Paul Walsh

Hometown: Topsail

Company: D.F. Barnes Limited

“I enjoy working in the oil and gas industry because of its interesting nature and the rewarding aspect of it.”

Education

Prior to beginning his career, Paul attended Academy Canada and College of the North Atlantic where he completed the Welding program. He says his high school courses in math (which helped him understand blueprints and dimensional checks and surveys) and physics (which gave him an understanding of different metals and their properties) were most applicable to his post-secondary studies. Paul says that his youth participation in Cadets also helped prepare him for his future career by making him more mature and giving him a better awareness of the outside world. He feels that being involved in running has also been important as it has kept him in good physical shape to help prevent injuries on the job.

Lifestyle

Paul’s work as a welder in the oil and gas industry involves both work in the shop and offshore. A typical work week in the shop is 40 hours, while offshore he works 12-hour shifts each day that he is there. When he is offshore, he usually works as lead hand or supervisor, which can increase his shift to 13 hours per day.

Paul currently lives about 20 minutes from his place of work in downtown St. John’s. His typical duties as a welder include using several tools such as a cut torch and performing a wide variety of welding operations. His work can be physically demanding when lifting heavy metals and working for long periods of time. Paul says his workplace can be hazardous but there are safety regulations in place to prevent accidents. People who enter the shop floor are equipped with hard hats and safety glasses, while employees are equipped with these items as well as ear plugs, gloves, work boots and coveralls. Welders must also wear their welding shields when working. The shop is also equipped with a variety of workplace health and safety equipment, including several exhaust fans to release dense smoke created by welding. Paul says the large number of welders in the shop means that workers have to be aware of and cautious around each other. When working outside the shop, for example, welders must have a firewatch in case any debris catches fire, and fire blankets are used as an extra precaution.

Paul’s career began with an apprenticeship in welding, during which he spent time in Alberta to earn his required hours of work. He returned to this province to receive his journeypersons designation in welding. He was one of the youngest journeyperson welders to graduate from the College of the North Atlantic at the time. Paul is proud of the solid reputation he has built for himself as a welder in the oil and gas industry. He has done critical procedures for pipe jobs that could cost his company a multi-million dollar contract if not done correctly. He has been rewarded for his good work by being made a lead supervisor for offshore work. Paul says he would like to stay with his current employer because they are growing so much, and aim for more contracts and office-based work in the future.

Compensation and Benefits

The current salary range for Paul’s occupation is $85,000-100,000 annually, while career compensation can range from $100,000-120,000. Paul’s employer provides him with health and dental benefits, RRSPs, yearly bonuses and company profit-sharing. He also receives different types of hazard pay such as confined space and height pay. Paul’s employer also provides a variety of work-related training, as well as Basic Survival Training for those who wish to work offshore. Paul believes that shop rates for welders within St. John’s are comparable to each other, while offshore oil and gas rates are usually much higher. He says that onshore welders earn roughly $40,000-50,000 a year while offshore workers receive somewhere around $120,000 annually.

Donna Parsons

Hometown: Bell Island

Company: Tekoil & Gas Corporation

“A career in the oil and gas industry is challenging. At my level, the most rewarding part of my day is knowing that our company has made a difference in the lives of many people. For me personally, I enjoy being a decision maker, I enjoy being an executive. This is what I was meant to do with my life. It’s been quite the journey!”

Education

Donna completed the Petroleum Engineering Technology program at College of the North Atlantic before beginning her career in the petroleum industry. She feels the skills she attained as a member of the Wabana Boy’s and Girls Club have been very useful in her career. Donna also says that being independent, a team player and having the desire to achieve are some of the natural aptitudes which drew her to her chosen career. She feels her high school advanced math courses were the most applicable subjects to her post-secondary studies.

Lifestyle

In her management position, Donna describes her hours of work as “24/7”. She lives close to her place of work (she commutes just 2 km a day). Donna’s responsibilities include overall Canadian operations for Tekoil including preparing drilling programs, purchasing drilling rigs and associated equipment, preparing 3D seismic surveys, environmental issues, public consultations, media interviews and human resources. Her recent work includes establishing a workforce to operate a rig refurbishment facility, dealing with all levels of government and being involved in multi-million dollar funding opportunities.

She describes her place of work as a “fast-paced work environment”. She says that as with any job, workplace, health, and safety should be on everyone’s mind throughout their workday in order to be aware of the workplace environment and to correct any hazards that may be present.

