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Reservoir engineers assess underground oil and gas reserves to determine the most efficient means of extraction. They work on site, consult with other specialists, oversee drilling and construction, and may represent the company in dealing with partners and authorities. They typically have degrees in petroleum, chemical, or mechanical engineering and may need to pass licensing exams and participate in internships before working independently.
A reservoir engineer surveys, inspects and assesses underground oil and gas reserves to determine the most efficient means of extracting resources. He typically works on site on an established well or new drilling project, reviewing schematics and composing scientific data. The collected information is used to develop cheaper and more fruitful collection methods. Most reservoir engineers work for large oil corporations, although some are independent contractors or employees of government research or oversight committees.
The day-to-day tasks of the reservoir engineer can vary, depending on the project at hand. If a company plans to start a new well, the engineer may first consult with petroleum consultants and geologists to ensure that the prospective reserve can provide enough oil or gas to make the job worthwhile. He or she considers different drilling and quarrying methods and determines which will be the most cost-effective. The resulting data and ideas are usually presented to supervisors for approval.
Once a project is underway, the reservoir engineer helps oversee drillers, construction workers and scientists through completion. The finished well is carefully monitored in the first few days to ensure that the amount of oil or gas extracted meets forecasts. If problems arise, the engineer reviews the schematics and requests repairs or changes to the equipment. He typically checks production numbers during the drilling phase, which can last for months or years, to ensure good results.
As a reservoir engineer is among the oil company’s most knowledgeable employees regarding day-to-day operations and drilling targets, they may be asked to represent the company when dealing with partner companies and government authorities. The engineer may need to present findings in technical papers or give presentations in person. Strong written and oral communication skills are essential for conveying highly detailed and complex information in a way that can be understood by non-experts.
Most reservoir engineers have degrees in petroleum, chemical or mechanical engineering. Depending on location and company, a prospective reservoir engineer may need to pass licensing exams and participate in an internship or junior assistant program before being able to begin working independently in the field. A new engineer can expect to work alongside other specialists and perform relatively basic job tasks until he or she has the necessary experience to lead operations. Over time, many workers advance to supervisory positions within their companies and become responsible for overseeing the work of other reservoir engineering teams.
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