Alberta Oil Careers

Category: Oil Field Jobs

  • The Ins and Outs of Oil field Jobs

    Workers at offshore oil rigs and oil field jobs are responsible for the functioning of oil companies. Working at such places risky, physically strenuous and stressful job in which people often get quite dirty and are required to stay away from civilization for long stretches of time. On the other hand, when considering the level of education oil field jobs require, they pay well and can also introduce the possibility of high paying jobs in the energy industry all around the globe.

    Importance:

    Underground reservoirs which are buried deep beneath the earth are where oil is accumulated. Areas which are rich in this natural resource are selected by oil companies and they install rigs for extraction of crude oil in the oil fields which is later sent for refining. Constructing, servicing and maintaining the oil rigs are the responsibility of the oil field workers. The exploration and seismic imagery part of the business is also explored by some workers who search for new oil sources and map out reservoirs.

    Common Jobs:

    Roughnecks and Roustabouts are the most common workers found on an oil field. Roughnecks have a slightly greater position than the latter but both are basically manual laborers who are untrained. Usually these workers are efficient, cautious and strong and might have to work for 12 hours straight. They have to operate machinery, conduct drilling and connect pipes. Dealing with different aspects of the rig which demand a varying level of expertise is included in some other oil field jobs for Roughnecks.

    Services:

    Some non-oil-related positions which are related to the service industry can also be found on an oil field. They basically render services to the workers on oil fields and include jobs like nurses, doctors, construction workers, electricians, physical therapist, caterers, fire safety companies and more. As compared to those jobs which are directly linked to the oil machinery, these jobs are mostly less demanding and strenuous and often pay more especially in circumstances when oil prices are sky high.

    Effects:

    The price of oil in the global market determines the wages of the workers. Oil companies increase production of oil in times of rising prices. Workers have to work overtime and make in extra effort but they are thoroughly compensated for their services. Hence, for people who are healthy and strong and have an interest in the energy industry, the excellent way to make money and gain experience is to opt for oil field jobs

  • Knowing More About The Basic Oil Field Jobs

    Although it is well known that all entry level jobs in relation to oil fields are physically demanding, people are often unaware that they are also financially rewarding because of the long hours and effort they demand. Furthermore, the level of requirements of these jobs is very little and individuals should only be in good health and have the ability to read to quality for these oil field jobs. Listed below are some of the basic jobs that can be found:

    Roustabout

    An employee who just does about anything to assist the rig is called a roustabout. The position of the roustabout is the one which is given to people the first time they work in an oil field. General labor has to be done around the rig by these employees. In this manner, rather than fretting about maintenance and cleanup duties, the drill crew can instead concentrate fully on the drilling. Before having to perform any drilling duties, starting off as a roustabout will give employees and opportunity to learn about drilling. Some jobs that are expected from these employees include moving rigs and equipment, operating various pieces of mechanical equipment and digging trenches.

    Roughneck

    The backbone of any oil field is the roughnecks and who aid in tearing down and assembling the oil rigs when required. Other responsibilities include connecting pipes that are used for the drilling process and transporting of rigs to new oil-rich locations.

    Oil Pipeline Jobs

    Oil field jobs also include that of a pipeliner who keeps the pipelines maintained. Hence, painting the pipes with anti corrosive paint and rust removal is their responsibility. For ensuring that pipes are aligned and prepared for welding, a pipe-fitter is also present on the field. Similarly, there is another employee who drives and walks the pipeline, documents any leaks, makes minor repairs, reports any discrepancies and inspects is known as a pipe line walker.

    Oil and Gas Seismic Jobs

    For acquiring data for drilling purposes, the oil and gas seismic jobs exist. This part of the oil industry has numerous entry level jobs. For instance, in order to lay down the cable, there is the jug helper who also digs and clears the brush. Likewise, using cutting equipment like the chainsaw, there is also a line slasher who clears the tree and brush from the seismic lines.

    These basic oil field jobs are a very important aspect of the entire oil industry.

  • Getting To Know Oil Field Jobs

    Exploration, drilling and processing and support are the areas which are basically covered by the various oil field jobs that are offered. Like trucking-related positions, there are several jobs in which an overlap will occur. University level education might be required by some jobs while mechanical and technical training is a prerequisite for many which also involved obtaining a certificate from trade school. Depending on the job a particular kind of license and a high school diploma is the least requirement. Including administrators and other staff, numerous workers are needed by the oil industry which is quite large.

    Exploration: Finding it is the main point of the oil industry. Specialized skills are required in this particular area. For instance, here geophysicists are needed as they ascertain the presence of oil by studying the land of a specific area. For making a study of the fossil aspect of the land, paleontologists are also required for exploration. It is important to study the age and composition of the ground because oil is created over a great deal of time. Lawyers and land agents are some other job openings as permission for drilling has to be obtained and land has to be secured. Similarly, for determining costs, assessing risks and evaluating profits; economists are needed.

    Drilling and Processing: Once people have located oil and assessed its profitability, it is essential to judge and then process it. This area offers a large number of oil field jobs. Roustabouts who perform maintenance and janitorial work, drillers who manage the drilling teams, drilling and production engineers and derrick hands who are responsible for the drilling mud which is used for lubrication of the drilling hole make up some jobs.

    In order to transport parts and for maintaining pipeline facilities, there are other jobs of pipe-liners. Supervision and overseeing the operation is the duty of pipe line construction managers. To manage the facility construction, it is necessary to keep some foreman. Lead hands for assisting the foreman are required as they aid in ensuring the safety of the site.

    Support Staff: As an oil field is a considerably large operation and for managing it, administrative workers are required along with others whose skill are not exclusively related to oil field work. Radio operators, accountants, doctors, welders, bookkeepers, truckers and electricians are some examples. Food service employees might also be hired in some oil fields.

    In a nutshell, oil fields jobs are very diverse and spread over different areas.

  • Basic Requirements for a Job in Alberta’s Oil Field

    Basic Requirements for a Job in Alberta’s Oil Field

    This guide outlines the basic requirements you should have before looking for work in the Alberta oil field jobs and what employers are looking for when hiring new employees. Working in Alberta’s oil field jobs can be a very satisfying livelihood but at the same time it can be very demanding. Working long hours, long periods of time away from home, and working in the elements are very common in most oilfield jobs but so are above average pay, travel, and working in the great outdoors.

    When it comes to working in the oil field you have to take the good with the bad and realize that these types of jobs won’t suit everyone, but for the right individual the oil field can provide a very satisfying career.

    Each individual company will have their own set of requirements for hiring a new employee but here is a list of common requirements found in Albertan oil field employers:

    • High school education
    • Class III or class I (class V in some provinces) clean drivers license
    • You must be physically fit (i.e. normal blood pressure, strong, be in half decent shape)
    • Be drug free (they will test you)

    While those are the basic requirements most employers in the oil field jobs are looking for here are some of the skills you should possess if you would like to succeed in the industry:

    • Be able to read and write
    • Be able to communicate yourself and your ideas verbally
    • Problem solving skills
    • Planning and organizational skills
    • Plans and documentation skills (read maps, plans, ect.)
    • Math and science skills
    • Be mechanically apt

    Here are some articles related to Alberta’s oil industry: