There are many employment opportunities in the Oil & Gas Sector, particularly on Drilling Crews
Be it offshore drilling crews, welders or geophysicists, there are a large number of rewarding job opportunities in the global oil and gas extraction industry. With the passing of the new Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline Project, the US is poised to provide several job opportunities for Alaskans, non Alaskans and Canadians.
The demand for drilling crews is high globally, since drilling rigs function continuously. Moreover, skilled workers, such as machinists, welders and pipe fitters, face a number of job opportunities in the maintenance operations of offshore projects. The number of offshore projects is rising in the US and, with that, drilling crew workers who are willing to stay on ships or facilities provided nearby offshore rigs will continue to be in demand. Offshore drilling projects often require cooks, sailors, pilots, radio operators and officers as part of the personnel to operate helicopters, barges and crew boats. Drilling superintendents have rewarding job opportunities to serve in a supervisory capacity to head drilling crews. However, it is important to note that the critical nature of these processes make promotions a little difficult to achieve. Moreover, most companies are hesitant to employ inexperienced workers in offshore rigs.
Alaska is one of the leading oil producing states in the US. The recently approved Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline Project is expected to generate thousands of jobs in the oil and gas sector. The state of Alaska has approved the license for TransCanada to begin preliminary work for this project, while offering $500 million in funding. Alaska Governor Frank Murkowski has stated that this project will provide more than 9,300 jobs and will require 54 million man hours for completion. Jobs for pipeliners, heavy equipment operators, engineers and welders will be high.
Job opportunities for geophysicists are growing, as these professionals are expected to be involved with heading exploration operations and organizing critical information. There are job opportunities for geophysical prospectors who will be expected to lead crews and investigate exploration, drilling and leasing activities of various companies. Petroleum engineers will find job openings where they would be responsible for ensuring the success of the actual drilling operations as well as for implementing effective recovery methods. Several global companies employ geologists and geophysicists to prepare study and analyze geological maps and seismic data for future test drillings.
Global employment opportunities are likely to soar for qualified professionals and experienced extraction workers in the oil field sector. Familiarity with new technologies such as 3-D or 4-D seismic exploration will be an added advantage for employees in the oil and gas extraction industry in the forthcoming years.