Bed Truck Operator, Bulk Haul Truck Operator, Driver, Multi-Wheel Truck Operator, Winch Tractor Operator
Interest in copying to record cargo information, distance travelled, fuel consumption and other information in log books or on on-board computers, and to obtain special permits and other documents required to transport cargo on international routes; and in performing pre-trip inspections of vehicle systems and equipment such as tires, lights, brakes, and cold storage
Interest in driving straight and articulated trucks to transport goods and materials; may drive as part of a two-person team or convoy, and may transport hazardous products and dangerous goods
Interest in speaking to communicate with dispatchers and other drivers using citizens' band (CB) radios, cellular telephones and on-board computers; and in overseeing all aspects and functions of vehicle such as condition of equipment, loading and unloading, and safety and security of cargo
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 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.
Oilfield transportation operations use specialized vehicles that are fitted with auxiliary equipment designed for:
In Alberta, oil and gas transportation services is a designated occupation that includes:
For information about the duties of truck drivers in general, see the Truck Driver occupational profile.
Oilfield transportation operations are conducted 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in all weather conditions.
Operators often work long hours and travel at night. They may be exposed to the dirt, dust, noise and fumes that exist around drilling and service rigs, and may be away from home for extended periods. Operators who load and unload trucks may routinely lift items that weigh up to 20 kilograms.
People in oil and gas transportation services occupations need the following characteristics:
They should enjoy taking a methodical approach to recording information and obtaining required documentation, driving and talking to others involved in loading and receiving shipments.
Truck operators must hold appropriate operators licenses as required under Alberta's Traffic Safety Act.
Knowledge and skills related to oilfield transportation operations can be learned on the job. However, most employers prefer to hire high school graduates or people who already have related training or experience.
Oil and gas transportation services is a designated occupation in Alberta. This means that certification is not required but trainees can apply to Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training for an Alberta Occupational Certificate. Certification requires completion of a petroleum competency program through Enform in Calgary or Nisku (near Edmonton). There are noentrance requirements for the Enform program.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
This is a designated occupation. For full details, see the related certification profile.
Average occupational growth is expected in Alberta for 2016 to 2020. Job openings are a result of employment turnover and newly created positions.
People in oil and gas transportion services occupations are employed by contractors in the oil and gas industry. Some self-employed operators work for drilling companies or operators who own their own equipment.
New hires generally start as swampers (helpers) and, after they earn the appropriate driver's licenses, advance to operator positions. Depending on the size and nature of the company, experienced operators may move into supervisory positions.
Certified Alberta oil and gas transportation services who have the supervisory or management skills required by industry may apply for an Achievement in Business Competencies Blue Seal by contacting Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
Oil and gas transportation services are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 7511: Transport truck drivers. In Alberta, 79% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Over 44,500 Albertans are employed in the Truck drivers occupational group. This group is expected to have an average annual growth of 1.7% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 757 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. Note: As oil and gas transportation services occupations form only a part of this larger occupational group, only some of these newly created positions will be for oil and gas transportation services occupations.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Oil and gas transportation services occupations are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 7511: Transport truck drivers.
According to the 2015 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Transport truck drivers occupational group earned on average from $24.81 to $34.56 an hour. The overall average wage was $28.75 an hour. For more information, see the Transport truck drivers wage profile.
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training offices website: tradesecrets.alberta.ca
Canadian Association of Oilwell Drilling Contractors website: www.caodc.ca
Enform website: www.enform.ca
Petroleum Human Resources (PHR), Carrer in Oil and Gas (COG) website: www.careersinoilandgas.com
For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.
Updated Mar 30, 2015. 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.