being set up so they can assist the team when necessary.

According to Indeed.com, Petroleum Engineers earn an average salary of $88,378 per year

10. Well Drilling Engineer

Well drilling engineers are a team of highly-experienced professionals who like to get their hands a little dirty in the field rather than conducting tests in a lab as in the case of chemical engineering professionals.

Drilling engineers are typically employed by integrated oil companies to extract and produce oil and gas.

Responsibility includes:

Assessing and maintaining existing wells,
Ensuring safety measures are implemented,
Work with HSE officers to ensure safety measures are implemented before and during the drilling process.
Senior drilling engineers are involved in planning, developing and supervising the operations necessary for drilling oil and gas wells.
The drilling engineers are involved in the initial well design to testing, completion and abandonment, and removal of pipes from oil wells.

These groups of people work with an oil well service company, which is usually a department in an integrated oil company to maintain, service and validate oil wells and rigs.

11. HSE Manager and Safety Director

There is no other place where safety is most valued and written on the chest of every employee in a typical integrated oil company.

This is because of the nature of jobs in the industry. So, there is always somebody who is in charge and accountable for safety measures.

HSE stands for Health, Safety and Environmental.

It comes with the responsibility of implementing and designing all the safety programs for the entire organization related to the health and safety of employees as well as factoring in the environmental effects in the production such as gas flaring.

Basically, Health, safety and environmental (HSE) managers are responsible for:

developing and implementing organizational safety programs.
Review and update institutional HSE policies
Conduct risk assessments to detect potential hazards
Plan precautionary measures

12. Human Resources Advisor

HR Advisor’s responsibilities in an integrated oil company are about managing employees, getting feedback from them, and forwarding any concerns they may have to the management.

An experience in the oil industry is needed but you don’t necessarily need to be a geoscientist or engineer.

But to be successful, you should have an academic and professional background in HR, along with a good understanding of labor legislation

HR responsibilities also include providing interviewing tips to hiring managers, researching performance evaluation methods and collaborating with management to design company policies.

13. Pipeline Construction Manager

As a pipeline and construction manager, you’ll be responsible for leading a team of construction superintendents, and managing the subcontractor’s construction managers in completing the subcontracted works, while maintaining the required HSE and Quality standards.

Basic responsibilities of a pipeline and construction manager include:

Establishing a clear role and duty for the construction management personnel.

Reviewing & leading the implementation of the HSE project & Quality control measures.
Meet and plan with construction subcontractor’s managers and the project director on project execution; prepare the construction schedule in conjunction with the operation manager and engineers with details on specific activities and respective dates of completion.

This role requires you to have an engineering degree in mechanical or civil with experience in onshore pipeline construction projects and in a managerial position.

14. Sales Representative

Every industry needs a solid sales team to survive. Because there is a product that needs to be marketed to the people and that makes this group of people very crucial in the integrated oil companies.

The sales representative job is one of the best paying jobs in integrated oil companies.

In most companies, sales reps. start with a fairly high base salary and then earn more on the process through bonuses and commissions depending on how they have been able to turn things around, in terms of revenue growth.

To perform in this role, you must have the ability to close sales.

You will be responsible for marketing the company’s products to businesses that will serve customers throughout the world.

15. Account Manager

Just like sales representatives, account managers’ role is equally crucial in integrated oil companies. They are responsible for ensuring that all current clients are being well tended to, securing the best deals and prices of oil products and seizing opportunities in the economy for the benefit of the company.

This is a high-level job for people who like to communicate with a lot of different people and organisations. But to be successful in this role, you’ll need to understand economics and the industry as a whole.

16. Lease Operators

Lease operators’ responsibility is to ensure that all of the gas and oil that is taken from the drilling sites get transported to gas stations and processing plants safely.

They also inspect vehicles and constantly monitor the equipment that is used in every part of the extraction and transportation process.

Top Integrated Oil Company Around the World

Country	Integrated Oil Company
Algeria	Sonatrach
Austria	OMV Group
Azerbaijan	SOCAR
Brazil	Petrobras
Canada	Suncor Energy
China	China National Offshore Oil
China	China National Petroleum Corporation
Colombia	Ecopetrol
France	Engie
France	Schlumberger
France	TechnipFMC
France	TotalEnergies SE
Greece	Hellenic Petroleum
Greece	Motor Oil Hellas
Hungary	MOL
India	Bharat Petroleum
India	Hindustan Petroleum
India	Indian Oil Corporation
India	Reliance Petroleum
Indonesia	Pertamina
Iran	National Iranian Oil Company
Italy	Eni
Japan	Eneos Holdings
Japan	Idemitsu Kosan
Kuwait	Kuwait Petroleum Corporation
Malaysia	Petronas
Mexico	Pemex
Norway	Equinor
Poland	PKN Orlen
Russia	Gazprom
Russia	Lukoil
Russia	Rosneft
Saudi Arabia	Saudi Aramco
South Korea	GS Caltex
Spain	CEPSA
Spain	Repsol
Thailand	PTT
United Kingdom	BP
United Kingdom	Centrica
United Kingdom	Shell plc
United States	Chevron Corporation
United States	ConocoPhillips
United States	Enterprise Products
United States	Exxon Mobil
United States	Marathon Petroleum
United States	Phillips 66
United States	Valero Energy
Venezuela	PDVSA

Is Integrated Oil Companies a Good Career Path?

Absolutely yes. The integrated oil and gas industry comprises all industries directly or indirectly involved in the production and distribution of oil, including oil and gas extraction and refining.

There’s a long chain process in the making of crude oil a final product. From exploration and production down to refining, marketing, storage and transportation of oil and gas, there are millions of jobs across the world, which means an endless opportunity for young professionals to gain employment opportunities in the integrated oil companies and pursue their careers.

You wouldn’t want to think twice when you understand what lies for you in this industry

The oil and gas industry is not just an in-demand one, it is a constantly growing and expanding career field with lots of benefits:

Health insurance
Work-life balance
Sales bonuses and commissions for the sales team
Diversity and inclusion
Competitive package
Growth and personal development
Retirement plans

There are many other perks to working as a professional in integrated oil companies.

Although almost all of the professions here require having a degree, there are some qualities you must possess such as communication skills, management skills, and problem-solving skills among other soft skills.

Some companies run in house training programs in petroleum engineering and pipeline and drilling techniques that allow students to progress into gaining full-time employment in integrated oil companies without any advanced qualifications.

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