Oil and gas production manager
Also known as: gas operations manager, oilfield production manager, gas field production manager, oil and gas operations manager, oil and gas production scheduler, oil production project manager
About this occupation
Oil and gas production managers coordinate and implement short and medium term oil and gas production schedules and plans, such as drilling, extraction operations and waste management. They steer one or more units and oversee the implementation of technical and human means, within the framework of objectives of volume, quality and planning. Oil and gas production managers design and ensure that the production plans and schedules are met.
A specialisation of mine manager.
Essential skills and knowledge
- write production reports
- natural gas
- manage heavy equipment
- ensure compliance with environmental legislation
- use a computer
- address problems critically
- fuel gas
- present reports
- think proactively
- leadership principles
- report on production results
- manage emergency procedures
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Architectural and Engineering Managers (O*NET 11-9041.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Manage the coordination and overall integration of technical activities in architecture or engineering projects.
- Direct, review, or approve project design changes.
- Consult or negotiate with clients to prepare project specifications.
- Prepare budgets, bids, or contracts.
- Present and explain proposals, reports, or findings to clients.
- Confer with management, production, or marketing staff to discuss project specifications or procedures.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 5 of 5
- Interests
- Enterprising, Investigative, Conventional
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Writing, Speaking, Complex Problem Solving, Mathematics
US median pay: US$171,270 a year (2025), 220,260 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignVery important (4.3)
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyVery important (4.3)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (3.9)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementVery important (3.9)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.9)
- MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalVery important (3.7)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.4)
- PhysicsO*NET: PhysicsImportant (3.2)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Project Management Specialists
- Industrial Engineers
- Logistics Engineers
- Electrical Engineers
- Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
- Architectural and Civil Drafters
- Mechatronics Engineers
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
- Natural Sciences Managers
- Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.