What is a Wellhead Pumper? A wellhead pumper operates power
pumps and other equipment so that gas or oil can flow from the
oil well. The job is known by a number of other terms, including
operations technician, rig technician, pumper and well tender.
Work is performed within a strong safety culture that follows
detailed and exact safety regulations. Environmental rules also
must be closely followed. The pumper's job involves bringing an
oil, gas, or mining product from a well up to the surface by
means of pumps and compressors. The pumper starts the compressor
engine and opens valves to return compressed gas to the bottom
of the well. The pump depressurizes the pipe and forces oil to
rise to the surface. The wellhead pumper then must monitor the
flow as the product travels to make sure it is moving at the
proper rate. Once the pump has brought the product to the
surface, the pumper transfers it to storage tanks or trucks that
move it offsite. Although the wellhead pumper has long been a
traditional part of th