Donna’s business allows her the opportunity to travel both provincially and internationally. She spent eight years working with the provincial government as a Petroleum Engineering Technologist (7_ years) and Industrial Benefits Officer (6 months) before accepting her current position. Donna’s future career possibilities include President of Tekoil (Canada).

Compensation and Benefits

There is a wide range of salaries in the oil and gas industry. A person with Donna’s experience and education, working as an executive, would expect a salary range from $100,000 upwards, while career compensation can exceed $200,000 annually. An executive would also expect to receive additional bonuses from employers. Donna says her salary in the oil and gas field is higher than a similar position might be in another industry, and is also higher than salaries in non oil and gas careers with similar amounts of training. Her employer will also provide any future training that is needed.

Hometown: Churchill Falls / Baie Verte

Company: Q’Max Solutions Inc.

“The oil and gas industry is very dynamic; every day brings a new problem and solution. The career advancement opportunities are self-paced and are everywhere in every discipline. The ability to move around within one organization (both locally and globally) is easy and of course the extra money helps you purchase motorcycles, ATV’s, boats and cottages.”

Education

Jason has a Laboratory Technology diploma from College of the North Atlantic, a Bachelor of Technology degree from Memorial University and a Master of Petroleum Engineering degree from the University of New South Wales (Sydney, Australia). Jason was involved in public speaking in high school and was student council president. He says that his communication skills, sense of humour and inquisitive nature are all natural attributes which drew him towards his chosen career. In high school, Jason says his chemistry, physics and advanced math courses were most applicable to his post-secondary studies.

Lifestyle

Jason typically works a 40-hour week but he must be on call 24/7/365, meaning that if there is a problem, it must be addressed right away. Jason currently commutes about 30 minutes from home to his place of work. His work is mostly computer-based, involving presentations, report writing, cost analysis, research & development and laboratory analysis.

His work has taken him to Houston, USA, New Delhi, India and Calgary. Jason’s career path so far has looked like this: He was first hired by MI Swaco as their drilling fluids laboratory technologist and spent one year being mentored by the MI Area Manager. He was then sent to Houston to complete Drilling Fluids Engineering School. After 14 weeks in Houston he worked as a Mud Engineer offshore on a 3-week rotation. Jason then furthered his education by completing the Bachelor of Technology program at MUN. He continued to work offshore for another 5 years before completing a Master of Petroleum Engineering through the University of New South Wales. He was promoted to Project Engineer at Husky and then promoted to Technical Services Engineer.

Jason sees a possible future career as Operations Manager working internationally, possibly in India, Australia or the Middle East.

Compensation and Benefits

Salaries for Jason’s occupation range from $70,000-140,000 annually, while career compensation can exceed $200,000 per year. His employer also provides him with RRSP contributions, education allowance, family health and dental benefits and performance bonuses.

He feels his salary is 20-30% higher than that of a similar position in another industry and 20-30% higher than salaries in non oil and gas careers with similar amounts of training. His employer also provides additional training in the areas of computer software, safety, logistics and warehouse management.

Lisa Wishart

Hometown: Mount Pearl

Company: Husky Energy

“I have chosen a career that is always challenging me and continues to push me further; it gives me a great sense of accomplishment at the end of each day. I would definitely recommend a job in the offshore oil and gas industry to anyone who is looking for a challenging, diverse and rewarding career.”

Education

Lisa has a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Memorial University and a Masters of Science in Drilling & Well Engineering from Robert Gordon University (Distance Education). Lisa says her high school courses in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Language Arts, Computers, Design and Technology were most applicable to her post-secondary studies. She adds that her participation in a variety of athletic programs, music, and Girl Guides taught her the importance of teamwork, a very valuable skill for her current position where she works within a multi-disciplinary project team.

Lisa says she always had an inquiring mind and fascination for understanding how things work and an interest in math and sciences, which helped draw her towards her chosen career. She also points out that petroleum engineers need the following characteristics: an aptitude for mathematics and science, the ability to think logically and solve problems, the ability to communicate effectively, the ability to work in teams and interact with colleagues and the public in an ethical, professional and safe manner, and an appreciation of and an ability to continue to engage in lifelong learning.

