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Natural Gas Compression Technician Directly to the left of this help icon you will see this work indoors and outdoors icon that represents where Natural Gas Compression Technician work most of the time. If the person in the icon is standing outside the building then the work is mostly outside. A person inside respresents mostly insde work and two people (one inside and one outside) represent the work has a bit of both. By clicking the Details buttons to the left will open the page and allow you to read more about becoming a Natural Gas Compression Technician. After you have spent some time reading and you would like to find out what schools are offering training for Natural Gas Compression Technician click the Yes, use this career in my Journey button.

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Equipment Maintenance

Natural Gas Compression Technician

work indoors and outdoors

Natural gas compression technicians install, commission, maintain and repair natural gas compression equipment used to gather, store and transmit natural gas.

Is this a career that interests you?

  • Related School SubjectsDetails

    Math; Science; English; Physics

  • Field of StudyDetails

    Natural gas compression technicians are employed by:

    • Natural gas producers.
    • Manufacturers of compressor packages.
    • Power system providers.
    • Natural gas engine and compressor service providers.

    Natural gas compression technicians are part of the larger National Occupational Classification 7311: Construction Millwrights and Industrial Mechanics (Except Textile). In Alberta, 80 per cent of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

    • Manufacturing.
    • Mining and Oil and Gas Extraction.
    • Construction.
    • Repair, Personal, Religious and Other Services.
  • DutiesDetails

    Natural Gas Compression Technicians:

    Work in the field, at customer locations, both indoors and outdoors:

    • Read diagrams and drawings to figure out what kind of work is needed.
    • Put together, install, repair, and take care of natural gas compression equipment.
    • Complete systems testing, figure out problems and repair machinery.
    • Complete testing to figure out equipment condition.
    • Predict when equipment might fail.
    • Complete repairs to correct errors and prevent malfunction.
    • Walk around equipment to look for damage or safety issues.
    • Use electrical, mechanical and specialized test equipment.
    • Repair and rebuild natural gas equipment.
    • Inspect malfunctioning or damaged equipment to.
    • Perform tests to figure out if equipment is reliable.
    • Perform tests to figure out the risks involved with equipment and systems.
    • Create plans to deal with risks and general maintenance.
    • Follow rules and regulations related to natural gas compression.
    • Work hard to keep workers and the environment safe.
  • Working ConditionsDetails

    Location:

    • Indoors
      • Compressor stations.
    • Outdoors
      • All weather conditions.
      • Travel to work sites.

    Hours:

    • Regular Work Schedule (Monday-Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm).
    • May need to work evenings or weekends.
    • May need to work overtime.

    Heavy Lifting:

    • Lift and carry up to 20 kilograms and heavier.
  • PersonalDetails

    People working in this trade need the following characteristics:

    • Good vision and hearing.
    • Good sense of smell.
    • Strength and stamina required to work with heavy equipment.
    • Good co-ordination.
    • Works well with hands.
    • Able to work in cramped or awkward positions.
    • Strong mechanical ability.
    • Interest in all types of natural gas, engines, compressors, pumps and other equipment.
    • Able to work alone.
    • Able to work on a team.
    • Enjoy doing many different tasks.
    • Enjoy doing precision work.
  • EducationDetails

    Most employers prefer to hire high school graduates.

    To work in this trade in Alberta, at least ONE of these must be true:

    • You are a registered apprentice.
    • You are an Alberta-certified journeyperson.
    • You have a recognized related trade certificate.

    To register as an Alberta apprentice you need to have:

    • English Language Arts 20-2 or equivalent.
    • Math 20-3 or equivalent.
    • Science 10 or equivalent.
    • or able to pass the entrance exam.
    • An employer willing to train you.

    Apprenticeship term:

    • Work on your first year in grade 10-12 through the Registered Apprenticeship Program.
    • 4 years.
    • 1500 work hours each year.
    • 8 weeks classroom training each year.
    • If you have training or work experience in this trade it may count towards your certification.
  • Programs OfferedDetails

    Technical training is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training and is currently offered at:

    For more information, visit the Technical Training Centre on the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website.

  • AdvancementDetails

    Job Opportunities in this trade include:

    Job openings are affected by:

    • Current employment rates.
    • People leaving existing positions.
    • Creation of new positions that never existed before.
    • Size of the occupation.
    • Location in Alberta.
    • Time of year.

    Future Trends:

    • Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
  • SalaryDetails

    Journeyperson wage rates vary but generally range from $30 to $45 an hour plus benefits (2014 estimates). Apprentices earn at least 60 per cent of the journeyperson wage rate in their place of employment in the first year, 70 per cent in the second, 80 percent in the third and 90 per cent in the fourth.

    According to the 2013 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in this occupational group earned on average from $29.19 to $39.20 an hour. The overall average wage for this group was $35.30 an hour.

  • Other SourcesDetails