Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Kick • Permeability • Christmas Tree

Christmas Tree

Term from Oil Extraction industry explained for recruiters

A Christmas Tree in oil and gas is not a holiday decoration - it's the common industry name for the set of valves and fittings that sit on top of an oil or gas well. It got this nickname because its pattern of valves and gauges resembles a decorated Christmas tree. This equipment is crucial for controlling the flow of oil or gas from the well and managing pressure. When you see this term in a resume, it relates to the person's experience with well control and production equipment. Other terms you might hear for similar concepts are "wellhead assembly" or "production tree."

Examples in Resumes

Supervised installation and maintenance of Christmas Tree assemblies on 15 offshore wells

Performed daily pressure monitoring and safety checks on Christmas Trees and wellhead equipment

Led team responsible for Christmas Tree valve replacement and testing procedures

Typical job title: "Wellhead Operators"

Also try searching for:

Well Operator Production Operator Wellhead Technician Field Service Technician Completion Engineer Well Services Specialist Production Engineer

Where to Find Wellhead Operators

Professional Organizations

Job Boards

Industry Networks

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you handle an emergency shutdown situation with a Christmas Tree showing high pressure readings?

Expected Answer: A senior operator should explain the emergency response procedures, including systematic valve shutdown sequence, communication protocols with the control room, and safety measures to protect personnel and equipment.

Q: What factors do you consider when planning Christmas Tree maintenance schedules?

Expected Answer: Should discuss production goals, safety requirements, weather conditions, equipment availability, crew scheduling, and how to minimize production downtime while ensuring safety and compliance.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What regular maintenance procedures do you perform on Christmas Trees?

Expected Answer: Should describe routine checks like pressure monitoring, valve testing, leak detection, and regular cleaning and lubrication of components.

Q: How do you ensure proper documentation of Christmas Tree operations?

Expected Answer: Should explain logging procedures for pressure readings, maintenance activities, repairs, and any unusual events, plus the importance of maintaining accurate records.

Junior Level Questions

Q: Can you identify the main components of a Christmas Tree?

Expected Answer: Should be able to name basic parts like master valve, wing valves, pressure gauges, and choke valve, and explain their basic functions.

Q: What safety procedures do you follow when working around Christmas Trees?

Expected Answer: Should mention personal protective equipment requirements, pressure checking procedures, and basic safety protocols for working around pressurized equipment.