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WIRELINE OPERATOR
#WirelineTechnician #ElectricLineOperator #E-logger HOW DO I GET HERE?
#Cased-holeOperator #Open-holeOperator
In 1927, two geophysicist brothers—Conrad and Marcel A high school diploma (or
Schumberger—ran the very first wireline at the Pechelbronn Oil equivalent) is typically required,
Company in France. They attached three conductive cables, batteries along with specialized industry
and a potentiometer to a weighted probe using insulating tape. They courses and three to six months
loaded the cables onto a hand-operated winch and lowered it 600 of experience. Working offshore
metres where it gathered logging data. The process took 15 hours. may require several more years
of experience working in the
Today, Wireline Operators use sensors, hydraulics, pressure gauges equivalent onshore environment.
and motors to unravel the mysteries of an oil well. If this drills down Some roles, such as open-hole
into what you’re looking for, a career as a Wireline Operator might be well logging, may require a post-
a perfect fit. secondary diploma in electronics
or engineering technology.

What does this career look like?

HEALTH & SAFETY
You operate the wireline— a special electrical cable that is attached to a truck or drilling
platform. You attach different tools to the end of the wireline cable to replace parts, fix the
TRAINING
rig or measure the depth of the hole as needed.
• Standard and emergency first
With the right tools in place, you raise and lower the cable into oil or natural gas wells, and aid
report progress back. The information you collect can help geologists, drillers, engineers • H2S Alive
and other oilfield technicians know if there are issues with equipment, the reservoir, debris • Workplace Hazardous Materials
or well pressure. The data you report will help the company make real-time decisions Information System (WHMIS)
about their drilling operations. • Fall protection
• Confined space entry
Depending on the task at hand and tool being used, you may be monitoring the well or • Aerial lift training
reservoir using electrical well logging equipment, or you may be locating and removing • Respirator fit testing
obstructions or debris from pipes or sealing wells that are no longer in use. • Traffic control
• In some cases, a special oil well
operator (boiler) certificate may
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What would I do?

As a Wireline Operator, you drive the wireline equipment to the job site. Using the wireline
cable and tools, you may need to determine an issue and help identify ways to resolve it.
You may need to keep an eye and ear out for unusual sights and sounds that can indicate
worn or broken parts, faulty operations or unusual well conditions.

You also keep things safe, whether its during wireline operations while you are on-site, or
the drilling operations after you are gone. You follow safety regulations and processes. You
also perform safety inspections on your equipment and tools.

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What competencies do I need?

PATHWAYS
You are very detail orientated, and work well with your hands. You are a strong communicator,
you’re helpful by nature, and you work well in stressful situations. You are physically fit and can lift
heavy equipment. Other skills and knowledge required for this job include:

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ENTRY LEVEL SENIOR LEVEL You could move into roles such as:
Mechanical  Transportation
• Operator
Public safety and security  Equipment maintenance
• Level 1, 2, 3
Equipment selection  Operation and control
• Supervisor
Installation  Operation monitoring
Troubleshooting  Complex problem solving
You could transfer your skills to:

0-5YRS 5-10YRS+ • Mining and quarrying

• Utilities, including renewable
energy
• Forestry and logging
• Rail transport
• Warehousing and storage
• Truck transport
What can I expect?
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heavy equipment
and performing a variety of physical tasks throughout the day. Typically employed in the
exploration and production, oil sands and the oil and gas services sectors of the oil and
gas industry, you often work extended hours.

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Careers in Oil + Gas

How can I learn more? @careersinoandg
#WirelineOperators
To find out more about this role or other careers in the oil and gas industry, visit the lower special downhole
Careers in Oil + Gas online tool at careersinoilandgas.com. instruments and tools into
wells to collect and process
data.
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Funded in part by the Government of Alberta and Government of Canada’s Sectoral Initiatives Program.