Transport Services Operator

Occupation Profile:
Oil and Gas Transportation Services Operators
Under the Job Family: Operators
Occupation Profile:
Oil and Gas Transportation Services Operators
Under the Job Family: Operators
Table of Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................................................................ 3!
National Occupational Classification (NOC)....................................................................... 3!
Examples of Benchmark Job Titles .................................................................................... 3!
Industry Context ........................................................................................................................................................ 3!
Main Responsibilities................................................................................................................................................. 4!
Swamper ............................................................................................................................ 5!
Bed Truck Operator ............................................................................................................ 5!
Bulk Haul Truck Operator ................................................................................................... 5!
Multi-wheel Truck Operator ................................................................................................ 6!
Winch Tractor Operator ...................................................................................................... 6!
Trucking Supervisor............................................................................................................ 6!
Minimum Qualifications for Entry............................................................................................................................... 7!
Education and Experience ................................................................................................. 7!
Certification and Licensing ................................................................................................. 7!
Characteristics and Nature of this Occupation .......................................................................................................... 8!
Regional Considerations ........................................................................................................................................... 9!
Other Work-Related Conditions ......................................................................................... 9!
Key Competencies and Related Training and Development..................................................................................... 9!
Competencies..................................................................................................................... 9!
Training and Development ...............................................................................................10!
Work Opportunities and Typical Career Path..........................................................................................................11!
Career Advancement and Occupational Options .............................................................11!
Employment Outlook ...............................................................................................................................................12!
Workplaces and Employers in the Petroleum Industry............................................................................................13!
Compensation: Wages, Salaries and Other Typical Remuneration ........................................................................13!
Extra Information .....................................................................................................................................................14!
Related Web Links ...........................................................................................................14!
Something to Think About and Helpful Tips .....................................................................16!
Copyright © Petroleum Human Resources Council of Canada 2009. The opinions and interpretations
in this publication are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the Government of Canada
November 2009
Page 2 of 16
Occupation Profile: Oil and Gas Transportation Services Operators
Under the Job Family: Operators
Introduction
National Occupational Classification (NOC)
•
#7411 – Truck Drivers (Various Titles);
•
#8412 – Oil and Gas Well Drilling Workers and Services Operators
(Various Titles); and
•
#8615 – Oil and Gas Drilling, Servicing and Related Labourers
(Swamper).
Examples of Benchmark Job Titles
•
Entry Level
o Swamper.
Job titles vary in the industry,
with the most common
ones being:
•
Working Level
o Bed Truck Operator;
o Bulk Haul Truck Operator;
o Multi-Wheel Truck Operator; and
o Winch Tractor Operator.
•
Supervisory
o Trucking Supervisor.
Industry Context
Oil and gas transportation services include the transportation of equipment, liquid and gas products,
and other supplies used in the exploration, development and production of oil and natural
gas resources.
Oilfield transportation operations use specialized vehicles fitted with auxiliary equipment designed
for the following:
November 2009
•
Highway moving of all types of construction and plant equipment, pipe and camps;
•
Off-highway transportation of equipment and supplies;
Page 3 of 16
Occupation Profile: Oil and Gas Transportation Services Operators
Under the Job Family: Operators
•
Moving of various overweight and over dimensional loads; and
•
Dismantling, transport and assembly of drilling and service rigs.
Oil and Gas Transportation Services Operators support many aspects of oil and gas extraction
and production (see Figure 1).
Identifying
& Preparing
the Site
Setting Up the
Drilling Rig
Well Testing
& Completion
Drilling
the Well
Well
Production
Well
Servicing,
Workover &
Maintenance
Well Plugging &
Abandonment
Oil & Gas Transportation Services
Figure 1: The life of an oil or gas well.
In Alberta, this is a Designated Occupation under the Apprenticeship and Industry Training Act
and participation is voluntary. For more information go to www.tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca.