Lifestyle

Lisa usually works 40 hours per week, five days a week, in an office environment. Overtime is sometimes necessary to complete a project. Every few weeks she travels to an offshore drilling rig where she works 12 hour shifts for up to 3 weeks at a time. Lisa says working in the field provides practical hands-on experience that is valuable for career development and she always looks forward to it. Lisa lives 15 minutes from her downtown office. When she travels offshore, her commute is a 1_ hour helicopter ride to the rig (or a 14-hour journey aboard a supply vessel if it is too foggy for helicopters to land on the rig). Lisa is sometimes required to travel when working on special projects, at well sites, for business meetings and training courses. She has been to western Canada and the United Kingdom on several occasions.

As a Completions Engineer, Lisa is responsible for getting the fluids from the reservoir to the production facility, which involves planning and installation of sub-sea well completion equipment in order to flow hydrocarbons from the new wells to the production facility. Typical responsibilities include: designing and supervising initial well completion, well intervention, and appraisal well testing; modeling completion performance; making recommendations to solve operational problems; cost estimating and budgeting; and interfacing with reservoir and production teams, service companies, and regulatory agencies.

While offshore, Lisa faces many of the challenges typical of other industrial workplaces. She says Husky Energy is very proactive in the health and safety of its personnel and its responsibility to the environment. Safety training is provided for all offshore personnel (including Basic Survival Training and Basic First Aid) to familiarize personnel with emergency procedures and equipment for travel to work, as well as aboard the FPSO or drilling unit. Safety drills and exercises are also conducted on a regular basis.

Lisa’s career began with six Engineering Co-op Work-terms in the Newfoundland & Labrador offshore oil and gas industry with a variety of exploration and development projects. Her first job following graduation was with Petro-Canada as a Subsea Completions Engineer working on the Terra Nova Project. In 2007, she joined Husky Energy to work on the White Rose project as Senior Subsea Completion Engineer. Lisa says Petroleum Engineers typically spend their first 5 -10 years in a variety of Production, Reservoir, Subsea, or Drilling Engineering positions. Opportunities to transfer to Overseas and International Projects are also available and in time can include managerial or technical positions.

Compensation and Benefits

Salaries of Petroleum Engineers vary depending on their education, experience, type of work and location. A 2006 Society of Petroleum Engineers global salary survey put the starting salary for a Petroleum Engineer at about $65,000. In addition to her salary, Lisa receives paid vacations and holidays, life, health and pension benefits and support for education training. There is also the opportunity for individual or group performance bonuses. Petroleum Engineering is among the highest paid engineering professions.

Krista Parsons – Butler

Hometown: Conception Bay South

Company: Offshore Safety & Survival Centre, Marine Institute of Memorial University

“I enjoy my profession every day because it allows me to utilize my respect for the water, my marine training and teaching background and my love for firefighting. As well, I enjoy passing on information to individuals, especially if it may save their life some day.”

Education

Krista has Bachelor of Education and Masters of Education degrees from Memorial University as well as Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees. She says her high school courses in physics, chemistry and math were most applicable to her post-secondary studies. Krista has been involved in a number of activities which have helped prepare her for her career. She was a member of the Mount Pearl Marlins and MUN Varsity swim teams, completed Lifeguard and First Aid training, worked as First Aid Instructor and Instructor trainer for the Lifesaving Society (as well as being a member of the Lifesaving Society Executive), and has been involved in the Girl Guides of Canada and Ski Patrol.

Krista says she always dreamed of “working on the water” because of her respect and love for the water and ocean. She also always loved to swim and lifeguarded from a very young age. Her interest in lifeguarding and first aid then led her to teaching and training in these areas. Krista adds that her love of sports and physical challenges (from camping with Girl Guides to skiing the Alps) also helped lead her towards her current career.

Lifestyle

Krista generally works Monday to Friday, 8:30 am-4:30 pm. She lives close to her place of work and commutes about 15 minutes each day. Krista also travels for field training in outport Newfoundland & Labrador communities, to conferences and meetings within Canada and to places such as Kazakhstan for international training.

In her position, Krista trains individuals in the marine and offshore industry in safety and survival techniques. She teaches courses in Basic Survival Techniques, Marine Emergency Duties, Marine Firefighting, Cold Water Rescue and Fast Rescue Craft Operations training. This means she trains seafarers how to use their knowledge to make the right decisions to increase their survival at sea. Being a certified NFPA Firefighter has also allowed Krista to train individuals in shipboard firefighting, offshore fire team training, fire extinguisher training, cold water and ice rescue. During the summer months, in partnership with WRDC, she holds an all female firefighting camp for young women at the fire training facilities of the Marine Institute.

