Working in Oil & Gas
Working Conditions
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 to learn more about the work conditions real workers face in the oil and gas industry.
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