Company Bio

The Petroleum Human Resources Council of Canada (Petroleum HR Council) is a national, not-for-profit organization that addresses human resources issues within the Canadian petroleum industry. The Petroleum HR Council works hard to raise the profile of oil and gas jobs and careers.

One of our main activities is reaching out to job seekers and potential future employees, like you! Every year, we participate in a number of career fairs and trade shows in British Colombia, Alberta and Saskatchewan to introduce young people to the oil and gas industry and its many and diverse careers.

When we go to career fairs, we take along our brochure called: Career in Oil & Gas: Rich with Potential. This brochure shows in detail all the interesting careers you can choose from in our industry.

We also have a new careers in oil and gas web portal at www.careersinoilandgas.com. At this site, you can find out about all the career opportunities the industry has to offer, learn what training and education you need for each job and even search for a job right away! You can also find out more about how the petroleum industry works, so you can decide where you might fit in best.

The Petroleum HR Council is currently in the process of producing 35 occupation profiles which will provide the role description, typical industry job titles, skill requirements, education/training requirements, traditional career paths within the industry, salary ranges, and career promotion opportunities. These profiles will eventually be listed - and searchable - at www.careersinoilandgas.com.

Does your organization have other locations besides Calgary?

No, but we promote jobs in the oil and gas industry right across Canada.

How many employees does the petroleum industry employ?

Presently, Canada's entire petroleum industry directly and indirectly employs more than 500,000 people, right across the country. Most of the jobs are in the western provinces: BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Canada is the world's third-largest producer of natural gas and eighth-largest producer of crude oil. Worldwide, only Saudi Arabia has more oil reserves than Canada. As a result, many countries, especially the US, look to Canada for their secure, ongoing source of petroleum. That means there will be work in the Canadian oil and gas industry for decades to come.

What type of positions does the petroleum industry offer?

The upstream and midstream petroleum industry offers a wide variety of jobs consisting of full-time, part-time, seasonal and contract. You can work inside or outdoors, close to home or farther away, in a team or by yourself, wearing safety equipment or a business suit.

We have classified the industry's occupations into nine key job families:

• Helpers, Labourers & Semi-skilled Workers
• Operators
• Trades (Apprenticeable)
• Technicians (Certified)
• Technologists
• Geosciences Professionals
• Engineers
• Marine & Nautical Services
• Specialty Business Services

What are some entry-level career opportunities offered by the petroleum industry?

With a high school education, you can work in many of the careers listed in the categories of "Helpers, Labourers & Semi-skilled Workers" and "Operators". For example, you could work for a drilling, seismic, oilfield servicing or pipeline company.

Typically, entry-level work is very hands-on, physically labour-intensive and requires travel to project sites in sometimes remote locations. Shift work is common and there are often opportunities for paid overtime.

1) What is your hiring process?

Each company has its own hiring process, but most start by posting jobs on their website, on an Internet job board or in the newspaper. They collect applications and interview potential candidates. Those with the education, skills and attitudes that match the company's needs are offered a position.

2) How can I apply?

To apply for a job in the petroleum industry, first learn more about how the industry operates. That will help you decide where you want to work. Then go directly to the companies that work in that field and see what openings they may have, or just send in your resume, stating the type of work you are interested in. Use the company's online application system if they have one.

3) What do you look for in employees?

To fill entry-level positions, petroleum industry companies look for people with:

• Reading, writing and oral communication skills
• Problems solving and decision making skills
• Planning and organizational skills
• Math and science skills
• Computer literacy
• Ability to use documentation (plans, directions, etc)
• Mechanical aptitude

Some common industry values for success are:

• Motivated to succeed
• Positive attitude
• Teamwork
• Desire to learn and progress
• Good work ethic

4) What type of education/training/equipment do I need?

Everyone needs a high school education, but after that, it depends on the position. You can find out what education or training is required for each career at www.careersinoilandgas.com. Most of the entry-level positions require employees to wear personal protective equipment, which is supplied by the company.

5) How old do I have to be to work for your company?

Each job and every company will have their own specific requirements, but most companies in the oil and gas industry need workers to be at least 18 years of age. For entry-level positions, it's helpful if you have a driver's license. Some safety-sensitive positions require drug testing as well.

6) How much will I get paid?

Again, that depends on the job, the company and the province you are working in. Check out drilling industry wages at: http://www.caodc.ca/wages.htm and seismic industry wages at https://www.cagc.ca/hrbrochures.html.

7) How would I hear about opportunities at your company?

The best place to find out about careers in oil and gas is at: www.careersinoilandgas.com. Check it out!

After entry-level, what comes next?
Career advancement to operators and trades is possible with the right educational qualifications, on-the-job training and completion of further technical and/or apprenticeship training. Professional certifications, college diplomas and university degrees can take you far in the oil and gas industry. Math, science and computer courses are particularly valuable in most job sectors, as much of the equipment used in the field requires you to deal with instrumentation, computers and chemicals.

What is the Petroleum Competency Program?
If you like to learn on the job and work with your hands, then you should know about the Petroleum Competency Program (PCP). The PCP is an assessment and certification program based on occupational standards of competence that promote a competent workforce by identifying job-specific skills, knowledge and abilities.

There are currently three occupations within the PCP:

1. Oil & Gas Transportation
• Trucking Supervisor
• Bulk Haul Truck Operator
• Multi-Wheel Truck Operator
• Winch Tractor Operator
• Bed Truck Operator
• Boom Truck Operator
• Swamper
2. Snubbing Services
• Assistant Operator
• Operator - 3 levels
• Supervisor - 2 levels
3. Well Testing Services
• Supervisor - 5 levels

Fifteen of the PCP branches/levels have attained Designated Occupation status from Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. This is similar to a journeyman's certificate, except all the training occurs on the job. Learn more about the PCP by visiting: www.petrohrsc.ca

Go far in the petroleum industry!
Remember that the upstream industry is a lot more than simply working on an oil rig! It offers hundreds of challenging positions in an industry that has an impact on everyone, every day. With jobs available for every skill set and at every education level, there really is something for everyone in the petroleum industry.

For more information on these or other positions, Contact:

Company: Petroleum Human Resources Council of Canada
Contact: Kim Jacques, Career Coordinator
Address: 1538 25 Avenue NE, Calgary, Alberta, T2E 8Y3
Email: kjacques@petrohrsc.ca
Phone: (403) 537-1230
Fax: (403) 537-1232
Websites: www.petrohrsc.ca and www.careersinoilandgas.com