Krista’s typical duties include classroom training and practical exercises ranging from firefighting training, personal survival exercises in water, helicopter evacuations in a mock helicopter in water, sea exercises onboard a training vessel at sea, and life raft & lifeboat launching and operations. This job requires a high level of physical fitness, good swimming skills, strength, toughness and being comfortable with: water, heights, dark spaces, cold temperatures, rough sea conditions and elevated temperatures. When training in the survival tank the temperature of the water is cool, while training at sea often involves rough sea conditions, wind, rain, snow, and cold temperatures. Firefighting training conditions are hot and sometimes uncomfortable. Krista’s job requires constant awareness of the environmental conditions in which she is training. Personal safety along with student safety is her number one priority.

Krista’s career began with her lifeguarding and first aid background which led to her work training lifeguards and instructing first aid. She then worked six years with the Canadian Coast Guard Search and Rescue division where she received extensive training in marine emergency duties and survival and rescue techniques. During this time she completed an Education degree and taught at the high school and college levels for three years. She also became a Level II Firefighter and eventually married all of her interests and experiences into her current career.

“Everything you do in your life, especially the things you are involved with at a young age will contribute to your career in the future.” Krista’s future career possibilities are endless. With a Master’s in Education degree she could work towards a managerial position or she might pursue future work in the area of Safety & Survival Research, along with becoming a certified Safety Specialist.

Compensation and Benefits

Salaries in Krista’s field range from $45,000-85,000 annually. Her employer provides her with benefits such as sick leave, annual leave, education leave, industrial employment leave, workers compensation, health benefits and pension. Employees can also take Memorial University courses part-time at no charge if they are relevant to their present job. Krista says her salary is higher than if she was teaching in the school system.

Cecil Young

Hometown: Logy Bay

Company: Oceaneering Canada Ltd.

“I haven’t had a crew change yet where I wasn’t looking forward to going back to work. When you look forward to going to work, you’ve found the career for you.”

Education

Cecil completed the Aircraft Electronics Engineering program at College of the North Atlantic in preparation for his current career. He credits his youth involvement in sports with helping him develop the team-building skills required for his position. “Working with people on small platforms for months at a time requires good communication and teamwork.”

Cecil says his natural mechanical ability and interest in math also helped draw him towards his chosen career. He adds that his high school math and language courses were most applicable to his post-secondary studies and career. Courses in the proper use and safety of tools also play a major role for anyone choosing a career in ROV.

Lifestyle

Cecil works 12 hours a day for four weeks and then has four weeks off. He lives 20 minutes from St. John’s harbour where he boards the Atlantic Osprey vessel and stays aboard for 28 days. In his position he is responsible for various aspects of operating, repairing and maintaining Remote Operated Vehicles (ROVs). ROVs are small submersibles that can be used to explore remote places under the sea; they can be very useful in the offshore oil and gas industry. His typical duties consist of some heavy lifting and a lot of climbing. Cecil’s work as an Avionics Engineer took him to Europe, South America, Canada and the U.S. His current company, Oceaneering, requires travel but so far he has just worked offshore Newfoundland & Labrador.

Environmental conditions offshore can be quite harsh, ranging from storms at sea to extreme temperatures. All work is done outside in the elements. Workplace hazards include the possibility of a bad fall or someone falling overboard from a vessel. Working with high voltages and hydraulic pressure is also dangerous, which is why proper training and safety programs are top priorities for the industry.

Cecil has had an interesting career path to his current position. A high school summer job working in a graveyard gave him his first lessons in basic work ethic as he progressed to positions such as Avionics Engineer, Avionics Manager for an airline, Hydraulics Technician for a company dealing mostly in the oil and gas industry, and then to his current position as an ROV Pilot Tech. Cecil plans to continue working in the ROV industry and in the future might look to become superintendent of an ROV operation.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for Cecil’s current occupation is $65,000-100,000 annually while career compensation can range from $65,000-150,000. His employer provides a complete insurance plan, pension and RRSP contributions. Safety bonuses are awarded every six months and drilling bonuses can be obtained when wells are commissioned. Cecil feels the oil and gas industry pays approximately twice as much as a “land job.” His employer is also committed to ongoing training. “Our employer is constantly training us to be efficient with our equipment and safe in our environment.”

Jeffrey Swain

Hometown: Witless Bay

Company: Chevron

“The oil industry is a very fast-paced industry that allows me, as a Mechanical Engineer, the chance to work on very challenging projects all over the world which incorporate some of the latest engineering technology in the search for oil and gas.”

