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Working in a Field Position
What it’s like..
Working for Ensign Energy Services in a Canadian field position is a unique experience that suits someone who enjoys the outdoors, remote locations, great camaraderie with fellow employees and physical challenge. Our different field positions offer many different opportunities for individuals. Check them out to see what might work for you.
Coring and drilling rigs typically run 24 hours a day until a job is complete. Most crews work 12-hour shifts and have fourteen days “on” and seven days “off” the rig or will work an alternative schedule of 21 days on and 7 days off. We have different schedules available depending on where the work is being performed and where our crews are based.
Well servicing rigs present a unique opportunity to work close to home. Some of our rigs work in a rotational camp/hotel job, but the majority of our rigs work close to the stations where they are based. Our hands are able to have the satisfaction of long physical days with the benefit of being home every night.
When working in our Wireline or Production Services division, our staff work on smaller teams (usually 2 - 3 person crews) and have the opportunity to travel between provinces and gain excellent experience and knowledge.
Our camp and catering crews work a three week in and one week out rotation. Our cooks and camp attendants work in remote camps that provide accommodation and catering to the oil and gas services sector.
Although some crews work year round, the busiest period for drilling is the winter.
Thinking of a Career in Oil Field Services?
Anyone who wants to get into Oilfield Services should:
- Enjoy working with machines and tools
- Enjoy working as a member of a team
- Be prepared to work shift work on a rotating basis
- Be able to work safely and think ahead to the next procedure
- Be in good physical condition as some strength and agility are required
- Be comfortable living and working in a remote location or possibly a camp
Most positions require a combination of work experience and formal training. For training courses in oil field services click here.
Career Path for Drilling Crews
Ensign Energy Services rewards and promotes hard working and conscientious individuals who show good leadership skills and take appropriate training. Rig Managers typically have eight to ten years of experience and are promoted from within.
The Leasehand/ Trainee is the entry-level position on a crew. Leasehands who work well with the team and show initiative can move to Floorhands and to other positions at the rig site.
Most rigs work with three crews. The diagram shows a common structure for drilling rig staff and crewmembers.
Most service rigs work with one crew. The diagram shows a common structure for service rig staff and crewmembers
During winter months, the crew may employ a Boilerhand position that watches the boiler throughout the night until the crew returns the next day.
Locations
Working in the field, is just that, working outside a city centre. Our locations vary widely within the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin. This area includes southern Saskatchewan, southern and northern Alberta and northern British Columbia. We also work in the far north in Yukon and the Northwest Territories.
Be sure to check the location on the position description if you have any preferences or geographic requirements.
Field Job Descriptions
Click on the links to view a pdf with a description of the job and typical qualifications. Please note that any individual posting may have slightly different requirements from our generic list.
Operations Manager
Field Supervisor
Well Tester
Wireline
Wireline Assistant
Rig Manager (Drilling)
Rig Manager (Well Servicing)
Driller
Driller / Operator (Well Servicing)
Auger Driller
Auger Supervisor
Core Driller
Corehand
Core Assistant
Assistant Driller
Motorhand
Derrickhand
Derrickhand (Well Servicing)
Floorhand
Floorhand (Well Servicing)
Leasehand
Slickline Operator
Slickline Assistant
Coil Tubing Operator
Coil Tubing Assistant
1st Cook
2nd Cook
Night Baker
Camp Attendant
Gas Tester
Gas Tester Assistant
Top Drive Field Technician
Top Drive Supervisor
Field Safety Coach
Loader Operator
