Careers in Demand
Petroleum engineers are a leading need for the BLM, and a scarce skill in the nation's workforce. We're responsible for abaout 245 million surface acres and 700 million sub-surface acres of mineral estate - which means we play a key role in ensuring our country's energy needs are met by Federal renewable and non-renewable sources in an environmentally sound way. Oil, gas, coal and increasing amounts of renewable sources of energy such as geothermal, wind and biomass are part of our responsibility. From permitting and monitoring corporate use, to inspecting wells and other development operations and even collecting royalty payments and fines, the BLM plays an active role in domestic energy production.
As a petroleum engineer or petroleum engineering technician, you'll determine where gas and oil are located, and decide how best to extract it - recommending processes and equipment and ensuring the safety of lands, wildlife and people. You'll work to design and construct energy projects - from survey to design to construction inspection and supervision, all the way through maintenance of completed projects. A thorough understanding of the environmental impact of resource usage is integral to this field. You'll work with multiple and new technologies, keeping up with the most current information, processes, equipment and skills to keep innovation in this incredibly important area moving. This role is truly a collaboration among public lands, private corporations and communities, requiring a passion to serve your nation and a belief in public service. As a petroleum engineer or technician for the BLM, the work you do will help our country become energy independent.
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