What is a mudlogger?
Mudloggers are geological scientists responsible for gathering, monitoring and analysing information relevant to drilling operations. Using state-of-the-art equipment like chromatographs and binocular microscopes, the data collected is logged and communicated to the team who are physically drilling out the oil. The role of a mudlogger is a vital one, as without them, drilling for oil would be more expensive, less efficient and far more dangerous. In addition to this, they may also be responsible for performing maintenance work and providing support to geologists onsite.
What are the typical responsibilities of a mudlogger?
General responsibilities of a mudlogger include: using laboratory equipment to analyse samples, collecting, processing, logging and describing rock samples, monitoring computer recordings of drilling activity, interpreting data and communicating it to the drilling team, undertaking necessary on-site maintenance, monitoring drilling parameters to ensure health and safety, and providing written reports to the drilling team and the company.
What is the life of a mudlogger like?
The work of a mudlogger can be intense, but incredibly rewarding. They typically work twelve hours a day, seven days a week. Work is typically done in shifts, spending two weeks offshore on the rig, and then two weeks at home. Jobs are only available in areas where the oil is plentiful, such as with North Sea oil rigs. Travel opportunities are also possible, with opportunities in the Middle East and Africa.
What skills do I need to be a successful mudlogger?
To be a mudlogger, you’ll need excellent IT skills, as you’ll need to be able to work with complex computer technology. Technical and analytical skills are also vital, so you can understand and communicate complex technical information. You’ll also need excellent team-working and interpersonal skills, especially given that you’ll be working alongside your colleagues for weeks on end.
A good level of health and fitness is also vital, as this will be assessed before you begin working offshore. Finally, although English is generally spoken in the industry, skills in other European languages (especially French and German) are also useful.
How do I become a mudlogger?
The majority of mudloggers have an undergraduate degree in geology, but a STEM degree is still valuable. Physics, chemistry and engineering (especially petroleum) are particularly useful to have as undergraduate degrees. A higher national diploma (HND) in one of these subjects is also valued, provided you also have relevant work experience. The HND route has the advantages of being shorter and less expensive than a degree. Postgraduate study is not necessary.