The oil and gas industry offers a wide range of working
conditions for just about every kind of person. Some people are
office types, while others like the great outdoors. Some
individuals might enjoy both! Whatever conditions you like to work
in, the oil and gas industry has a job to suit your needs.
While many oil and gas locations are found remote areas, many
workers are just a short drive away from nearby towns and cities,
where many amenities such as shopping centres and entertainment can
be found. Many oil and gas workers live a short distance to
smaller, rural communities where they might reside and raise their
families full-time.
A few examples of common oil and gas working conditions
for:
- Drilling Rig
Operators often have shift or rotational work schedules, i.e.
two weeks of working and one week for a break. Most drilling rig
operators work outdoors at production sites, often in remote
locations. With this kind of job, many employers create a "home
away from home" also known as a work camp. Workers at these camps
have amenities such as cable, internet, gyms and recreational
facilities. Depending on the position and employer, living
allowances are provided. Some of this work involves long hours and
is best suited for those that enjoy labour positions and don't mind
working hard.
- Specialty
Business Service employees provide functional and business
support services, and may operate in a variety of work conditions
depending on the position. Positions in air transportation for
example, might be best suited for an outdoorsy, adventurous type,
while customer support occupations typically work indoors in an
office. Many of the occupations in this job family offer a
combination of work settings, where most of the work can be
completed in an office, and scheduled travel to field sites is
required.
- Engineer and Geoscience
professions might perform a wide variety of duties in the field and
may process reports or tests in an office located at oil and gas
site. Some offices in the field are in designated buildings or are
make-shift offices. These positions may involve a fair bit of
driving and travel to and from various sites.
- Seismic positions are often
performed outdoors in a variety of weather conditions. Work is
often seasonal and physical stamina is required.
Check out our Day in the Life Profiles and Career Options
resources to learn more about requirements and working conditions
for specific occupations. You can also search for the right
oil and gas career, by taking our Choose Your Future -
Interactive Quiz.