How Do I Become a Mudlogger?

The first step that you should take before officially deciding to become a mudlogger is to thoroughly research the job description and understand the transitory nature of the work. Most of these jobs will require traveling for long periods of time, and potential employees should be aware of how this profession may alter their home life. In order to become a mudlogger, you usually need an enhanced knowledge of mathematics and several sciences, training, and a degree. This career can be highly complex, and any additional training in the field will significantly increase your chances of entering this profession.

You should research several undergraduate schools that have a well-developed geology department to determine the university that best suits your needs. A bachelor's of science (B.S.) degree in geology is generally preferred, and this program may take at least four years. General coursework is usually required in order to enroll in advanced science courses and may include basic math, science, and English classes. Once you have completed your prerequisites, you should enroll in courses that will help you obtain the degree needed to become a mudlogger. Some of these courses may include environmental earth science, geophysics, sedimentary processes, comparative planetology, plate tectonics, geochemistry, and field methods.

Several computer science and technology courses can be additionally helpful to become a mudlogger. Most of these jobs use sophisticated technology and will expect employees to be able to perform various technical duties. After completing all necessary coursework and successfully obtaining a bachelor's degree, you should begin to search for employment in the field. Many companies will offer training programs, which is one of the final steps needed to become a mudlogger. Training is designed to cover job related topics that may include drilling techniques and equipment, mechanics, physics, the identification of oil-bearing rocks, and computer courses for the programs used by the company.

In addition to technical training, you will be required to participate in safety training classes, which often last about a week. The primary purpose of these classes is to equip you with the safety procedures and preventatives needed to perform all duties. There are a number of duties involved in this job, which often requires you to be able to predict dangerous situations, evaluate data to determine the presence of oil, collect and process geological samples, and analyze samples. This profession involves living on the site for extended periods of time, and most sites are extremely secluded.