Conducts preliminary surveys of petroleum and natural gas deposits with prospectors, geologists, geophysicists, other scientists and engineers to determine the resources present, the feasibility of extracting the reserves, and the design and development of the extraction process; prepares operation and project cost estimates and production schedules, and reports progress, production and costs compared to budget; assesses the natural, technical, financial and safety risks associated with the phases of the project development, construction and operations; co-ordinates the utilisation of labour and equipment consistent with efficiency targets, statutes, safety guidelines and environmental conditions; conducts research and provides advice on engineering operations for the exploration, location and extraction of petroleum and natural gas; determines location for drilling; decides on types of derrick and equipment including seabed platforms; devises methods of controlling the flow of oil and gas from wells.

• Frequently works indoors in offices of oil companies or natural resource organisation.
• Frequently works outdoors at oil sites and on oil rigs.
• Works in adequately lit, heated, ventilated and clean, well maintained workspaces when indoors.
• Works in all weathers when on-site. When outdoors conditions may be dirty, dusty, wet and noisy.

• Light to medium physical demand levels. Frequently sits in offices at computers or in meetings. Stands and walks frequently in offices and on-site where terrain may be rough and unsteady.
• Occasional requirement for lifting, carrying or pulling up to a medium physical demand. Bending, squatting or crouching may be required when undertaking mineral surveys, Stretching, twisting, or climbing may be required, especially when working on oil rigs.
• Occasional to frequent repetitive hand and finger movements are required when using hand tools and equipment including writing instruments, testing equipment, calculators and computers.
• Protective safety clothing and equipment will be required when on-site.
• Frequent driving of vehicles will be necessary to obtain access to sites.
• Mental skills necessary include a high level of cognitive functioning with design, drawing, supervision, planning, geotechnical, mathematical, computing, communication, interpersonal, organisational, problem solving, and decision-making capabilities and specialist knowledge of mining engineering.

A relevant tertiary qualification or at least five years applicable experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 1). In some instances particular experience and/or on-the-job training may be required. Registration may be required.

There are opportunities for flexibility of movement.