Main Responsibilities
Responsibilities typically include pre-job planning, equipment preparation, loading, dismantling,
unloading and erecting of yard and field equipment, professional driving (truck drivers must have
a Class 1 or Class 3 drivers license) and post-job operations.
The main responsibilities are grouped by:
•
Entry Level
o Swamper.
•
•
Working Level
o
Bed Truck Operator;
o
Bulk Haul Truck Operator;
o
Multi-Wheel Truck Operator; and
o
Winch Tractor Operator.
Supervisory
o Trucking Supervisor.
November 2009
Page 4 of 16
Occupation Profile: Oil and Gas Transportation Services Operators
Under the Job Family: Operators
Swamper
Responsibilities may include:
•
Assists a Truck Operator in conducting pre- and post-trip inspections, loading
and unloading trucks, dismantling and assembling the drilling rig, service rig,
pump jack, flare stack, etc.; and
•
Performs a variety of tasks as a helper under the supervision of the Truck Operator
but does not drive.
Alternative job titles include Rigger and Assistant Truck Driver. For more information,
go to the Petroleum Competency Program website at www.petrohrsc.ca.
Bed Truck Operator
•
Operates a truck specifically designed for the oil
and gas industry with a flat deck, winch
and optional gin poles. The truck is used without
a trailer to move rig buildings, derricks, matting
and other miscellaneous oilfield equipment.
For more information, see “A Day in the Life
of a Bed Truck Operator”
at www.careesinoilandgas.com or review
the “Careers in Oil and Gas: Rich with Potential”
information package at www.petrohrsc.ca.
Figure 2: Bed truck.
Source: Kos Oilfield Services.
Bulk Haul Truck Operator
•
November 2009
Operates any kind of truck (including vacuum
trucks) with a vessel or tank used to transport
liquid, natural gas products, dry bulk commodities
(e.g. cement) and other supplies used
in the exploration, development and production
of oil and gas resources. For more information,
go to www.careersinoilandgas.com.
Figure 3: Bulk haul truck.
Source: DC Energy
Services Inc.
Page 5 of 16
Occupation Profile: Oil and Gas Transportation Services Operators
Under the Job Family: Operators
Multi-wheel Truck Operator
•
Operates a multi-wheel truck, which is a truck
and trailer configuration that includes trailers,
and jeeps and boosters (specialized types
of dollies.) For more information,
go to www.petrohrsc.ca.
Winch Tractor Operator
•
Operates a winch tractor (a heavy-duty truck
outfitted with a winch). Winches allow
for the loading and off-loading of rig loads onto
trailers without the use of cranes, and are used
to transport legalloads and loads requiring permits.
For more information, go to
www.careersinoilandgas.com.
Figure 4: Multi-wheel truck
and trailer configuration.
Source: Kos Oilfield Services.
Trucking Supervisor
•
Supervises and coordinates job operations, Truck
Operators, Swampers and other workers. For more
information, go to www.petrohrsc.ca.
Responsibilities may include:
o Establish methods to meet work schedules
and co-ordinate work activities with other units;
Figure 5: Winch tractor.
Source: Kos Oilfield Services.
o Resolve work problems and recommend
measures to improve productivity
and product quality;
o Conduct inspections of vehicles and auxiliary equipment to ensure maintenance
standards are met;
o Oversee requisition equipment and personnel;
o Assist with the training of staff in job responsibilities, safety procedures and company
policy; and
o Recommend personnel actions such as performance appraisals and promotions.
November 2009
Page 6 of 16
Occupation Profile: Oil and Gas Transportation Services Operators
Under the Job Family: Operators
Minimum Qualifications for Entry
Education and Experience
Oil and Gas Transportation Services Operator roles do not require formal post-secondary education
or previous experience. Individuals are encouraged to obtain their high school diploma to meet
employer’s requirements for employment and to facilitate future advancement.
Employers typically look for a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn and physical fitness.
They also expect clean drug and alcohol test results.
