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Petroleum Engineering Technologist

Petroleum engineering technologists are responsible for many technical activities that go along with producing oil and gas. These can range from conventional reserves to heavy oil and oil sands. Technologists’ knowledge and training is applied to petroleum drilling, geology, production procedures, formation evaluation, and reservoir engineering.

Also Known As

Engineering Technologist, Physical Sciences Technician / Technologist, Process Engineering Technologist

NOC Codes

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

  • 2212.1: Geological and Mineral Technologists

2006 NOC-S

  • C112: Geological and Mineral Technologists and Technicians

2011 NOC

  • 2212: Geological and mineral technologists and technicians

2016 NOC

  • 2212: Geological and mineral technologists and technicians

2021 NOC

  • 22101: Geological and mineral technologists and technicians

2023 OaSIS

  • 22101.01: Geological and mineral technologists
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2024

Petroleum engineering technologists are involved in operations as well as health and safety. Their expertise is applied in activities such as petroleum drilling, geology, production procedures, formation evaluation, and reservoir engineering. They serve as authorities in advancing and pioneering innovative technologies like CCUS (carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration), in-situ hydrogen production, as well as finding uses for geothermal energy, the extraction of valuable elements from brine solutions, and using technologies to further obtain and use other vital resources.

They apply their skills in:

  • Geology – where they construct subsurface maps and cross-sections from well log data and supervise geological aspects of well site operations
  • Well operations – where they prepare drilling and workover programs, measure well log information and obtain core data, and supervise drilling and field servicing operations
  • Reservoir studies – where they calculate hydrocarbon reserves, analyze waterflood performance and other secondary recovery operations, and evaluate economic viability
  • Production operations – where they design equipment requirements for producing wells and batteries (field stations), plan and conduct fracturing and other stimulation operations, and supervise field production operations
  • Regulatory compliance – where they monitor compliance with legislated and regulatory requirements, and may be involved in writing and updating these regulations
  • Occupational health and safety or environmental programs – where they implement and monitor programs focused on health, safety, and environmental considerations

Technologists may perform a range of tasks. They may:

  • Measure and record pressures, temperatures, and flow rates at production facilities
  • Calculate well deliverability, hydrocarbon reserves (through volumetric, material balance, and decline curve analysis) and the economic viability of various projects and procedures
  • Perform reservoir surveillance
  • Prepare and implement drilling and workover programs
  • Assess land sales or lease expiries
  • Assess electric and porosity logs for potential hydrocarbon zones
  • Determine zones on a well for testing and coring operations
  • Analyze production well tests
  • Optimize the performance of well, gathering system, and production facilities
  • Direct the work needed to assemble mechanical and electrical testing instruments at the well site
  • Design and supervise mud systems or well completions
  • Specify surface equipment, such as separators, treaters, and storage vessels for gas gathering facilities, or supervise their installation
  • Specify artificial lift systems for different well conditions
  • Recommend processing techniques and implement or monitor chemical and corrosion inhibition programs
  • Conduct environmental impact assessments and manage remediation
  • Supervise processing facilities and drilling and well operations
  • Specify pipeline or flowline systems, or supervise their installation
  • Submit progress reports and manage budgets
Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2024
  • Strength Required Lift over 20 kg

Work settings for petroleum engineering technologists range from the well site to field offices and head offices. At the well site, often in remote locations, shift work is common. Technologists may need to be on call and work in all types of weather. Many field operations run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In the office, they use their computer skills to compile and analyze data, manage projects, and maintain communications.

Field work often includes regular labour duties that require some heavy lifting.

Interests & Abilities

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.

Geological and Mineral Technologists

2006 NOC: 2212.1

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
OBJECTIVE

Interest in precision working to operate and maintain geophysical survey and well logging instruments and equipment, and to perform physical and chemical tests

INNOVATIVE

Interest in analyzing geophysical and survey data to assist engineers and geologists in the evaluation and analysis of petroleum and mineral reservoirs; may assist engineers and metallurgists in specifying material selection, metal treatments and corrosion protection systems; may assist hydrogeologists in evaluating ground water and well circulation

directive

Interest in supervising prospecting field trips, exploratory drilling, geological survey programs and studies, and the preparation and of rock, mineral and metal samples; may supervise oil and gas well drilling, well completions and work-overs and welding projects

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

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.