Education

Jeff has a Bachelor of Engineering degree (Co-op) in Mechanical Engineering from Memorial University. He says his high school physics and math courses were most applicable to his post-secondary studies. As most projects Jeff works on require a team effort, he believes playing team sports such as softball and basketball helped him build essential career skills. He says the fact that he is mechanically inclined and likes drilling rigs helped draw him towards his chosen career.

Lifestyle

Jeff currently works in Calgary and has chosen to work 6:30 am-4:00 pm daily to beat rush hour traffic and spend more time at home with his family in the evenings. He has a 45-minute commute to work by train/bus. Jeffrey’s typical duties originate with the workplan for a project, so, on any given day, his duties change in that he could be sizing a piece of drilling equipment one day and on the next trying to request bids from drilling contractors or service companies for equipment or services.

Jeff normally works in an office but when traveling to the field he can be required to complete a medical. He says field visits in Canada and foreign countries expose one to weather extremes and diseases such as Malaria. Field visits to drilling rigs also involve hazards such as heavy, fast-moving drilling equipment. Jeffrey wears personal protective equipment (hard hat, steel toed boots, protective eyewear, gloves and hearing protection where required) and is always aware of pinch points, crush points and helicopter safety for traveling to and from offshore platforms.

Jeff’s career began with a series of work terms through the co-operative engineering program at MUN (several of these were overseas). He worked with: AOC International (Aberdeen, Scotland), Deutag Drilling (Germany) and ABS America (Houston, Texas). Upon graduation he worked for: Schlumberger Drilling & Measurements (Lafayette, Louisiana), Tri Ocean Natchiq Engineering (Calgary, Alberta), WorleyParsons MEG (Calgary, Alberta) and his current position with Chevron Canada Resources (Calgary Alberta). He received an Inter-Company transfer to Chevron Energy Technology Company in July to work in Aberdeen, Scotland. Jeffrey’s future career goal is to be a Technical Specialist on Drilling Rig Design/Construction/Operation.

Compensation and Benefits

Jeff’s employer has its own dedicated Drilling Training Centre that provides courses in Drilling & Completion Engineering, Subsea, Equipment, Operations, etc.

Hometown: Brigus

Company: C-CORE

“My career allows me to travel to many fascinating places around the world where I meet fascinating people and experience different cultures. It is an exciting and challenging field that is never boring but is very rewarding.”

Education

Sherry has a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography and attended Memorial University and the University of Delaware. Her high school courses in math, physics and English were most applicable to her post-secondary studies. Her love of traveling and exploring different places around the world helped draw her towards the field of geography.

Lifestyle

Sherry works 37.5 hours a week, Monday to Friday. Her permanent residence is close to her place of work; she commutes just 5-10 minutes a day. A Remote Sensing/GIS Specialist is someone who is specialized in the use/applications of remote sensing data (i.e. aerial photography, satellite imagery, sonar or radar equipment, etc.). Remote sensing is the measurement or acquisition of data of an object or scene by a device or instrument which is not in direct contact with the object. GIS (Geographic Information Systems) typically involve a software system designed to store, enhance and analyze layers of geographic data including maps, images, statistical data, etc. It is essentially computer mapping that is often used in natural resource planning and problem solving.

Sherry’s duties include conducting research into new application areas for satellite imagery or using satellite imagery to help solve resource-based problems. Her work is office-based and involves computer work, meetings with co-workers and clients, telephone calls and making presentations to clients which can involve traveling internationally. Her travels have taken her to Italy, Germany, France and all over Canada and the United States. Sherry began her career as a Research Assistant in the Geography Department at Memorial University. She then worked as a GIS Technician conducting field work in Forestry mapping, which eventually led her to work in Switzerland and now she is a Remote Sensing/GIS Specialist with C-CORE. Sherry says there are many career opportunities available to her in the future, especially in the Business Development or Marketing side of her discipline.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for Sherry’s occupation is $30,000-80,000 annually, while career compensation can be much higher (>$100,000) with more experience in a higher management or marketing position. Her employer provides her with a retirement savings plan, four weeks annual vacation, health and dental insurance, 50% of annual fitness membership and the opportunity to further her education through courses at Memorial University. Annual bonuses are also given based on performance of the company and the employee. Her employer also provides career development training where needed. Sherry feels her salary is a little less than if she was employed directly by an oil company, but is higher than salaries in non oil and gas careers with similar amounts of training.

