Oilfield Jobs Available Far and Wide From Canadian Oil Sands to Alaska's Prudhoe Bay
From the Alaskan Pipeline to Alberta Canada, jobs in the oil industry are plentiful and not limited to working on an oil rig. Throughout this industry, there is a need for land surveyors, scientists, engineers, and even upper management positions. Each person plays an intricate role bringing us the oil we need in our day-to-day living.
OIL SANDS JOBS
Canada has a vast amount of oil sands deposits located in remote parts of Alberta. This discovery combined with more cost effective refining methods, has boosted Canada into the top 10 of oil producing countries. If this is all new to you, you would want to do some homework because the job opportunities are plentiful. A position in the oil sands could range a laborer to a contract administrator. Operations unusually run 24/7, 365 days a year so the job openings continue to be on the rise.
Just a few of the jobs available – Welder, Building Safety Code Officer, Engineering Applications Specialist, Environmental Engineer, Geologist, Health Surveillance Nurse, Heavy Equipment Technician, Quality Assurance/Quality Control Inspector, Computer Systems Analyst….the list goes on and on.
If it’s hard work you want, you will definitely get it here. It has been predicted that 5,400 new oil sands-related positions will need to be filled from 2003 to 2012 in Alberta and companies are willing to compensate you well for your hard labor. Companies are paying top dollar in this field for heavy equipment operators, welders, engineers, steel fabricators… 60 Minutes interviewed a 22-year-old who claimed to be making $120,000 per year.
ALASKA OIL JOBS
If you’re really up for a challenge and can bear the frigid temperatures, Alaska is the place to be. With talk of a new Alaskan pipeline, it is estimated that some 9,000 positions will need to be filled. These jobs will be in remote parts of Alaska and workers will be paid for transportation, lodging and in some cases food. In addition to a competitive salary, overtime will be plentiful and hazard pay will be offered to many. These opportunities will be available for both skilled and unskilled workers ranging from engineers to heavy equipment operators.
SCIENCE AND PETROLEUM ENGINEERING JOBS
If you are interested in the oil and gas industry, but hard labor isn’t for you, consider the science and engineering side of the industry. The top paying jobs are often given to those holding a Master’s degree. This seems to be an open arena as the demand is high and the supply is short. As the oil industry continues to try to find new oil sources, the need for scientists and engineers continues to grow. Many colleges such as Penn State University, Texas Tech University, Stanford University and others offer a Petroleum and Chemical Engineering program. Your training will definitely pay off with salaries ranging from $56,000 in excess of $120,000.
Whether you want to get down and dirty on an oil rig or work behind the scenes, if you have an interest in the oil and gas industry, you can expect the work to be plentiful, the compensation more than adequate, and the results of your hard work rewarding.