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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Hot Oil Operator

💰 $55,000 - $85,000+ Annually (Varies by location, experience, and overtime)

Oil & GasField OperationsSkilled TradesTransportation

🎯 Role Definition

A Hot Oil Operator is a specialized field professional at the heart of oil and gas well maintenance and production enhancement. This role involves operating a sophisticated, truck-mounted unit designed to heat and pump various fluids at high pressure into a wellbore. The primary objective is to dissolve and remove paraffin wax, asphalt, and other blockages that restrict the flow of oil and gas, thereby restoring or improving well productivity. More than just a driver, the Hot Oil Operator is a skilled technician responsible for the safe execution of complex procedures, meticulous equipment maintenance, and clear communication on the well site. This position is critical for maintaining the operational efficiency and longevity of production assets, directly impacting a company's bottom line.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Roustabout or Lease Operator with a mechanical aptitude.
  • Experienced Class A/B CDL Truck Driver looking to enter the oilfield.
  • Field Hand or Floorhand from a drilling or workover rig.

Advancement To:

  • Hot Oil Field Supervisor / Lead Operator
  • Field Operations Manager
  • Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Coordinator

Lateral Moves:

  • Coiled Tubing Operator
  • Frac or Acidizing Equipment Operator
  • Well Tester

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Skillfully operate a specialized hot oil truck and associated high-pressure pumping equipment to perform well servicing, stimulation, and maintenance tasks according to precise job specifications.
  • Safely and efficiently heat fluids (such as crude oil, water, or chemical mixtures) to specified temperatures and pump them downhole at controlled pressures and rates to treat wells.
  • Execute pressure testing procedures on wellheads, pipelines, and other surface equipment to verify integrity and identify potential leaks before and after treatment.
  • Perform circulation and displacement tasks to remove paraffin, asphalt, and other hydrocarbon buildups from tubing, casing, and flow lines to optimize well production.
  • Conduct thorough pre-trip and post-trip inspections on the hot oil unit, tractor, and all related equipment, meticulously documenting findings in compliance with DOT and company standards.
  • Perform routine and preventative maintenance on the unit's engine, pump, burner system, and high-pressure iron, including lubrication, fluid checks, and minor mechanical repairs.
  • Rig up and rig down high-pressure treating lines, valves, and manifold systems at the wellsite, ensuring all connections are secure, properly rated, and safe for the intended operation.
  • Monitor and interpret a complex array of gauges, meters, and digital readouts during operations, making real-time adjustments to pressure, temperature, and flow rate to ensure job success and safety.
  • Take a lead role in on-site safety, including conducting Job Safety Analyses (JSAs) before each task, identifying potential hazards, and implementing mitigation strategies for the entire crew.
  • Maintain a professional and collaborative demeanor with the client's on-site representative (company man), providing clear updates on job progress and addressing any operational concerns.
  • Accurately and legibly complete all required paperwork, including DOT driver logs, job tickets, equipment inspection reports, and maintenance records, ensuring timely submission.
  • Adhere strictly to all company, client, and regulatory (OSHA, DOT, EPA) health, safety, and environmental policies and procedures at all times.
  • Manage and account for all tools, equipment, and personal protective equipment (PPE) assigned to the unit, maintaining a clean and organized work environment.
  • Safely transport hazardous materials to and from the worksite, ensuring proper placarding, handling, and documentation in accordance with Hazmat regulations.
  • Troubleshoot operational and mechanical issues with the hot oil unit in the field, applying diagnostic skills to identify root causes and implement effective solutions to minimize downtime.
  • Assist in the training and mentoring of junior operators or roustabouts, sharing knowledge of safe work practices, equipment operation, and job procedures.
  • Maintain constant communication with the field supervisor and dispatch, providing regular updates on location status, job commencement, and completion.
  • Operate the unit's burner system to achieve and maintain precise fluid temperatures, understanding the combustion process and related safety interlocks.
  • Calculate fluid volumes, pump rates, and chemical concentrations required for specific job designs and well conditions.
  • Respond to emergency situations in a calm and effective manner, knowing the proper procedures for equipment shutdown, pressure release, and incident reporting.

Secondary Functions

  • Accurately complete and submit all required job tickets, field logs, and transportation documents, providing essential data for operational tracking, client invoicing, and regulatory compliance.
  • Actively participate in daily safety meetings and contribute to the continuous improvement of Job Safety Analyses (JSAs) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  • Maintain professional and effective communication with on-site client representatives, crew members, and field supervisors to ensure job objectives are met safely and efficiently.
  • Engage in pre-job planning and post-job debriefs with the crew and supervisor to review procedures, identify potential hazards, and capture lessons learned to improve future performance.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • High-Pressure Pumping: Deep understanding of the principles and operation of triplex/quintuplex pumps, including maintenance, packing changes, and pressure control.
  • CDL Operation: Valid Commercial Driver's License (Class A or B) with Tanker and Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) endorsements, and a clean driving record.
  • DOT Regulations: Comprehensive knowledge of Department of Transportation (DOT) rules, including hours-of-service, vehicle inspections, and logbook maintenance.
  • Mechanical Aptitude: Strong ability to diagnose and perform field-level repairs on diesel engines, hydraulic systems, pumps, and plumbing.
  • Wellhead Knowledge: Familiarity with various types of wellheads, valves (gate, globe, check), and tree configurations to ensure proper and safe rig-up.
  • Fluid & Thermal Dynamics: Basic understanding of how heat and pressure affect fluids and their interaction within the wellbore.
  • Rigging Proficiency: Expertise in safely rigging up and down high-pressure iron, hoses, and treating lines for various wellsite layouts.
  • Burner System Operation: Knowledge of industrial burner and heating coil systems, including startup, shutdown, and troubleshooting procedures.
  • Gauge & Meter Interpretation: Ability to accurately read and interpret pressure gauges, temperature sensors, flow meters, and tachometers to control the job.
  • JSA & Hazard Recognition: Proficiency in developing Job Safety Analyses and identifying worksite hazards specific to pressure pumping and well servicing.

Soft Skills

  • Safety-First Mindset: An unwavering commitment to personal and team safety, with the confidence to stop any job deemed unsafe.
  • Problem-Solving: The ability to think critically and troubleshoot complex mechanical or operational issues under pressure in a remote environment.
  • Strong Work Ethic: Dependability and a willingness to work long hours, often in adverse weather conditions and on a variable schedule (including nights and weekends).
  • Communication: Clear and concise verbal communication skills for coordinating with crew, supervisors, and clients on a noisy worksite.
  • Situational Awareness: High level of awareness of the surrounding environment, machinery, and personnel to anticipate and prevent incidents.
  • Teamwork & Collaboration: Ability to work effectively as part of a small crew to accomplish a common goal safely and efficiently.
  • Resilience & Adaptability: Mental and physical toughness to handle the demanding nature of field operations and adapt to changing job parameters.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulousness in performing equipment inspections, completing paperwork, and monitoring job parameters to ensure accuracy and safety.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Certificate from a vocational or technical school in a relevant trade such as Diesel Mechanics or Petroleum Technology.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Mechanical Trades
  • Petroleum Engineering Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 1-3 years of direct experience operating a hot oil unit or in a comparable oilfield pressure pumping or well service role (e.g., cement, frac, coiled tubing).

Preferred:

  • 3+ years of proven experience as a Hot Oil Operator with a strong safety record. Possession of a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class A with Hazmat and Tanker endorsements is typically a non-negotiable requirement for experienced roles.
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