Seismic Line Cutter

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: Oil and Gas Drilling, Servicing and Related Labourers (8615) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Oil and Gas Drilling, Servicing and Related Labourers (I215) 
• 2011 NOC: Oil and gas drilling, servicing and related labourers (8615) 

Seismic line cutters work on line construction crews. Using chainsaws, they cut and remove trees and other vegetation to clear a path for other seismic crews such as surveyors, drillers and helpers (jughounds). They must follow strict guidelines to limit environmental impact, such as:

• fire and erosion damage from burning
• disturbance of decomposing material
• destruction of harvestable trees
• creation of sight lines that endanger wildlife.

The size of a seismic line cutting crew varies with the nature of the job. Crews usually consist of a team of specialists.

Packers or helpers are entry-level crew members who are learning the role of bucker. In general, they:

• clear debris on seismic lines
• carry supplies and assist buckers
• may operate chainsaws under the direct supervision of buckers.

Buckers follow the instructions given by the crew faller. In general, they:

• operate chainsaws to de-limb and buck trees (cut fallen trees into logs)
• clean up debris created from line construction operations
• carry supplies in and out of the worksite (for example, gasoline, water, spare parts and saws)
• use portable global positioning system (GPS) receivers for navigating along seismic lines and setting up flags to mark lines and hazards
• perform maintenance on chainsaws and other equipment.

Fallers operate chainsaws to clear lines for larger equipment to follow. They are responsible for the safe operation and productivity of the line construction crew. In general, fallers:

• use chainsaws to clear trees and undergrowth to construct trails (usually 1.75-3 metres wide)
• assess the falling area and appraise trees for characteristics (twists, rot and heavy limb growth)
• apply knowledge of tree characteristics and cutting techniques to control direction of fall
• select and clear a proper emergency escape route, communicate falling plan and ensure the active falling area is clear of all workers (must comply with distance standards)
• clear brush and debris from work area
• clear undergrowth and cut saplings and other trees from falling path
• remove dangerous trees that could fall into the workplace.

Crews work outdoors in remote locations. They may have to stay in hotels, motels or camps when away from home for extended periods. They may be exposed to extreme weather, dirt, dust, mud, noise and fumes. Heavy lifting of items weighing up to 20 kilograms often is required.

To avoid injury, seismic line cutters must wear personal protective equipment (PPE).

Seismic line construction crews typically work 10 to 12 hours a day on rotation. Work is seasonal and overtime is common.

Seismic line cutters need to have the following characteristics:

• good problem solving and decision making skills
• mechanical aptitude
• a safety conscious attitude
• the ability to adapt to a number of different environments (mountains, plains)
• an interest in working outdoors (sometimes in isolated locations) and using various forms of wilderness transportation
• the ability to work well as part of a team.

They should enjoy having clear rules and guidelines for their work, being physically active and operating and maintaining equipment.

Seismic line cutters are employed by:

• independent exploration, survey and drilling companies
• companies that specialize in line clearing.

Employment may be seasonal.

Seismic line clearing crew members start as packers and progress to buckers and fallers. With additional training, fallers may advance to faller tutors.

Seismic line cutters are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 8615: Oil and gas drilling, servicing and related labourers. In Alberta, 80% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

• Mining and Oil and Gas Extraction (PDF)
• Construction (PDF)
• Manufacturing (PDF)

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

Over 4,500 Albertans are employed in the Oil and gas drilling, servicing and related labourers occupational group. This group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 0.9% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 41 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. Note: As seismic line cutters form only a part of this larger occupational group, only some of these newly created positions will be for seismic line cutters.

In 2014, the Petroleum Labour Market Information (PetroLMI) Division of Enform (formally the Petroleum Human Resources Council) indicated that 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.

Canadian Association of Geophysical Contractor website: www.cagc.ca

Careers in Oil + Gas website: www.careersinoilandgas.com

Enform website: www.enform.ca

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.