Many oil companies in Alberta are either based out of Fort McMurray or have a divisional office. The prime focus of jobs in Northern Alberta is the tar sands, pipelines, and other oil field work. Some of the more prominent companies that specialize in oil and gas exploration, production, and service that are constantly hiring new workers include:
- Ensign Energy Services – An oilfield company that specializes in land-based drilling, directional drilling, and well servicing for crude oil, natural gas, and geothermal wells
- Nabors Industries Ltd. – A contract-based drilling company focusing on land drilling, workovers, well-servicing rigs, oilfield hauling, engineering, civil construction, logistics, facilities maintenance, and project management.
- Savannah Energy Services Corp – An energy business concentrating on coil tubing, vertical drilling, horizontal drilling, and overall well servicing.
- ConocoPhillips Canada – An oil and natural gas production and exploration company with positions that focus on technology, innovation, and sustainable development.
- Suncor Energy – An integrated energy company exploring, developing, and producing conventional oil and natural gas onshore and offshore.
- Syncrude Canada Ltd. – Syncrude is one of the largest crude oil producers from Canada’s oil sands. It operates a large oil sand mine, utility plant, bitumen extraction plant, and upgrading facility that processes bitumen and produces value-added light and sweet crude oil for domestic consumption and export.
And the list goes on! Most, if not all, of these companies provide competitive wages, comprehensive benefits packages, and opportunities to advance in the company and travel to other areas.
A point to note, though… some of the more prominent companies, like Shell, Exxon Mobil, and Husky, contract out to specific drilling companies such as those listed above. So, when searching for a position in the oilfield, narrow down the subsection you wish to work in (like those mentioned in the company descriptions) and target the organizations with that particular focus. This will ensure greater time efficiency and a more authentic realization of the best fit for you in the oilfield.
Driller is the job title in the most significant demand of many of these companies. However, to reach that stage, there are several other positions that you must first show your proficiency in, such as Floor Hand, Motor Hand, Derrick Hand, and sometimes Assistant Driller, depending on the organization. Furthermore, it would be best if you were committed to furthering your education and learning new skills.
If you wish to reach the coveted position of Driller, you need to be able to earn your First Line Blowout Prevention (BOP). If you want to surpass this position and advance to Tool Pusher/Rig Manager, your second-line BOP is necessary. Other courses required for any oilfield position include WHMIS, H2S Alive, Fall Rescue, and Fall Protection. Think of the oil field as a great place to acquire some transferable skills, obtain invaluable courses, and earn a good chunk of change.