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Apprenticeship

Well Testing Services Supervisor

Well testing services supervisors oversee oil and gas well data collection to determine reservoir deliverability and identify produced fluids.

Also Known As

Gas Well Testing Services Supervisor, Oil and Gas Well Testing Services Supervisor

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

  • 8232.2: Oil and Gas Well Loggers, Testers and Related Workers

2006 NOC-S

  • I132: Oil and Gas Well Drillers, Servicers, Testers and Related Workers

2011 NOC

  • 8232: Oil and gas well drillers, servicers, testers and related workers

2016 NOC

  • 8232: Oil and gas well drillers, servicers, testers and related workers

2021 NOC

  • 83101: Oil and gas well drillers, servicers, testers and related workers

2023 OaSIS

  • 83101.02: Oil and gas well loggers, testers and related workers
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2020

In general, well testing service supervisors review and discuss requirement with operations manager and sales or field representatives. They also:

  • Plan procedures and coordinate any other services or equipment that may be required
  • Plan the route and schedule for getting to the well which may involve checking weather conditions or contacting the provincial government for information about potential problems such as detours
  • Ensure the crew is aware of and able to drive the route
  • Work with others to connect equipment and joints of testing pipe to the well head
  • Handle and control the flow of well effluents
  • Conduct tests and record data about flow rate, pressure, salinity or other production factors
  • Ensure that meters are calibrated on a regular schedule and tests done at appropriate times
  • Present test results and costs to customers
  • Work with others to disconnect equipment and secure the well head
  • Manage the trip home
  • Inspect and maintain well testing equipment such as H2S monitors, ultrasonic testing equipment or pressure testing equipment

In Alberta, this designated occupation has the following levels:

  • Level 1 supervisors work in relatively simple sweet well environments using single stage separation equipment (one separator vessel) where shut-in well pressure is up to 14 MPA (2000 psi). They supervise a crew of 2 and conduct flow testing.
  • Level 2 supervisors operate in the same environments as level 1 supervisors but supervise a crew of up to 6 workers with some on night shift.
  • Level 3 supervisors work in complex environments with additional equipment on site. They may conduct well workovers and completions, or work in hazardous environments where sour gas is present or wells have a shut in pressure up to 34.5 MPA (5000psi).
  • Level 4 supervisors may work in more complex environments with multi-stage separation and other equipment to conduct well testing, workovers and completions. They may work on wells designated as critical sour. The crews they supervise can be larger than those for lower supervisor levels, resulting in increased responsibilities.
  • Level 5 supervisors have the highest skill level and extensive well testing experience. They may organize and supervise large well testing projects at multiple sites and work on wells where well pressures are 34.5 MPA (5000 psi) or more.
Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2020
  • Strength Required Lift over 20 kg

Well testing services are conducted 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. Supervisors generally work a day shift or night shift in conjunction with other services involved in completing or working over a well, and work with their own crews when flow testing. They work primarily outdoors, sometimes in adverse weather conditions.

The work environment around drilling and service rigs is sometimes noisy, dirty and hazardous. Supervisors may be required to lift tools and equipment weighing up to 25 kilograms.

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.

Oil and Gas Well Loggers, Testers and Related Workers

2006 NOC: 8232.2

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
OBJECTIVE

Interest in controlling the operation of wirelines, unit controls, and equipment and instruments in mobile testing and logging units

METHODICAL

Interest in driving well service and wireline trucks to well sites

innovative

Interest in compiling information to direct the operations of wireline and unit controls to conduct required procedures and tests; may perform limited data interpretation

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, 2020

Well testing services supervisors need:

  • Strength
  • Physical and emotional stamina
  • Communication skills
  • Leadership skills
  • The ability to work well under pressure

They should enjoy working with equipment and machinery, having clear rules and guidelines for their work, and compiling information to solve problems. They should be comfortable dealing with people.

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

Oil and gas well drillers, servicers, testers and related workers

2016 NOC: 8232

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 89 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 04, 2021 and Dec 13, 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.
Health benefits: Health care plan
Health benefits: Dental plan
Health benefits: Vision care benefits
Work Site Environment: Outdoors
Health benefits: Disability benefits
Dependability
Hand-eye co-ordination
Team player
Computer Systems: Valid driver's licence
Tasks: Ensure safety procedures are followed
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2020
  • Minimum Education Designated Occupation

Well testing service supervisor is not an entry-level position. It requires years of experience in well testing (for more information, see the Oil and Gas Well Loggers and Testers occupational profile).

Well testing services supervisor is a designated trade in Alberta. Certification is not required, but trainees can apply to Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training for a Journeyperson Certificate. Competencies are assessed by demonstration on the job. Certification requires completion of a petroleum competency program managed by Energy Safety Canada.

Industry offers certification through Energy Safety Canada.

Apprenticeship and Industry Training does not offer a training program for this occupation, but it monitors and audits the competency assessment process.

 

Related Education

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

Designated Occupations

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, 2020
  • Certification Provincially Regulated

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.

Well Testing Services Supervisor

Well testing services supervisors oversee oil and gas well data collection to determine reservoir deliverability and identify produced fluids. For more information, see the Designated Trades Profile section of Alberta’s Tradesecrets website.

Legislation

In Alberta, government-legislated certification is available for well testing services supervisors.

For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Well Testing Services Supervisor.

Additional Information

Certified tradespeople who want to build their business skills may obtain an Achievement in Business Competencies (Blue Seal) Certificate from Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Well testing services supervisors are employed by contractors in the oil and gas industry. They usually start in entry-level positions and learn on the job to become well testing assistants. Employers prefer candidates who have their high school diploma, which also is an advantage for future advancement. Experienced assistants may become supervisors.

Experienced well testing services supervisors may move into sales, data management, safety, training, operations management or consulting positions. Some set up their own well testing service companies.

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.

Oil and gas well drillers, servicers, testers and related workers
2016 NOC: 8232

79.0% 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.

Oil and gas well drillers, servicers, testers and related workers
2021 NOC: 83101
Medium
Demand
24,400
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.

Oil and gas well drillers, servicers, testers and related workers
2016 NOC: 8232
2.4%
Annual Growth
(Average)
486
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, 2020

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.

Oil and gas well drillers, servicers, testers and related workers

2016 NOC: 8232
Average Wage
$40.40
Per Hour
Average Salary
$78,201.00
Per Year
Average Hours
41.6
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
10.9
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 8232 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.

B: Good Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% 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 $21.63 $50.30 $33.53 $30.00
Overall $27.33 $50.00 $40.40 $42.00
Top $28.00 $86.54 $57.67 $51.96

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
Construction

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
42%
42%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
40%
40%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
7%
7%
Vacancy Rate
4%
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Driver Training
  • Engineering and Science Technologies
  • Trades, Industrial and Related Training
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training offices website: tradesecrets.alberta.ca

Canadian Association of Oilwell Drilling Contractors (CAODC) website: caodc.ca

Energy Safety Canada website: www.energysafetycanada.com

PetroLMI, Career in Oil and Gas (COG) website: careersinoilandgas.com

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

Updated Mar 31, 2020. 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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