What one occupation impacts just about every facet of operations
in the oil and gas industry? Civil Engineering Technologists
support the exploration, production and transportation of petroleum
products. Civil engineering is more than just building plants,
pipelines, roads, offshore rigs or foundations. It also includes
environmental protection, geotechnical assessment, water resource
management, transportation, material management and surveying.
Envision yourself as part of a team of engineering professionals
designing and constructing a new production facility in the oil
sands. Consider how you could apply your technological skills to
plan and design pipeline routes and pumping stations. These are
just some of the many contributions that you can make to the oil
and gasindustry as a Civil Engineering Technologist.
What do Civil Engineering Technologists do?
Civil Engineering Technologists assist engineers in planning,
designing, constructing, and maintaininga wide variety of oil and
gas facilities. These facilities may include production plants,
pumping andcompressor stations, pipelines, storage
facilities/tanks/reservoirs, oil and gas well sites, offshore
drillingand production rigs, and oil sands surface mining sites.
There are several key jobs that you can choosefrom including:
- Civil Construction
Engineering Technologists: Oversee construction projects
including work plans,estimates, contractor selection, inspection,
resources and materials, and project reports.
- Civil Engineering
Technologists - Mining/Tailings: Provide technological
services for surfacewater hydrology and hydraulics, drainage, flood
control, water supply, dam and industrial water/wastewater process
design.
- Materials/Geotechnical
Technologists: Design, test and apply the use of materials
such as rock, soil,concrete, steel, timber, asphalt, metals and
polymers on engineering construction projects.
- Drafting/CADD/3D Modeling
Technologists: Create conceptual and detailed engineering
designs,drawings and calculations for a variety of
structures.
- Survey
Technologists: Develop survey and mapping standards. They
also inspect survey contractorwork and review survey
findings.
How do I become a Civil Engineering Technologist?
At minimum, you will need a two or three year Civil Engineering
Technologist diploma from a recognized technical institute. You can
pursue various specialized disciplines such as environmental,
geotechnical, structural, transportation, water resources,
surveying or construction. Alternatively, other diploma programs
offer abroad generalist study of the occupation. Some programs
provide co-op experiences and applied projects, both of which
provide hands-on experience.
Graduates may be granted certification by provincial
associations of the Canadian Council of Technicians and
Technologists (CCTT). Certification usually requires a minimum two
years of experience after graduation. To check out the
associations, visit the CCTTwebsite at www.cctt.ca.
You will need a valid driver's license in good standing as
travelto worksites may be required.
What are the working conditions like?
Working conditions for technologists are varied and depend on
the work they do. For example, Survey Technologists work outdoors
and may be subjected to all variations in weather and seasons, in
comparison to Drafting Technologists, who work mostly indoors
inoffice settings. Technologists working in plants may need to work
and live in remote locations. Other technologists based in office
locations may spend some time outdoors when they visit field
locations. While in the field, there may be exposure to potentially
hazardous conditions, inclement weather, heavy lifting, travel and
overnight stays. Work hours vary from a regular 8 hour day to 12
hour rotational shifts depending on the job and location of work.
Appropriate time off is given depending on the rotation.
Do I fit the bill?
Do you think you have what it takes to become a Civil
Engineering Technologist?
- I am very interested in mathematics,
physics and science.
- I pay special attention to detail and
accuracy and am not easily distracted.
- I am a good problem solver and think
quickly on my feet.
- I am a great
multi-tasker.
- I believe that applying proper
procedures, standards, codes and policies is very
important.
- I am quite versatile and can work on
my own or with a team.
- I have well developed communication
and computer literacy skills.
- I can follow safety rules and
precautions, and understand their importance when dealing with
potentially hazardous materials and equipment.
- I can work rotational shifts and long
hours, and do not mind changes in routine.
- I am able to travel to and from work
locations.
- I have the tolerance, stamina and
flexibility to work outdoors in any weather conditions.
- I can work and live in isolated
regions for extended periods of time.
- I believe that I have what it takes
to be an excellent Civil Engineering Technologist!
Quick tips and next steps!
- Visit career fairs and talk to
employers who offer jobs and careers in this occupation. Check with
employment centres, educational institutions, newspapers,
petroleum-related magazines and the internet for information on
career fairs.
- While in high school, sharpen your
skills and knowledge in areas such as mathematics, chemistry,
physics and computer science.
- Participate in National
Technology Week which is held annually during November and
offers a host of activities along with interactive and fun
resources to help students, teachers and parents explore technical
careers. See details at: www.cctt.ca.
- Check out websites of industry and
professional associations such as the Canadian Council
ofTechnicians and Technologists at www.cctt.ca.
Want more info?
For information on other industry occupations check
outwww.careersinoilandgas.com.