Certification and Licensing
Certification is not required; however, when an individual working in this specialty reaches a certain
level of skill (as prescribed by the Petroleum Competency Program – PCP www.petrohrsc.ca),
the option to receive a PCP certificate exists. Qualified individuals can apply for a Designated
Occupation certificate that proves they meet provincial and industry standards for competency
in that occupation.
To qualify for an Alberta Designated Occupation Certificate based on completion of industryestablished competencies, an individual must:
•
Complete the Application for Certification in a Designated Occupation available
at www.tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca and submit it, along with the relevant Petroleum
Competency Program certificate from the Petroleum Human Resources Council
of Canada and Enform, to an Apprenticeship and Industry Training Office;
•
Review the Competency profile at www.tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca;
•
Review the glossary of terms at www.tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca; and
•
Pay the non-refundable application fee.
Student loans, grants, scholarships and other financial assistance may be available. More information
is available at www.tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca or by contacting an Apprenticeship and Industry
Training Office.
Safety-related certification is required in a number of areas, including:
November 2009
•
Workplace Hazard Material Information System (WHMIS);
•
First Aid and CPR training;
•
Transportation of dangerous goods (TDG);
Page 7 of 16
Occupation Profile: Oil and Gas Transportation Services Operators
Under the Job Family: Operators
•
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) safety;
•
Petroleum Safety Training (PST); and
•
General Oilfield Driver Improvement (GODI).
Truck Operators must hold the appropriate operator's licenses as required
under the respective Traffic Safety Act.
Characteristics and Nature of this Occupation
A career in the oil and gas transportation sector will appeal to individuals with the following attributes,
interests and preferences:
November 2009
•
An affinity for driving, especially in challenging conditions;
•
Ability to problem solve, trouble-shoot and think quickly on their feet;
•
Mechanical aptitude and abilities;
•
Attention to detail, alertness and ability to concentrate;
•
Respect for safety of self and others;
•
Team player;
•
Willingness to perform responsibilities that require physical exertion;
•
Motivated, self-starter with a positive attitude;
•
Ability to work independently under minimal supervision; and
•
Willingness to work hard for long hours.
Page 8 of 16
Occupation Profile: Oil and Gas Transportation Services Operators
Under the Job Family: Operators
Regional Considerations
Oil and Gas Transportation Services roles are mostly based in Western Canada where they
support conventional, heavy oil (in situ) and oil sands operations.
Other Work-Related Conditions
Oilfield transportation operations are conducted 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in all weather
and road conditions. Individuals may be required to work irregular work shifts with varying hours
up to 15 hours per day and seven days per week with a maximum driving time of 13 hours per day.
Operators may also be called to work with little or no notice and may work alone in darkness
and remote areas.
Key Competencies and Related Training and Development
Competencies
Key competencies for this Occupation Profile are listed below.
Business
•
Understanding of Oilfield Transportation Operations;
•
Knowledge of federal and provincial regulations, Industry Recommended Practices (IRP’s)
and municipal bylaws;
•
Knowledge of, and adherence to, all National Safety Code requirements, company
and client safety standards, policies and procedures;
•
Emergency response management – the ability to manage unforeseen and unexpected
events and to apply response procedures in critical and emergency situations; and
•
Support environmental protection – properly manage spills and waste products.
Technical
November 2009
•
Professional and defensive driving; hands-on vehicle operation;
•
Ability to drive in challenging road conditions, use off-highway techniques
and deal with hazards;
Page 9 of 16
Occupation Profile: Oil and Gas Transportation Services Operators
Under the Job Family: Operators
•
Conduct pre-trip, enroute and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailer(s), auxiliary equipment
and inventory;
•
Operate winch safely;
•
Apply safe loading and unloading practices using commodity transfer protocols;
apply safe wire rope and rigging practices;
•
Non-driving skills such as map reading, hand signals, vehicle equipment operations,
load securing practices and tire chain installation;
•
Ability to read and use capacity charts; and
•
Manage the required documentation, e.g. driver logbook, bill of lading, various reports –
inspection, trip, accident and incident, and maintenance and repair.
