There are loads of jobs out there that you’ve probably never heard of. For example, what does a mudlogger do?

A mud log is a record of drilling activity – a geological record of a drilled hole. Mudloggers are very important workers in the oil and gas industry. They monitor and record all drilling activity as well as information on samples. This information is used when deciding on the location of well sites.

Most work as a mudlogger are with North Sea oil rigs.

If you like doing these things you might like the job of mudlogger:

• Using equipment
• Working in a team
• Geology
• The idea of working away from home – being away from friends and family for weeks at a time
• Being accurate and paying attention to detail
• Working with your hands
• Working outside
• Evaluating data and interpreting information
• Using a computer

What training and qualifications would I need to be a mudlogger?

To do the job of mudlogger you would need:

Good computer skills

Maths skills

Good communication skills

Problem solving skills

Technical skills

Getting a job as a mudlogger normally requires a degree in a subject such as geology, geochemistry, physics; mineral, mining or petroleum engineering.

Some employers will take you on with a Geology HND if you also have practical experience. Be aware though that this business recruits internationally, so competition will be wide spread.

There are apprenticeships in the oil and gas industry. You can find out about these here at the Offshore Petroleum Industry Training Organisation website.

Some related careers that you might be interested in include working as a soil scientist or the role of an engineering geologist, which is a skills shortage area.