Shawn Furlong

Hometown: Labrador City

Company: Schlumberger

“In my QHSE role at Schlumberger I am involved in almost every aspect of our operation, which exposes me to many new things. As such I am constantly learning and every day is different from the last, which for me is very satisfying.”

Education

Shawn has an Earth Sciences degree from Memorial University and completed the Engineering Technology program at College of the North Atlantic. Shawn says the math, physics, biology and chemistry courses he completed in high school were particularly helpful in preparing him for his post-secondary studies. He also says being involved in minor hockey and soccer taught him leadership and team-building skills, while public speaking also provided valuable experience.

“Growing up in Labrador City I enjoyed spending time in the outdoors, and living near a large mine I became interested in geology. While working in the Oil & Gas industry I became immersed in their safety culture which drew me towards a career in occupational health and safety.”

Lifestyle

In his position Shawn is responsible for managing the quality of his company’s goods and services, the health and safety of its employees and the company’s possible impact on the environment. Shawn typically works from 7:30 am – 6:30 pm. He lives close to his place of work and commutes just 15 minutes a day. He frequently travels for work, to places such as Nova Scotia, Ontario, Calgary and, on occasion, Paris and Houston.

Shawn usually works in an office, with some time spent in the shop and yard area. He also makes occasional well site visits both on land and offshore. In both the shop and at the well site, Shawn must be aware of numerous hazards associated with the heavy, moving equipment and the general oil rig environment. It is his job to ensure that risks are identified and controlled so Shawn often seeks out hazardous situations and activity.

To progress to his current position, Shawn has worked in the following areas: Mining Geologist (Iron Ore Company of Canada); Well site Geology in Alberta; Mudlogging Geologist (Hibernia project); Data Engineer (in the oil and gas industries in the Gulf of Mexico, North Sea, Terra Nova Project and White Rose Projects); and Health & Safety Manager (Pennecon Ltd/Penny Energy). Shawn’s future career possibilities include further QHSE management positions around the world, leading to other management positions within Schlumberger.

Compensation and Benefits

Salaries for Shawn’s occupation range from $70,000-120,000 while career compensation can exceed $120,000 annually. Shawn’s company provides him with dental and health Insurance, a pension, discounted stock options, fitness reimbursement plans and an annual merit bonus based on the performance of the company and the individual employee. Annual bonuses are based on personal objectives.

Shawn says that his salary in the oil & gas field is 30-40 % higher than a similar position in another industry and 20-30% higher than salaries in non oil and gas careers with similar amounts of training. Shawn’s employer also offers access to hundreds of internal and external courses, ranging from technical to health & safety and career development. These courses are offered at one of the company’s many locations around the world.

Tara Fowler

Hometown: Harbour Grace

Company: Schlumberger

“With a Health & Safety career there are a number of jobs available, especially if you are interested in traveling to Alberta, offshore, the U.S. or overseas. With that being said, there are jobs in Newfoundland & Labrador or I wouldn’t be here!”

Education

Tara has a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Memorial University and completed the Occupational Health & Safety program at College of the North Atlantic. She credits the youth groups and clubs she was involved in with helping her develop leadership and public speaking skills. She says she has always wanted to help people which helped draw her towards this career. Tara’s high school biology, chemistry and physics courses were most applicable to her post-secondary studies.

Lifestyle

Tara works in an office environment, Monday-Friday from 8 am -5 pm. She lives in Harbour Grace and works in St. John’s so she has a one-hour commute each way. Tara’s workplace is comprised of an office, shop and yard area, with most potential hazards existing in the shop and yard area due to the amount of equipment.

Prior to her current position, she worked as a Quality Control Manager for Independent Fish Harvesters and she owns her own business called Avalon Safety Training (she does training and QH&S program development) in conjunction with Schlumberger. She says there are many possible career opportunities for her in the areas of Occupational Health & Safety and Quality Control.

Compensation and Benefits

Salaries in Tara’s field (offshore Health & Safety) range from $35,000-130,000 annually, depending on where an employee works. Her company offers health and dental insurance, RRSPs, pension, profit sharing and other bonuses. She says that there are many opportunities for future training, especially in the area of safety. “No matter how much training you have, there is always additional training to complete. You never want employees becoming complacent.”

She rates salaries in the oil and gas field as good relative to similar positions in another industries and very good compared to salaries in non oil and gas careers with similar amounts of training.