Bed Truck Operator, Bulk Haul Truck Operator, Driver, Multi-Wheel Truck Operator, Winch Tractor 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:
| Starting | $24.51 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $28.43 |
| Top | $32.60 |
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.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
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 Oil and Gas Transportation Swampers and Operators certification profile.
Oil and gas transportation swampers and operators transport the equipment and supplies used in the exploration, development and production of oil and gas resources. For more information, see the Trades and Occupations section of Alberta's Tradesecrets website.
In Alberta, government-legislated certification is available for oil and gas transportation swampers and operators.
Any of the Apprenticeship and Industry Training Client Service Offices located throughout Alberta. For a list of office locations and telephone numbers, click on "Contact Us" on the home page of the Tradesecrets website (tradesecrets.alberta.ca).
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.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $16.00 | $32.00 | $24.51 | $24.00 |
| Overall | $20.00 | $36.00 | $28.43 | $28.00 |
| Top | $22.76 | $48.00 | $32.60 | $31.62 |
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* 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.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Forestry, Logging, Fishing and Hunting | $74,684 |
|---|---|
| Transportation and Warehousing | $68,937 |
| Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing | $64,915 |
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $63,286 |
| Public Administration | $62,471 |
| Construction | $60,833 |
| Oil & Gas Extraction | $60,820 |
| Wholesale Trade | $60,469 |
| Business, Building and Other Support Services | $57,914 |
| Manufacturing | $55,845 |
| Agriculture | $49,703 |
| Retail Trade | $49,377 |
| Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $38,588 |
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 call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports 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.