Enabling
•
Contribute to the health and safety of the work environment;
•
Effective communications (written and verbal); and
•
Maintain effective working relationships.
Competencies specific to each of the roles included in this Occupation Profile can be found
at www.tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca and in each of the related Petroleum Competency Program
brochures at www.petrohrsc.ca.
The most important Essential Skills for select positions are available at http://srv108.services.gc.ca.
Simply apply the NOC codes noted in the first section of this profile to use the search feature
on the website.
The most important Essential Skills for Truck Drivers (NOC 7411) are document use and problem
solving. The trend towards a higher level of logbook enforcement means that truck drivers need
to be able to accurately complete complex documentation. With the growing use of computerized
satellite systems in trucks, drivers need to be computer literate.
Training and Development
Individuals in an entry-level role will partner up with more experienced Truck Operators
to become skilled in operating these specialized vehicle(s).
November 2009
Page 10 of 16
Occupation Profile: Oil and Gas Transportation Services Operators
Under the Job Family: Operators
Work Opportunities and Typical Career Path
Career Advancement and Occupational Options
Unless prior experience in oil and gas transportation services exists, operators will begin in the entrylevel role of Swamper and learn the required skills on the job. Most employers prefer to hire
individuals with a high school diploma and/or people who already have related training or experience.
Following an orientation and training period, and upon attainment of the required Class I or Class 3
driver’s license, individuals can advance to Truck Operator. With more experience, leadership skills
and interest, the person can move into a supervisor role.
Individuals may also choose to pursue a career path in a trade such as Crane Operator or Boom
Truck Operator (not included in this Occupation Profile.) A Mobile Crane Operator is a Red Seal trade
www.red-seal.ca.
A (Wellhead) Boom Truck Operator is considered a trade but does not participate in the Red Seal
Interprovincial Standards Program in either Alberta or British Columbia. In Alberta, a person must
be a registered apprentice or a certified journeyman or hold a recognized trade certificate. In British
Columbia, apprenticeship programs lead to Boom Truck Operator, Class A Trade and Class B Trade.
The career path specific within the Oil and Gas Transportation Services Operator occupation
is shown in Figure 6.
Figure 6: Typical career path.
November 2009
Page 11 of 16
Occupation Profile: Oil and Gas Transportation Services Operators
Under the Job Family: Operators
Employment Outlook
The oil and gas industry is key to Canada’s economy and with many people retiring over the coming
decade, the industry is expected to hire for years to come. The number of people retiring already
outnumbers those joining the industry today.
The Petroleum Human Resources Council has generated medium to long-term industry validated
labour market information that forecasts employment demand to 2020 for exploration, development,
production, service industries, pipeline transmission, gas processing and mining, and extracting and
upgrading heavy oil (in situ) and bitumen. Overall, oil sands operations are expected to provide the
most new employment opportunities, while conventional oil and gas activity is projected to decrease
over time and not return to the peak experienced in 2006.
In addition, the service and pipeline sectors are expected to provide increasing support to the heavy
oil (in situ) extraction within the oil sands.
More information can be found on the following websites:
November 2009
•
Canada – Trucking Industry at www.truckingcareers.ca;
•
Canada – Truck Drivers at www.jobfutures.ca;
•
Alberta – Oil and Gas Transportation Swampers and Operators at www.alis.alberta.ca;
•
Saskatchewan – Truck Drivers at www.saskjobfutures.ca; and
•
Newfoundland and Labrador – Truck Drivers at www.labourmarketinformation.ca.
Page 12 of 16
Occupation Profile: Oil and Gas Transportation Services Operators
Under the Job Family: Operators
Workplaces and Employers in the Petroleum Industry
Oil and Gas Transportation Services Operators are typically hired by companies that contract these
specialized services to other companies in the oil and gas industry. Employers vary in size from
small entrepreneurs with their own equipment to larger organizations that have a transportation
services division.
