OPERATORS / NOC #83101

Wireline Operator Wireline Operator 1

In 1927, two geophysicist brothers—Conrad and Marcel Schumberger—ran the very first wireline at the Pechelbronn Oil Com
in France. They attached three conductive cables, batteries and a potentiometer to a weighted probe using insulating tape.
loaded the cables onto a hand-operated winch and lowered it 600 metres where it gathered logging data. The process took 1
hours.

Today, wireline operators use sensors, hydraulics, pressure gauges and motors to unravel the mysteries of an oil well. If this
down into what you’re looking for, a career as a wireline operator might be a perfect fit.

Wireline operators raise and lower special downhole instruments and tools into oil and gas wells to collect and process data
general wireline crews lower, operate or direct the operations of wireline instruments, tools and equipment. These can rang
electrical well logging equipment (e-line), to perforating guns which are used to perforate well casing and permit oil and gas
flow into the well, to downhole plugs and fishing tools used to retrieve broken or lost wire or equipment. Wireline operators
drive wireline trucks to and from drilling sites. Wireline operators can specialize in cased-hole or open-hole conditions.

Transferability information for this occupation is available on the Oil and gas well drillers, servicers, testers and related work

Oil and gas

Sub-sector Oil and gas services

Environment Primarily outdoor work

Average salary $53,000 to $89,000

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Education High school diploma

Career Demand Growing

Work Activities
In this occupation activities may include:

Operating the winch from the truck to lower and raise the instruments or tools
Lowering, operating and raiding instruments, tools and equipment, such as electrical logging equipment, perforating
downhole plugs and fishing tolls used to retrieve broken or lost wire and equipment
Maintaining records of drilling and servicing operations
Performing wireline cable tests and re-heads, and undertaking preventative maintenance
Driving wireline trucks to and from drilling sites

Qualifications & Experience

Education

A high school diploma (or equivalent) is typically required, along with specialized industry courses and three to six mo
of experience. Working in an offshore environment may require several more years of experience working in the equiv
onshore environment. Some roles, such as open-hole well logging, may require a post-secondary diploma in electron
engineering technology.

Certifications

Standard and emergency first aid

 Wireline Operator 3
H2S Alive
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
Fall protection
Confined space entry
Traffic control
Respirator fit testing
Aerail lift training

Licensing

An air brake endorsement may be required

In some cases a special oil well operator (boiler) certificate may be required.

Nature of Work & Environment

Travel likely required
Shiftwork/variable work hours
Primarily outdoor work
Physical work
Safety-sensitive environment
Work away from home/in camps

Competencies
You are very detail oriented, and work well with your hands. You are a strong communicator, you’re helpful by nature, and y

work well in stressful situations. You are physically fit and can lift heavy equipment.

Mechanical
Public safety and security 
Equipment selection
Installation
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Troubleshooting
Transportation
Equipment maintenance
Operation and control
Operation monitoring
Complex problem solving

Additional Work Activities

Performing some data interpretation.
Consulting and co-ordinating work with supervisors and managers.
Maintaining up-to-date practices and promptly reporting issues, hazards and best practices to the supervisor.
Lowering, operating and raising instruments, tools and equipment, such as electrical logging equipment, perforating
downhole plugs and fishing tools used to retrieve broken or lost wire and equipment.
Preparing tools and equipment.
Assembling and attaching the special instruments or tools required for the job.
Operating recorders and computers in mobile testing or logging unit to collect data.
Completing paperwork requirements.
Maintaining equipment, facilities and work locations in a presentable and working condition.
Training or arranging for training of the crew.
Demonstrating knowledge and understanding of wireline operations, policies and procedures, such as pressure contr
rig-up.
Demonstrating knowledge of and skills in assisting basic wireline services on location.
Demonstrating knowledge of and ability to perform various wireline functions, such as winch operation, basic depth c
and tension.
Maintaining up-to-date practices and promptly reporting issues, hazards and best practices to the supervisor.
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Also known as

Wireline Technician
Electric Line Operator
E-logger
Cased-hole Operator
Open-hole Operator

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