Industry Profile -- by Erin Ryan-Walsh

Calgary is famous for two things: the Stampede and the oil and gas industry. Calgary and much of Alberta relies on the oil and gas industry for its livelihood. There is a very broad range of employment available in this field, so much so that nextSteps has dedicated two issues to the oil and gas industry. In February 1998, nextSteps published an issue on exploration. This month's issue focuses on oil and gas production and how petrochemicals are brought from the wellsite to you.

According to provincial government estimates, most of the positions in the industry are expected to see good to above average growth in the next five years. The national and international price of oil and gas play a large part in determining how much activity occurs in "the patch," however. These prices will in turn determine the number of work opportunities available.

From gas plant operators to well pump service equipment operators to chemical engineers, oil and gas production encompasses a wide array of occupations. All of these positions require good communication skills, the ability to work with a team, mechanical aptitude, proficiency in math and science, as well as a high school diploma.

Beyond high school, the educational requirements vary, but for the most part either require on the job training, specialized certification, a two-year diploma, or a four-year degree. Many of the positions require work in the field, long periods away from home, or people to reside in small communities.

Engineers

While there are many industry names for engineers, chemical, mechanical, electrical, petroleum and power engineers are the true designations behind the names. All of these positions require at least a four-year degree. As well, engineers need the ability to think analytically and solve problems, an aptitude for chemistry, physics, and mathematics, excellent oral and written communication skills, and the ability to work with a team as well as independently. More specifically:

• Chemical Engineers develop processes, design equipment, and provide technical services for plants that convert raw materials into chemical and metal products.
• Electrical Engineers design, construct, operate, evaluate, test and monitor the performance of electrical equipment, components and systems.
• Mechanical Engineers research, design, evaluate, install, operate and maintain mechanical products, equipment, systems, and processes.
• Petroleum Engineers are involved in the exploration and development of oil and gas fields.
• Power Engineers, also known as stationary engineers or steam engineers, supervise, operate and maintain machinery and boilers to provide power, heat, refrigeration and other utility services.

Engineering Technologists

In conjunction with the range of engineering positions there are a variety of engineering technologists. While their duties vary, the education and skills required to become an engineering technologist are similar. The minimum educational requirement for engineering technologists is a skill specific two year diploma. Engineering technologists should also have an aptitude for chemistry, math, and physics, possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, have the ability to work with a team as well as independently. Engineering technologists should also enjoy obtaining and analyzing test results, finding innovative solutions to problems, and taking a methodical approach to their work. More specifically:

• Petroleum Engineering Technologists are responsible for many of the technical activities involved in the production of oil and gas from conventional resources, as well as from heavy oil and oil sands.
• Mechanical Engineering Technologists may work independently or assist mechanical engineers in designing, drawing, developing, and modifying various types of products, machines, mechanical systems and manufacturing processes.
• Electrical Engineering Technologists apply their knowledge and understanding of electrical theory in business and industry settings.
• Chemical Engineering Technologists are involved in the operation of gas plants, chemical plants, and refineries.
• Industrial Instrumentation Technology involves automation in the production of commodities such as those found in the oil and gas industry. The skills required for this position are similar to those necessary for chemical and petroleum engineering technologists.
• Gas Plant Operators control automated processes which convert raw natural gas into forms that can be used by consumers. These operators require mechanical aptitude, mathematical ability, good hand-eye coordination, and manual dexterity. Not unlike most of the other occupations in this industry, they also require excellent communication skills and the ability to work with a team. Operators may require an Alberta Power Engineering Certificate.
• Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing Supervisors manage large crews of specialized workers on drilling and service rigs. These people require mechanical aptitude, the ability to react quickly and think ahead to the next procedure. Good organizational skills, good physical health, and the ability to plan and direct the work of others is required. These positions require a variety of certification and experience.
• Well Service Pump Equipment Operators are called in at different times during the development of oil and gas wells for specialized oil field services operations such as cementing, acidizing, fracturing, and nitrogen injection. These operators should be self-starters, decisive, in good physical condition, and able to work well under pressure. These individuals should have a high school diploma plus the ability and desire to learn quickly.
• Gas Pipeline Operators monitor the day-to-day operations of meter and compressor stations essential to the distribution and smooth flow of gas through pipelines. These operators need to be precise, responsible, handy with tools, interested in working with machines and complex equipment, and independent. It is beneficial to have a high school education and some post-secondary experience in electronics, electrical systems, mechanics or instrumentation.
• Oil Pipeline Operators monitor the day-to-day operations of pipelines and associated facilities. These people need to be flexible, precise, interested in working with machinery and complex equipment, as well as have good written and verbal communication skills. These operators require a minimum of a high school diploma and a valid driver's license.
• Field Production Operators are responsible for the initial separation processes or the special treatment required to ensure that impurities such as water, gas and sediments are removed form oil and gas in the field. These people need to have excellent written and verbal communication skills, mechanical aptitude, analytical skills, mathematical skills, and the ability to lift heavy objects. There are no formal educational requirements but a high school diploma is preferable.
• Process Operators are involved in instrumentation, plant operations, process flow and analyses, maintenance of boilers and processes, as well as safety procedures. To become a process operator you need a one-year certificate from SAIT which includes a four-week practicum. To enter into this program you need a minimum of Grade 11 with a 50 per cent average.
• Gas Station Attendants pump gas, check vehicles' oil levels and handle cash. There are no formal educational requirements and training is on the job. Pay is in the range of minimum wage, and due to automation in the retail sale of gas, work opportunities may be limited in the future.