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Rig Technician Directly to the left of this help icon you will see this work outdoors icon that represents where Rig 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 Rig Technician. After you have spent some time reading and you would like to find out what schools are offering training for Rig Technician click the Yes, use this career in my Journey button.

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Energy Production

Rig Technician

work outdoors

Rig technicians operate oil and gas drilling rigs.

Is this a career that interests you?

  • Related School SubjectsDetails

    Math; English

  • Field of StudyDetails

    Rig technicians are employed by contractors who own and operate oil and gas well drilling rigs and contract with oil producers to drill wells. Some rigs operate year round but employment in this occupation may be seasonal. Winter is the busiest season for drilling activity.

  • DutiesDetails

    Drilling rigs drill holes for oil or gas wells.

    Steps:

    • First: A derrick, draw-works and other equipment drill a hole into the earth.
    • Next: After the drilling rig hits oil or gas, rig technicians remove the drilling.
    • Then: Other crews and equipment build the well.
    • Finally: Other crews and equipment remove the oil or gas from the ground.

    In Alberta, rig technician trades people may be certified at any of three levels. Normally an apprentice will spend at least a year in each position:

    • Rig Technician 1.
    • Rig Technician 2.
    • Rig Technician 3.

    Rig Technician 1 personnel (commonly called motorhands):

    • Work on and fix drilling rig engines, transmissions, heating systems, diesel electric generators and motors, hydraulic systems and other mechanical equipment.
    • Keep records on equipment and maintenance.
    • Keep track of fuels, oil filters, lube oils, greases and other service items.
    • Supervised by the derrickhand and driller.
    • Supervise, train and work with floorhands and laborers.
    • Help with rig moves, rig-up and rig tear-out.

    Rig Technician 2 personnel (commonly called derrickhands):

    • Operate and maintain drilling fluid systems and pumps during drilling.
    • Mix fluid chemicals and additives.
    • Handle sections of drill equipment from a platform on the rig derrick during tripping operations.
    • Monitor and record mud flows, volumes, fluid properties, mud weight.
    • Supervised by the driller.
    • Helps the driller with crew supervision.
    • Responsible for own safety and training crew to work safely.
    • Help with rig moves, rig-up and rig tear-out.

    Rig Technician 3 personnel (commonly called drillers):

    • Supervise rig crews, drilling equipment, making sure all are safe.
    • Supervised by drilling rig managers.
    • Operate specialized equipment.
    • Supervise the assembly of specialized equipment.
    • Make sure safety and support equipment works properly.
    • Monitor drilling operations and communicate with well-site supervisors.
    • Keep record of drilling progress.
    • Train crew members.
    • Responsible for own safety and training crew to work safely.
    • Help with rig moves, rig-up and rig tear-out.
  • Working ConditionsDetails

    Location:

    • Indoors
      • Not usually.
    • Outdoors
      • Must have own vehicle to get to rig sites.
      • Different rig sites.
      • All weather conditions.
      • Extreme weather conditions.
      • Remote locations.
      • Exposed to dirt, dust, noise and fumes.

    Hours:

    • Shift work.
    • May work for two weeks straight, then have one week off.
    • May be required to drive throughout province to get to rig sites.

    Heavy Lifting:

    • May require heavy lifting and very hard work.
    • 25 kilograms and heavier.
  • PersonalDetails

    People working in this trade need the following characteristics:

    • Able to work well with others.
    • Leadership and management skills.
    • Good communication skills.
    • Good organizational skills.
    • Strength and stamina.
    • Emotional stability.
    • Mechanical aptitude.
    • Works well with hands.
    • Able to judge distances.
    • Good spatial relations.
    • Enjoy working with equipment and machinery.
    • Enjoy being part of a team.
    • Able to record information.
  • 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 10-2 or equivalent.
    • Math 10-3 or equivalent.
    • Science 10 or equivalent.
    • OR able to pass the entrance exam.
    • An employer willing to train you.

    Apprenticeship term:

    • 3 stages over 3 years.
    • 1500 work hours each year.
    • 4 weeks classroom training each year.
    • May take exam in final year to earn Red Seal and work throughout most of Canada.

    Stage 1: Rig Technician 1 (can perform motorhand tasks)

    • 3 years.
    • 1500 work hours each year.
    • 4 weeks classroom training each year.

    Stage 2: Rig Technician 2 (can perform motorhand or derrickhand tasks)

    • 3 years.
    • 1500 work hours each year.
    • 4 weeks classroom training each year.

    Stage 3 (optional): Rig Technician 3 (can perform motorhand, derrickhand or driller tasks)

    • 3 years.
    • 1500 work hours each year.
    • 4 weeks classroom training each year.
    • May take exam in final year to earn Red Seal and work throughout most of Canada.
  • 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.

    Outside of the apprenticeship program, Enform in Calgary and Nisku (near Edmonton) offers courses for those employed on drilling rigs and pre-employment courses for those wanting to gain experience prior to working in the industry.

  • AdvancementDetails

    Job Opportunities in this trade include:

    • Rig managers.
    • Employed by specialist companies as mud technicians.
    • Employed by specialist companies as directional drillers.
    • Supervisory or management positions.
    • Work in training positions.
    • Work for safety companies.
    • Work in regulatory positions (government).
    • Sales positions.
    • Management or supervisory positions.
    • If you have supervisory or management experience in this trade, you may apply for an Achievement in Business Competencies Blue Seal by contacting Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.

    Job openings are affected by:

    • Current employment rates.
    • Trends in oil and gas extraction industry .
    • People leaving existing positions.
    • Creation of new positions that never existed before.
    • Size of the occupation.
  • SalaryDetails

    Canadian Association of Oilwell Drilling Contractors (CAODC) recommended wages for October 2013:

    • $34.00 an hour for motorhands plus a living or subsistence allowance (from $50 a day when in camp to $140 a day where there is no camp).
    • $39.50 an hour for derrickhands plus a living or subsistence allowance (as above).
    • $46.80 an hour for drillers plus a living allowance (as above)..

    Some employers offer bonuses but employment may not be year-round.

    According to the 2013 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in this occupational group earned on average from $28.30 to $38.43 an hour. The overall average wage for this group was $31.11 an hour.

  • Other SourcesDetails