Learn About Interests

Abilities

Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Mental Abilities

General Learning Ability

Verbal Ability

Numerical Ability

Visual Abilities

Spatial Perception

Form Perception

Clerical Perception

Physical Abilities

Motor Coordination

Finger Dexterity

Manual Dexterity

Understanding Abilities

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.

Learn About Abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 31, 2024

Petroleum engineering technologists need:

  • An aptitude for math, chemistry, and physics
  • Organizational, interpersonal, and communications skills
  • The ability to work independently as well as with a team

They should enjoy:

  • Analyzing data
  • Working with tools and instruments at precision tasks
  • Creative problem solving
  • Leading teams

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.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Geological and mineral technologists and technicians

2016 NOC: 2212

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 18 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Jan 25, 2022 and Nov 01, 2024.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Attention to detail
Data interpretation and evaluation
Team player
Effective interpersonal skills
Computer and Technology Knowledge: MS Office
Reliability
Judgement
Health benefits: Health care plan
Health benefits: Dental plan
Type of Industry Experience: Mineral resources and/or mining
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2024
  • Minimum Education 2 years post-secondary

The minimum educational qualification required to work as a petroleum engineering technologist is a 2-year technology diploma related to petroleum engineering.

Required Education

The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.

Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:

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.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2024
  • Certification Provincially Regulated

 

Certification is not required for this occupation. However, legislation exists for protected titles or duties.

Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.

The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.

Certified Engineering Technologist

Certified engineering technologists (CET) use industry-recognized codes, standards, procedures, and practices to solve problems within their technological areas of expertise. Depending on their duties, they may need supervision by a Professional Engineer, Professional Geoscientist, or Professional Technologist (Engineering / Geoscience).

Legislation

Under Alberta’s Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act [pdf] and ASET Regulation [pdf], you must register with the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) to use the protected title Certified Engineering Technologist (CET).

You do not have to register if you do not call yourself a Certified Engineering Technologist.

For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Certified Engineering Technologist.

Professional Technologist (Engineering or Geoscience)

Professional Technologists (Engineering) and Professional Technologists (Geoscience) are currently unique to Alberta. They practice independently according to established methodologies and specifications in the fields of engineering and geoscience. They have the authority to sign off and stamp work within a prescribed scope of practice.

Legislation

Under Alberta’s Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act [pdf] and Professional Technologists Regulation [pdf], you must register with the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) as a Professional Technologist (Engineering or Geoscience) to:

  • Practise engineering or geoscience within a prescribed scope of practice
  • Use the titles Professional Technologist (Engineering) or Professional Technologist (Geoscience)
  • Use the abbreviations P.Tech. (Eng.) or P.Tech. (Geo.)

For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Professional Technologist (Engineering or Geoscience).

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2024

Petroleum engineering technologists work in a wide range of circumstances in oil and gas production and reservoir analysis. They work for:

  • Exploration, geological, and geophysical companies
  • Oil, gas, and resource companies
  • Engineering consulting firms
  • Petroleum service companies
  • Government departments and regulatory bodies

Most major Canadian employers are located in western Canada. However, jobs are available worldwide.

When starting out, junior technologists may be posted to a field operation to get experience before moving into the office. Others start in offices immediately following their post-secondary schooling. With experience, they can move into team leadership, supervisory, or management positions.

Industry Concentration

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.

Geological and mineral technologists and technicians
2016 NOC: 2212

79.4% of people in this occupational group work in:

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 examples, see Note.

3-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Geological and mineral technologists and technicians
2021 NOC: 22101
Lower
Demand
1,500
Employed

Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast

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 examples, see Note.

To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Geological and mineral technologists and technicians
2016 NOC: 2212
2.4%
Annual Growth
(Average)
58
New Positions

Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.

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 examples, see Note.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2024

Salaries for petroleum engineering technologists vary widely.

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.

Geological and mineral technologists and technicians

2016 NOC: 2212
Average Wage
$46.23
Per Hour
Average Salary
$90,343.00
Per Year
Average Hours
38.4
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
11.7
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 2212 Wage Profile

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.

A: High Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

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.


Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $21.00 $57.69 $36.40 $34.00
Overall $21.00 $74.39 $46.23 $42.30
Top $28.00 $121.95 $59.98 $45.67

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

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Oil & Gas Extraction
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
Public Administration

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
26%
26%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
12%
12%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
7%
7%
Vacancy Rate
3%
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Engineering and Science Technologies
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2024

Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) website: www.aset.ab.ca

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.

Updated Mar 31, 2024. 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.

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