Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services

Overview

Contractors and supervisors in oil and gas drilling and services supervise and coordinate the activities in drilling for oil or gas, operating service rigs, or providing oil and gas well services. They are employed by drilling and well service contracting companies and petroleum producing companies. Contractors may be self-employed.

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Supervise, co-ordinate and schedule the activities of workers who drill for oil and gas, operate service rigs or provide oil and gas well services

  • Establish methods to meet work schedules and co-ordinate work activities with other departments

  • Requisition and procure materials and supplies

  • Ensure appropriate control measures are in place to protect the health and safety of workers

  • Resolve work problems and recommend measures to improve productivity and safety

  • Train workers in job duties, safety procedures and company policies

  • Recommend personnel actions such as hirings and promotions

  • Review, audit and approve workers' paperwork and complete proper documentation

  • Prepare production and other reports

  • May set up machines and equipment.

Job titles

  • assistant offshore drilling rig superintendent
  • assistant platform superintendent
  • assistant toolpusher - offshore drilling rig
  • consultant - gas well drilling
  • consultant - oil and gas drilling
  • directional drilling consultant - oil and gas

Employment prospects

Source: BC Labour Market Outlook 2024 edition

Annual salary

Low

$60,170

Median

$95,521

High

$177,485

Job openings

Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.

British Columbia

173

expected job openings (5-year forecast)

Education and training

Employment requirements

  • Completion of secondary school is required.

  • Completion of college or petroleum industry approved training courses is required.

  • Extensive experience in the occupations supervised is required.

Additional information

  • There is little mobility for supervisors from well services to well drilling.

Certification requirements

Optional: The following certification are optional to practice as Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services in B.C.

  • Energy Safety Canada Certification - Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services

Energy Safety Canada Certification - Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services

Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.

To work as a contractor or supervisor in oil and gas drilling and services in B.C., you may need to complete training and gain certification through Energy Safety Canada. Eligibility is achieved by completing required prerequisite Energy Safety Canada courses.

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Work Experience

Work experience required

Post-secondary programs in B.C.

No programs available in B.C.

There are currently no programs offered at public post-secondary institutions in BC that are related to this career. Please see the Canadian Association of Energy Contractors website for other options.

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