Roughneck Occupation, Job and Career
Roughneck Nature of Work
A roughneck is a low-ranking member of the drilling crew.
The roughneck carries out a variety of general labouring duties and operates equipment to assist in the drilling and servicing of oil and gas wells. Roughnecks are employed by drilling and well-servicing contractors and by petroleum producing companies.
Roughneck Work Conditions
The roughneck usually works long hours in all weather conditions on extended roster systems, usually a member of a crew. The roughneck usually performs semiskilled and unskilled manual labour that requires continual hard work in difficult conditions for many hours.
Roughneck Personal Requirements
- able to work as part of a team
- aptitude for mechanics and able to handle machinery
- be 18 years old (as it is a legal requirement on most mine and quarry sites)
- enjoy practical and manual activities
- good organization skills
- have a drug and alcohol clearance
- pass a medical examination
- physically fit
- willing to work in remote areas under difficult conditions
Roughneck Employment Requirements
- After roughnecks understand how the rig operates and demonstrates their work ethic, they may be promoted to other positions in the crew
- Completion of secondary school may be required
- Completion of introductory college or Petroleum Industry Training Service (PITS) courses may be required
- Certificates in hydrogen sulphide awareness, workplace hazardous materials information system (WHMIS) or transportation of dangerous goods (TDG) may be required
- On-the-job training
Roughneck Duties and Tasks
Roughnecks perform some or all of the following duties:
- Assist in setting up, taking down and transporting drilling and service rigs and service equipment
- Clean up rig area
- Handle, sort and move drill tools, pipe, cement and other materials
- Maintain drilling equipment on the drill floor
- Manipulate sections of pipe or drill stem at the rig floor during drilling and during the removal and replacement of strings of pipe or drill stem and drill bit
- May drive truck to transport materials and well service equipment
Roughneck Example Titles
- Floorman/Woman
- Labourer
- Leasehand
- Service Rig Helper
- Shakerhand
- Wireline Helper
Roughneck Related Occupations
Oil and Gas Related Industries
Oil and Gas Related Resumes
- Driller resume sample in the reverse chronological format
- Landman resume sample in the reverse chronological format
- Labourer resume sample in the functional format
You may search for oil and gas careers or roughneck occupations right now, but when you find one you must apply immediately for it with your current CV or resume. We recommend that you have your cover letter ready too. So, do not forget about our resume writing, CV writing and cover letter writing advice.
Before you start searching for a roughneck occupation you need to prepare your resume or CV and cover letter.
Remember that your resume must be targeted, scannable and generate hits. If you have difficulty with your resume writing instead of staring at a blank piece of paper, use resume samples and resume templates.
Most recruiters expect to receive a cover letter together with your CV or resume. So, prepare a cover letter convincing the reader why you are the best candidate for the interview using cover letter writing tips.
After completion of your job application, resume or CV and cover letter you should submit them to headhunters and recruiters in places where you want to work.
When a potential employer invites you for an interview, you need to prepare yourself to win the interview and get the job you want.
Other Roughneck Occupation Info
To be successful in your country job search and get the jobs you want, you need to prepare a cover letter and CV or resume which you must email instantly to the prospective employers selected during a job search.
When you receive an invitation to the interview, you may apply for a visa and work permit. Then prepare yourself for a job interview and take a look at typical job interview questions, job interview tips and other job search skills.
Check the job interview dos & don’ts and other job search skills pages. Find out why people are not hired for available jobs.
Follow up the job interview with a thank you letter. Employers regard this as an indication of your final interest in the position.
In addition, on international job search, visas, work permits, cover letters, CVs & resumes, job interviews and dress codes pages, you will find very useful tips for many different countries.
Good luck with the roughneck occupation!