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Coring Operator, Drill Stem Tester, Field Operator (Well Logging and Testing), Hydrocarbon Data Analyst, Hydrocarbon Mud Logger, Pressure Tester, Slickline Operator, Wireline 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 | $30.86 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $35.36 |
| Top | $39.80 |
Interest in controlling the operation of wirelines, unit controls, and equipment and instruments in mobile testing and logging units
Interest in driving well service and wireline trucks to well sites
Interest in compiling information to direct the operations of wireline and unit controls to conduct required procedures and tests; may perform limited data interpretation
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.
Oil and gas well loggers and testers, and their helpers, work in close co-operation with drilling and service rig crews. In general, loggers and testers:
Hydrocarbon mud loggers, also called hydrocarbon data analysts, analyze mud from the well to obtain information about rock formations. In general, they use instruments to:
Mud logging results help determine drill bit selection and drilling rates, and may indicate a need for core sampling or drill stem testing.
Coring operators take core samples that are analyzed by geologists, geophysicists and engineers to provide additional information about subsurface geology (to determine the potential productivity of a well). In general, coring operators:
Drill stem testers perform tests on the fluid in rock formations to help determine the potential productivity of an oil or gas well. With assistance from their helpers, they:
Drill stem testers, who also are qualified to use equipment that pressure tests casing or tubing for leaks, may be called pressure testers.
Wireline and slickline operators lower special instruments or tools into wells on a slender, flexible, metal cable called a wireline or slickline. For more information, see the Wireline Operator and Slickline Operator occupational profiles.
Oil and gas well loggers and testers usually are on call 24 hours a day. They often work long hours and always are under pressure to complete their work so the rig can continue its regular activity. The work environment around a rig is noisy, dirty and hazardous. The work may require lifting tools and equipment weighing up to 20 kilograms.
Hydrocarbon mud loggers work primarily in small laboratories on site during drilling operations. Coring operators, drill stem testers, wireline operators and slickline operators work mostly outdoors, sometimes in adverse weather conditions. They may work in isolated locations for extended periods of time.
Oil and gas well loggers and testers need the following characteristics:
They should enjoy working with equipment and machinery, having clear rules and guidelines for their work, and compiling information and solving problems.
Most loggers and testers are trained on the job. There is no minimum education requirement but many employers prefer to hire high school graduates. Related courses (for example, math, chemistry, geology, electronics, mechanics) and experience working on drilling or service rigs are definite assets. A valid driver's licence often is required. Loggers and testers who operate heavy trucks must have an appropriate Class 1 or Class 3 operator's licence with heavy truck endorsement.
Employers generally provide in-house training programs for new employees and ongoing courses for experienced employees. They may require employees to obtain certificates such as:
It is possible to gain technical knowledge and advance more quickly by taking courses in different aspects of drilling or service operations. Enform in Calgary and Nisku (near Edmonton) offers courses for those employed on drilling and service rigs as well as pre-employment courses for those wanting to gain experience prior to working in the oil and gas industry.
The Petroleum Services Association of Canada (PSAC) and Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) offer a six level Well Testing Training certificate program by correspondence. The program is self-paced; students are allowed one year to complete each level.
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.
Certification is not required, as there is currently no legislation regulating this occupation.
Oil and gas well loggers and testers are employed by oil field service companies. New employees usually begin as helpers or junior operators and often are hired initially as seasonal workers for the winter months. Opportunities to advance to more senior positions depend on the company and the worker's ability and potential to assume responsibility and supervise operations.
Oil and gas well loggers and testers are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 8232: Oil and gas well drillers, servicers, testers and related workers. In Alberta, 82% of people employed in this classification work in the Mining and Oil and Gas Extraction (PDF) industry.
The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the I132: Oil and Gas Well Drillers, Servicers, Testers and Related Workers occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 0.7% from 2016 to 2020. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 154 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
In 2014, the Petroleum Human Resources Council indicated more than 20% of the workforce in the oil and gas industry is eligible for retirement, contributing to the labour demand required to support the industry.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $20.00 | $47.14 | $30.86 | $32.00 |
| Overall | $20.60 | $53.71 | $35.36 | $36.00 |
| Top | $25.00 | $61.43 | $39.80 | $37.37 |
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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.
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $77,362 |
|---|---|
| Oil & Gas Extraction | $76,155 |
| Construction | $72,470 |
Canada's Oil and Gas Entrepreneurs (EPAC) website: explorersandproducers.ca
Canadian Association of Geophysical Contractors (CAGC) website: www.cagc.ca
Canadian Association of Oilwell Drilling Contractors (CAODC) website: www.caodc.ca
Canadian Well Logging Society (CWLS) website: www.cwls.org
Enform website: www.enform.ca
Petroleum Human Resources Council (PHRC) Careers in Oil and Gas website: www.careersinoilandgas.com
Petroleum Services Association of Canada (PSAC) website: www.psac.ca
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 Works Centre near you.
Updated Mar 24, 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.