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Gas Field Production Operator, Oil Field Production Operator, Production Field Operator
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Depending on the company, field production operators may be in charge of field production for oil wells or gas wells, or both. They optimize production by:
Senior production operators may identify safety hazards, issue safe work permits, isolate equipment for maintenance, return equipment to operation after maintenance is complete, and supervise work crews to ensure operating practices are safe and comply with legislated and corporate requirements. They may monitor environmental issues and report incidents to regulatory bodies.
Oil field production operators usually are responsible for several wells. The number depends on the size of the oil field, level of automation, production systems, and the company operating the wells. Specific duties vary from one position to another and one company to another. For example, some oil field production operators, called pumpers, are only responsible for checking wellhead equipment. Others, called battery operators, work entirely at batteries (field stations with treatment units, water disposal units, and storage units). However, in most companies, oil field production operators are in charge of wellhead equipment, batteries, and satellite facilities.
If enhanced recovery methods such as carbon dioxide or water injection are used, field production operators may operate either system. Operators must have additional power engineering certification for steam flood operations.
In general, oil field production operators take pressure and flow readings at oil wells. They also:
At treatment units in batteries, they may:
At water disposal units and oil storage tanks, they:
Depending on the level of automation of field systems and processes, field production operators may have to manually close and open or adjust valves and pressures in an area. They also check the gathering systems that transport unused gas from the battery to the gas plant or other markets.
In some fields, oil field production operators handle maintenance. Those who work with a helper take charge of training the helper.
Gas field production operators tend to oversee several gas wells depending on the level of automation, the processes and systems used, the size of the gas field, and the company they work for. The amount of travel required depends on whether gas wells are scattered or located near each other.
At each well, gas field production operators:
They also may put wells online or isolate wells. Where there are no dehydration facilities near a gas well, operators must check the heaters in the gathering system. When there are problems, they may have to:
If dehydration facilities are near the gas well, field production operators may record readings, take samples, and conduct basic tests on samples.
Oil and gas field production operators must drive to various work sites and may need to lift heavy items. They must be aware of potential hazards (like exposure to toxic chemicals such as hydrogen sulphide) and know how to handle emergencies.
Oil field production operators may work out of a battery or field station. They often must work shifts and be on call.
Gas field production operators work out of a field station or gas plant. They generally work only during the day but they may be on call 24 hours a day.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in controlling process start-up, shut-down and troubleshooting; and in operating electronic or computerized control panels from a central control room; and in shutting down, isolating and preparing process units or production equipment for maintenance
Interest in analyzing information to develop operator procedures for normal operations, start-up and shut-down of units; and in participating in safety audits and programs, and in providing emergency response when required
Interest in speaking with team members and trainees to authorize or co-sign maintenance work orders; in ensuring adherence to safety and environmental regulations; may work in a team with shared supervisory responsibilities and participate in training other workers
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Field production operators need:
They should enjoy controlling equipment, instruments, and machinery, analyzing information to solve problems, and working with others in a team environment.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 21 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between May 23, 2022 and Apr 10, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Health benefits: Health care plan | 20 |
|---|---|
| Health benefits: Dental plan | 20 |
| Tasks: Monitor outside process equipment | 17 |
| Tasks: Adjust equipment, valves, pumps and controls and process equipment | 17 |
| Tasks: Ensure adherence to safety regulations | 17 |
| Tasks: Operate electronic or computerized control panel from a central control room | 16 |
| Tasks: Rotate between different processing units during shift cycles | 16 |
| Tasks: Work in a team with shared supervisory responsibilities | 16 |
| Work Setting: Remote location | 16 |
| Tasks: Control process start-up, shut-down and troubleshooting | 16 |
There are no formal educational requirements for field production operators. However, employers usually prefer to hire people with at least a high school diploma. Candidates should have a Class 5 Alberta driver’s licence. Previous work experience with machines or electrical equipment is a definite asset.
Field production operators are trained on the job and take first aid and safety training courses. These may include:
Post-secondary schools throughout Alberta offer power engineering courses that may be useful for people interested in becoming field production operators. Oil field production operators who wish to operate steam injection units used in enhanced recovery operations must have at least a 4th Class Power Engineering Certificate. Gas field production operators may benefit from training in gas processing operations.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Field production operators work for companies involved in producing oil and gas. However, the workload is being filled more and more by small contractors, so owning a vehicle with basic equipment is an asset.
Individuals without experience usually start off as helpers on a contract basis or as junior field production operators. Depending on the company, there may be different categories of helpers or junior operators. After enough on-the-job experience and completed additional courses from the company or other sources, operators may move into field production operator positions.
From field production operator positions, individuals with initiative may work toward supervisory or management positions. With additional technical education or training, they may become:
This occupation is becoming highly automated. Job growth depends on new wells being drilled.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
In the 9232: Central control and process operators, petroleum, gas and chemical processing occupational group, 77.9% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 9232: Petroleum, gas and chemical process operators occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.3% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 78 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $27.85 | $62.02 | $39.46 | $37.00 |
| Overall | $35.13 | $74.99 | $50.78 | $50.62 |
| Top | $44.85 | $90.80 | $59.57 | $57.50 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $105,676 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing | $115,988 |
PetroLMI, Career in Oil and Gas (COG) website: www.careersinoilandgas.com
Energy Safety Canada website: www.energysafetycanada.com
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2020. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
