Feature -- by Mark Sproxton

Once oil and gas pipelines are operational, then the monitoring and maintenance begins. Some of the big players in this aspect of the industry are pipeline operators. Keep in mind, however, the duties of gas pipeline operators may differ from oil pipeline operators, and the duties of one type of operator may vary from company to company. Pipeline operator duties may also contrast from those working on a transmission pipeline to those working on gathering systems or flowlines. Many working in oil and gas facilities will also have close ties to pipeline operation, monitoring and maintenance.

In general, gas pipeline operators on transmission systems monitor the daily operations of meter and compressor stations. A meter station measures the quality and volume of gas being moved onto the system. Compressor stations use turbines to make the gas flow through the pipeline. These operators may be divided by title into gas compressor operators, gas control operators and utility workers. Work hours for all three positions will fluctuate as gas flows all day, everyday. Most of the work is conducted outdoors.

Gas compressor operators often travel between several compressor and metering stations to monitor flow rates and ensure smooth and efficient travel of gas in pipelines. Some minor mechanical repair and maintenance work may be required.

Some companies will also hire independent service companies, or qualified individuals, to perform some of a gas compressor operator's duties. These companies send people to a compressor station, for example, to gather rough data on flow and pressure and have them send it back to head office for further examination. They may also be called upon to do some basic maintenance work. "We're a jack of all trades," said Ed (not his real name), who has been in the industry for years. "The people we prefer are PET (petroleum engineering technicians) grads. That's the most pertinent for what we do."

This part of the service business is changing, Ed added. Until recently, companies would prefer to hire a service company to be responsible for a number of facilities. "Now they want independent guys to have the contracts. That way they can bid it tighter (lower)." Often these individuals work on a per-day pay rate, and are paid only for the days they work.

Gas control operators perform similar duties, but they will vary depending on the level of automation of the pipeline they're working with. The more automated the system, the more adjustments can be made from a control room. Satellite and computer technology is common on many pipelines. Those working on less automated systems may have to make more manual adjustments. Typical duties will include monitoring gauges and meters that give information on flow, pressure, amount, temperature, and quality along the pipeline or at a meter or compressor station.

Utility workers are usually new employees hired by large companies. Often they perform duties such as painting and cleaning and maintenance at compressor or metering stations. As they gain more experience they are given more responsibilities.

There are also different types of oil pipeline operators with differing levels of duties and responsibilities. Basically though, oil pipeline operators check the daily operations of oil pipelines and connected facilities.

One type of operator is a tank farm operator. These operators, in some companies, work at pumping stations which are located near tank farms, the big storage sites for oil. At Enbridge Pipeline Inc.'s Edmonton facility, for instance, one class of operator is responsible for receiving the crude oil from the field and monitoring its transportation into, through and out of the facility via computers. These operators, who work indoors, must have a good understanding of basic hydraulics, along with oil-specific knowledge of properties such as densities and viscosities, explained Jim, from Enbridge.

The operators have to ensure the oil they receive winds up in the proper tank or contamination may occur, and big problems will arise. "There's a lot of attention (paid) to detail," added Brian from Enbridge. "It can be a bit stressful being an operator."

Like other companies, Enbridge also has a number of different kinds of operators who progressively move up the ladder with experience and hard work. Utility workers perform many labor-intensive duties such as shovelling snow, or performing yard maintenance. The majority of their work is outdoors, year-round.

Utility workers often work closely with gaugers who are responsible for gauging tanks, which requires them to climb tanks up to 60-feet tall, and a host of other duties. Gaugers also work mainly outdoors. Senior utility workers may fill in for gaugers on occasion, while senior gaugers will fill in for operators on occasion. All operators work 12 hour shifts and require at minimum a high school diploma. Opportunities for these positions are limited, however. "People tend to stay for a long time," Brian said. "They're pretty well paying jobs." All levels of operators are in close contact with maintenance staff.

Many people work directly at numerous other types of oil and gas facilities as well. While there are many different types of facilities, such as Nova Chemicals' Joffre petrochemical plant or Petro Canada's Edmonton Oil refinery, many of the positions within are similar. Engineers of all disciplines, operators, and trades people (millwrights, machinists, welders, electricians and others) work at many petrochemical facilities. Some facilities, depending on what the plant is producing, may also employ laboratory and environmental technicians.

With the work of the various pipeline folks, and those employed in the many different types of oil and gas facilities, energy marketers can perform their duties. Often requiring post-secondary education in business or commerce, energy marketers are responsible for the sale of the multitude of petroleum products.

(For more information on pipelines, the Petroleum Communication Foundation has several excellent publications available. The Alberta Learning Information Service's occupational profiles also proves a great source of information on oil and gas careers. Resources from these institutions were used extensively for this article.)