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Blaster (Seismic), Blaster Helper (Seismic), Equipment Operator, Seismic Driller, Seismic Helper, Vibrator Operator (Seismic)
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 | $22.56 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $26.07 |
| Top | $30.69 |
Interest in comparing information to handle, sort and move drill tools, pipes, cement and other materials, and to clean up rig areas; may drive trucks to transport materials and well service equipment
Interest in operating equipment to manipulate sections of pipes and drill stems at rig floors during drilling and for removal and replacement of strings of pipes, drill stems and bits
Interest in maintaining drilling equipment on drill floors
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.
Before oil companies decide to drill a well in a new location, they usually require information from seismic tests to analyze the underground rock formation and its potential for holding reserves of oil or gas. A great deal of time and money is spent on seismic operations, and major decisions are made on the basis of seismic data.
The size of a seismic crew varies with the nature of the job. Crews usually consist of a large team of specialists.
Seismic drillers:
Blasters (also known as shooters) organize the blasting equipment used to detonate the loaded charge and control the blasting zone. For more information, see the Blaster occupational profile. During seismic tests, blasters are in constant contact with seismic observers.
Seismic observers operate, maintain and are responsible for the expensive electronic equipment used to record seismic signals. In general, they:
During seismic tests, observers work in a recording truck and use 2-way radios to direct the work of crew members involved in the tests. In some cases, observers activate the explosives used in tests from inside the recording truck (also known as dog house) or direct the work of blasters who activate explosives from a different location.
Vibrator operators operate vibrating units that sometimes are used instead of explosives to create energy waves in the ground. The vibrator unit is mounted on a medium-sized truck buggy or tracked vehicle that has a large plate attached underneath. When the plate is dropped or vibrated, it creates energy waves in the ground that reflect back to the surface. Often, up to 4 vibrating units are operated at one time.
In general, vibrator operators:
Senior vibrator operators may supervise the work of the vibrator crew or repair equipment as required.
Helpers are inexperienced workers in entry-level positions on seismic crews. After they gain skills and experience, helpers may move to other positions on a crew.
3-dimensional seismic work and heli-portable operations require more equipment and much larger crews including staging managers, line crew bosses and trouble shooters.
Staging managers (sometimes called staging equipment co-ordinators):
Line crew bosses (sometimes called line truck drivers):
Trouble shooters work directly under observers and deal with equipment failures. With 3-D seismic work so much equipment is used that several trouble shooters are required to maintain them.
Seismic workers may be required to:
Seismic workers need the following characteristics:
They should enjoy having clear rules and guidelines for their work, and operating and maintaining equipment.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 14 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Dec 26, 2020 and Apr 21, 2021.
Review these skills to learn:
| Personal Suitability: Team player | 13 |
|---|---|
| Handle, sort and move drill pipes, tools, cement and other materials | 9 |
| Drive trucks to transport materials and well service equipment | 9 |
| Clean up rig areas | 9 |
| Assist in setting up, taking down and transporting drilling and service rigs and service equipment | 9 |
| Write daily basic progress reports | 8 |
| Manipulate sections of pipes or drill stems at rig floor during drilling and during removal and replacement of pipes, drill stems and drill bits | 8 |
| Assist other workers to maintain drilling equipment on drill floor | 8 |
| Area of Specialization: Forklift | 1 |
| Clean machines and immediate work areas | 1 |
Seismic workers usually are required to have a valid Class 5 driver's licence, with a clean driver's abstract. There are no formal, minimum education requirements for entry-level positions on a seismic crew. However, a high school education and an interest in mathematics, physics and geology are definite assets. Employers generally prefer to hire job applicants who have experience with:
Seismic workers are trained on the job. Employers also may sponsor safety training related to job duties:
To advance to more senior positions on a seismic crew, work experience or post-secondary training in an engineering technology, electronics or mechanics is a definite asset.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Seismic workers are employed by geophysical companies.
Employment typically is seasonal.
Seismic crew members usually start as helpers. After gaining experience, they may advance to line supervisor or trouble shooter positions, then to blaster or vibrator operator positions, before moving up to staging co-ordinator and junior observer positions. Experienced seismic crew members who prefer indoor positions may move into positions in centres that process seismic data.
Seismic workers 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:
The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 8615: Oil and gas drilling, servicing and related labourers occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.2% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 59 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
In 2014, the Petroleum Labour Market Information (PetroLMI) Division of Enform (formerly 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.
Most employers cover all accommodation costs while the employee is working, and a daily living allowance (or hotshot) of $40-$50 per day is paid to each employee to cover food expenses.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $34.62 | $22.56 | $20.00 |
| Overall | $17.00 | $40.38 | $26.07 | $25.00 |
| Top | $21.00 | $47.12 | $30.69 | $27.74 |
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.
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.
| Oil & Gas Extraction | $55,267 |
|---|---|
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $50,914 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $50,005 |
| Construction | $49,066 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $35,337 |
Canadian Association of Geophysical Contractors (CAGC) website: www.cagc.ca
Careers in Oil + Gas website: www.careersinoilandgas.com
Explorers and Producers Association of Canada (EPAC) website: www.explorersandproducers.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 24, 2016. 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.