A Doodlebugger Truck Or Seismic Survey Thumper Truck
Oil companies use information from seismic surveys to know where to drill for oil. Here are some tips on get a job working for a seismic survey company.
Instructions
1. The first step to getting a job in seismic oil exploration is to learn as much as you can about how the process is done and to determine where you skills fit into the industry. Seismic surveyors, also known as "Doodlebuggers" work both on land and at sea to survey for oil and gas using sound waves sent from the surface. A doodlebugger truck, as seen above, gets it's name from the insect known as a doodlebug or ant lion. Doodlebugs vibrate the soil and flick out sand to make traps for ants and in a similar way the seismic survey vehicle shakes the earth with a giant vibration pad that the vehicle props itself up on. Since these large vehicles require skilled operators you should consider getting a CDL or commercial drivers license before applying to a seismic oil exploration company. I addition to vehicle operators, seismic survey companies hire tractor operators to blade paths across farms and ranches to lay cable on. These temporary cables require hours to set up. Field technicians may perform a variety of duties including all of those above. For these type of jobs you should have some electronics background, as well as be in good physical shape.
2. Consider a seismograph equipment operator job. Seismic technicians who work for oil exploration companies frequently have degrees in Geoscience, geology, Phyiscs and advanced electronics. The highest paid jobs in the field usually require a college degree since seismic equipment is complex and must be operated properly. Millions of dollars worth of oil and gas, and the cost of the survey are at stake so technicians are required to be highly trained. Take courses in any of the above fields and try to find summer and after college work as an apprentice operating seismic survey equipment.
3. Once you have determined which part of the seismic oil and gas exploration industry you fit into, take the required training courses such as CDL or finish college with a degree in the geosciences. Apply to companies such as Western Geco, one of the largest seismic companies. Check sites like Monster.com for openings and look in the classified section in oil and gas producing parts of the country for seismic company job postings. Be prepared to spend weeks away from home and live in a motel for most of the jobs. Seismic oil and gas surveying is usually done in distant parts of the country and in all type of weather. Be prepared with good safety approved footwear and clothing for all climates once you are hired.
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