The following websites provide membership directories and/or other information about employers
and work opportunities in this sector:
•
Petroleum Services Association of Canada (PSAC) Membership Directory –
search “rig moving”, “pipe storage and transportation”, “tank moving” and “trucking
and heavy hauling” at www.psac.ca;
•
Canadian Oilfield Service and Supply Directory – review the “transportation category”
at www.cossd.com; and
•
InfoOil Careers at www.infooil.com.
Compensation: Wages, Salaries and Other Typical Remuneration
Compensation within the oil and gas industry is competitive when compared to similar jobs in other
sectors, particularly for technical disciplines. A summary of published information links can be found
at www.careersinoilandgas.com.
The best place to find information about compensation (base, bonuses and overtime) is to check
with employers in the industry. Most companies offer comprehensive benefits packages and some
offer bonuses for safety and performance.
The Trucking Careers website at www.truckingcareers.ca includes salary information for trucking
careers in general.
The Alberta Wage and Salary Survey can be found at www.employment.alberta.ca.
Salary information is also provided on other provincial government websites.
November 2009
Page 13 of 16
Occupation Profile: Oil and Gas Transportation Services Operators
Under the Job Family: Operators
Extra Information
Related Web Links
Table 1: Related web links.
SOURCE
DESCRIPTION
URL LINK
Canadian Centre
for Energy
Information
• Provides information on the energy
industry including a glossary of terms.
www.centreforenergy.com
Canadian Trucking
Human Resources
Council (CTHRC)
• Provides national standards
for professional drivers, dispatchers
and other related roles.
www.cthrc.com
Human Resources
and Social
Development
Canada (HRSDC)
• Provides a National Occupation
Classification (NOC) description that
includes main responsibilities, example
titles, employment requirements,
additional information and links to similar
occupations.
www23.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca
Job Futures –
National Edition
• Description of occupations – work,
education, training and experience,
work prospects and important facts.
www.jobfutures.ca
Petroleum Human
Council of Canada
• This website provides information and
resources on human resources issues
facing the oil and gas industry including
the Occupation Profiles Library;
www.petrohrsc.ca
• The site also includes an information
package called “Careers in Oil and Gas:
Rich with Potential”; and
• The Careers in Oil and Gas website
provides information about the industry,
job search tips and other career
management information.
November 2009
www.careersinoilandgas.com
Page 14 of 16
Occupation Profile: Oil and Gas Transportation Services Operators
Under the Job Family: Operators
SOURCE
DESCRIPTION
URL LINK
Petroleum
Services
Association
of Canada (PSAC)
• PSAC is the national trade association
representing the service, supply and
manufacturing sectors within the
upstream petroleum industry.
www.psac.ca
• This website provides Petroleum
Services industry information and career
resources such as brief job descriptions.
Provincial
Government
Profiles
Trucking Careers
Website
• Alberta;
www.alis.gov.ab.ca
• B.C.; and
www.workfutures.bc.ca
• Ontario.
www.ontariojobfutures.ca
• Truckingcareers.ca is an initiative of the
Canadian Trucking Human Resources
Council. It provides information
about career opportunities available
in the trucking industry.
www.truckingcareers.ca
• A description of typical career paths
in the broader trucking industry.
• Links to trucking career resources –
publications and associations.
November 2009
Page 15 of 16
Occupation Profile: Oil and Gas Transportation Services Operators
Under the Job Family: Operators
Something to Think About and Helpful Tips
Students, parents, career counselors and others who are interested in obtaining more information
about the Oil and Gas Transportation Services Operators occupation may find it useful to:
•
Attend local career fairs hosted by employers who offer jobs and careers
in this occupation;
•
Call an oil and gas transportation company and ask to see the vehicle(s)
and auxiliary equipment; and
•
Get a summer job as a Swamper.
Potential Operators should consider acquiring skills and knowledge in the competency areas
outlined in this Occupation Profile. This may include taking relevant high school subjects and taking
the initiative to obtain H2S Alive and First Aid tickets.
November 2009
Page 16 of 16