The petroleum industry is considered as the biggest sector in the whole world when it comes to dollar value. It is a global powerhouse that employs millions of workers worldwide as it generates billions of dollars each year.  In some places, like in the Middle East, this industry is so important that it greatly contributes to a country’s national GDP.

In this article, you’ll get a snapshot of the oil and gas industry and what it is about.

The petroleum industry is divided into three critical areas. These are the so-called upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors.

Upstream Sector

The upstream sector is also known as the exploration and production (E&P) sector.  This area involves the underground and underwater search for crude oil fields, natural gas fields, and exploration wells, and the management of operations that direct crude oil towards the surface.

Before starting the more complex operations, the oil companies need to ensure that everything is legally in order. To do this, they employ individuals who can maintain and execute the necessary processes. These professionals include

  • land agents
  • geoscience professionals
  • safety managers
  • pipeline engineers
  • petroleum engineer
  • and many others

Midstream Sector

The midstream sector refers to the transportation operations by an oil tanker, barge, rail, truck, or pipeline, and the storage and wholesale marketing of unrefined petroleum. The transport systems are utilized to transfer crude oil from sites to industrial installations. And, deliver the refined products to distributors. Naturally, pipeline networks collect gas from purification plants and distribute it to local utilities.

In some cases, the midstream sector is also involved in some downstream and upstream operations such as gas processing, purification, and element removal.

The jobs offered in the midstream sector include the following.

  • Petroleum Consultants
  • Director of Engineering
  • Operations Technicians
  • Oil and Gas Manager
  • Control Room Operator
  • Business Development Analyst
  • Pipeliner
  • Crude Oil Marketing Representatives
  • Entry-level Accountants
  • Field Operators
  • Marketing Professionals
  • Safety Operators

Downstream Sector

Downstream refers to the filtering processes of raw materials. These include the refining stage of natural gas and crude oil and the commercial and marketing distribution of petroleum products in their final forms such as diesel oil, lubricants, asphalt, jet fuel, PG, heating oil, natural gas, kerosene, gasoline, and petrochemicals. Generally, midstream is categorized under the downstream sector.

What can recruits expect in the downstream industry?

Downstream facilities are multiplex manufacturing sites with several functions that operate in unison.  That’s why jobs in the downstream sector are suited to inquisitive applicants who surpass boundaries in their approach and thinking. Team players are suited in this environment and can look forward to experiencing a comprehensive culture that promotes innovative thinking.

Downstream operators are responsible for the delivery of large-scale projects and the safety of plant operations. Downstream provides extensive learning opportunities and compelling packages on the job. Through the diversity of roles and offerings in the downstream sector, candidates can expect remarkable career opportunities.

Today, the oil and gas industry has been getting loads of negative sentiments from different people and organizations. This is because of the environmental disasters that cast a spotlight on the industry.  Even so, the trade has never been as strong as it is today.