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Industry Profile -- by Mark Sproxton
If there's one guarantee in the oil and gas exploration business, it's that things are bound to change. Those working on the exploration side of the industry walk the line between the price of oil and gas, and companies' desires to find new pools while keeping a close watch on expenditures. As commodity prices fluctuate, so too do the employment opportunities. When prices are high, companies will spend more on exploration, meaning more work. When prices are low, companies usually cut back on exploration and focus more attention on production, production costs and sales.
Regardless of how much, or little, exploration is taking place, this side of the oil and gas industry calls on a multitude of people with an even wider array of skills, abilities, education and training. The thousands of jobs created by exploration shows why the petroleum industry means so much to the economies of Calgary and Alberta.
With the proliferation of drilling rigs across the province, one might believe that most of the exploration work surrounds this equipment. While the drilling rigs are obviously essential, there's a plethora of jobs and careers involved with exploration. Here's a general overview:
Information showing what's underground is required and may be determined by shooting seismic. Seismic crews use electronics or controlled explosions to produce data showing what's lying beneath the earth's surface. They are often required to spend long periods of time away from home working outside year-round in isolated areas. Numerous different positions are available, such as seismic drillers, shooters, vibrator operators, or helpers. The work is more complex and larger crews are required if 3-D seismic is being used.
- Training: Some high school math and an interest in mechanics or electronics helps, but training is largely on-the-job. Job expectation is average to above average when commodity prices are high.
- Salaries: Pay will range from about $6 to $9 per hour depending on experience.
This preliminary exploration work will be read and interpreted by geologists and geophysicists. These geoscientists will use various scientific and mathematical methods, and computers to help determine whether or not the area is worth pursuing further.
- Training: A minimum of a four-year science degree is required to become a geologist or geophysicist. These degrees are available at the University of Alberta, and the University of Calgary.
- Salary: Theses positions start anywhere from $30,000 to $70,000 a year with average occupational growth.
Before any company can explore the land it believes is promising, it must first own the rights to access that land, and also have access to the subsurface rights. This requires the work of a land administrator, landman(the title used by male or female practitioners) or land agent.
- Training: A variety of training is available and will determine exactly what kind of work can be performed. Education options include a four-year degree from the University of Calgary; a two-year diploma from Olds College; while Mount Royal College and SAIT offer four and 11-course programs respectively in petroleum land administration. Occupational growth is average.
- Salary: Estimates range from $30,000 to $36,000 a year to start, while hourly rates can range from $12 to $20 an hour plus expenses. Depending what duties you are performing, the work can be performed in an office, in the field, or both.
Engineers(there are various types including petroleum and drilling) will then determine the best places to drill, and assess the economic viability of drill sites using physics, geology and engineering sciences.
- Training: A minimum of a four-year engineering degree available at the University of Alberta and the University of Calgary is required.
- Salary: While salaries will vary widely, beginning salaries will begin in the $40,000 per year category. Occupational growth is considered above average.
Helping sort, compile and interpret data using computers and mathematical equations are geological and geophysical technologists. Like the geoscientists, most of this work is done in an office but trips to drill rigs are not unusual.
- Training: A minimum of a two-year diploma from SAIT or NAIT is required for these positions.
- Salary: The average salary for these positions ranges from $23,000 to $49,000 a year with average to above average occupational growth.
When the drilling is about to begin drilling and service rig workers, such as derrickhands and motorhands ensure that all equipment on the rig is in working condition and operating properly. Most of this work is outdoors in noisy, dirty, smelly working conditions and can involve heavy lifting.
- Training: Some high school is required, but more technical knowledge can be gained through Petroleum Industry Training Service sites in Calgary and Nisku.
- Salary: Derrickands earn about $21 per hour, while motorhands earn about $18 an hour plus a living allowance if away from home. Occupational growth is typically above average.
Well loggers and testers operate specialized equipment and tools working closely with drilling and service rig crews to, among other duties, help determine how to drill the site, what drill equipment to use, and what they're finding below the surface. These jobs include mud loggers, coring operators, drill stem testers and wireline operators. Most of the jobs require outside work in noisy, dirty environments.
- Training: Most of the jobs are learned on the job, but experience on a drill or service rig is an asset. Courses from the Petroleum Industry Training Service sites in Calgary and Nisku will provide more in-depth knowledge. Wireline operators, for example, require a heavy duty truck licence, explosive licence and dangerous goods transportation certification.
- Salary: Salaries will vary but most will fall within $27,500 to $80,000 per year depending on experience. Occupational growth is considered average.
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