Operators
The largest job family within the upstream petroleum industry, Operator jobs typically involve the specialized operation of control systems and equipment related to plant and facilities, heavy equipment, rigs, wells and pipelines.
Safety-sensitive positions have stringent requirements related to being drug and alcohol free. A willingness to work in remote locations and/or to be relocated is often required. Shift work is common. Common work functions usually include assembly and disassembly of equipment, operating, monitoring, assessing readings, troubleshooting and reacting to variable conditions.
Education
To work in this area, individuals usually require a high school diploma, combined with on-the-job training and selected technical course work. A post-secondary education in engineering technology (e.g. power, chemical, petroleum or mechanical) can help you advance your career. A strong mechanical aptitude, combined with an interest in working with things tangible versus theoretical, is crucial for many Operator roles.
Career paths
Some companies offer opportunities for summer help or helpers/labourers to advance into Operator positions based on their job experience, demonstrated performance, interest and potential. Advancement opportunities are possible within a particular classification by being moved or promoted through several steps, each with progressively more responsibility and increased pay. With experience and extensive formal on-the-job company training, individuals may move laterally within their company or vertically to a supervisory or managerial position.
At work
Control centre operators are primarily office-based occupations. Most other sectors of this job family require shift or rotational work (two weeks on and one week off-site) outdoors at production sites, in sometimes remote locations. Opportunities for paid overtime can be very rewarding.
Job classifications
- Control Centre Operators
- Drilling Rig Operators
- Field Production Operators
- Heavy Equipment Operators
- Plant and Facility Operators
- Seismic Operators
- Well Services Operators (Cementing to Production Phases)
- Well Services Operators (Production and Enhancement Phases)
