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Canada's oil and gas industry is one of the most lucrative in the world, with numerous opportunities for individuals with the right qualifications and skills. The industry is responsible for oil and gas products' exploration, production, refining, and transportation. As a result, various jobs are available in the oil and gas industry, ranging from entry-level to high-level executive roles.
This guide will provide all the information you need to land Canada's best oil and gas jobs.
Best Places in Canada for Oil and Gas Jobs
Regarding oil and gas jobs in Canada, the industry is mainly based in the western provinces, with notable locations in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia. Here's a breakdown of some of the best places in Canada for oil and gas jobs:
Calgary
Calgary is one of the top cities in Canada for the oil and gas industry, with many significant companies having their headquarters based here. The city is home to the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, one of the industry's largest organizations. Numerous opportunities exist in fields such as engineering, finance, and management.
Sarnia
Located in southwestern Ontario, Sarnia is home to the Chemical Valley, a hub for the petrochemical industry in Canada. The area is a major producer of synthetic rubber, plastics, and other chemicals, and there are many job opportunities in the oil and gas sector.
Kitimat
Kitimat is located in northern British Columbia and is home to a significant liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility. The facility is expected to create thousands of jobs during its construction and ongoing operation. There are also opportunities in other oil and gas industry areas, such as pipeline construction and maintenance.
Edmonton
Another major city in Alberta, Edmonton, is known for its extensive oil and gas operations. The city is home to the largest oil refinery in Canada and was known as Canada's Oil City throughout most of the 20th Century. There are many job opportunities in areas such as drilling, transportation, and refining in Edmonton.
Toronto
Although not typically associated with the oil and gas industry, Toronto is home to many companies that provide services, such as engineering and consulting firms. There are also job opportunities in areas such as energy trading and finance.
Montreal
Like Toronto, Montreal is home to many companies that provide services to the oil and gas industry. The city is also home to the Natural Gas Technologies Centre, a research and development organization focused on developing new technologies for the sector.
Fort McMurray
Located in northern Alberta, Fort McMurray is home to the Athabasca oil sands, one of the world's largest oil reserves. The area has been a central hub for the industry for decades, and numerous job opportunities exist in areas such as mining, transportation, and maintenance.
Fort Saskatchewan
Fort Saskatchewan is not in Saskatchewan. Rather, it's located near Edmonton and is home to a major petrochemical complex. The area is a significant producer of chemicals such as ethylene and propylene, causing abundant local job opportunities.
Lloydminster
Located on the border of Alberta and Saskatchewan, Lloydminster is home to a significant oil and gas industry. The area is a major producer of heavy oil, and there are many job opportunities in areas such as drilling, transportation, and refining.
Québec City
Although not as well-known for its oil and gas industry, Québec City is home to many companies that provide services. The city is also home to the École Polytechnique de Montréal, a leading institution for research and development.
Burlington
Located in southern Ontario, Burlington is home to many companies that provide services to the oil and gas industry. The city is also home to the Ontario Petroleum Institute, a leading organization for the sector in the province.
St John's
Located in Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John's is home to offshore oil and gas operations. The area is a significant producer of crude oil and natural gas, and numerous job opportunities exist in drilling, transportation, and maintenance areas.
Whether you're looking to work in drilling, transportation, refining, or another area, many cities and regions offer excellent career growth and advancement opportunities. However, if you want to move to Canada to work in one of these towns or cities, you must ensure you're eligible to work in Canada.
One of the best ways to do this is to consult an immigration professional like a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC). An RCIC can fully evaluate you to ensure you can live and work in Canada. If you don't fulfill the criteria, they can help you create strategies to improve your eligibility.
Top Oil and Gas Companies in Canada
Canada is the fourth-largest oil-producing country, with an average of 5.56 million barrels daily. The Canadian oil and gas industry has three segments: upstream, midstream, and downstream. Upstream companies explore oil and produce natural gas, while midstream companies transport and store oil and gas. Finally, downstream companies refine petroleum products.
Cenovus Energy Inc. (CVE)
Cenovus Energy is one of Canada's top oil and gas companies. It is an integrated oil company that operates in the industry's upstream, midstream, and downstream segments. It produces oil and natural gas, crude transports and natural gas liquids, and refines and markets petroleum products. Cenovus Energy operates in Alberta and British Columbia.
Suncor Energy Inc. (SU)
SU is another of Canada's top oil and gas companies. Suncor Energy is an integrated energy company that operates in the industry's upstream, midstream, and downstream segments. The company's operations include petroleum refining, oil sand development and upgrading, conventional and offshore oil and gas production, and product marketing under Petro-Canada. Suncor Energy operates in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and offshore Newfoundland and Labrador and employs over 13,000 people.
Imperial Oil Ltd. (IMO)
IMO is among Canada's top oil and gas companies. Imperial Oil is an integrated energy company that operates in the industry's upstream, midstream, and downstream segments. The company's operations include exploring, producing, and selling crude oil, natural gas, and petroleum products. Imperial Oil operates in Alberta, British Columbia, and the Northwest Territories and employs over 5,000 people.
Enbridge Inc. (ENB)
Enbridge is a Canadian midstream company. Enbridge operates the world's most extended crude oil and liquids transportation system, with a pipeline network that spans over 17,000 miles—natural transmission and storage operations. Enbridge operates in Canada and the United States.
Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. (CNQ)
CNQ is Canada's most extensive independent oil and gas exploration, development, and production company. The company is one of the largest independent producers of natural gas in Western Canada and heavy crude oil in Canada. Canadian Natural Resources operates in Western Canada, the North Sea, and Offshore Africa and employs over 9,000 people.
Parkland Corporation (PKIUF)
PKIUF is a leading independent supplier and marketer of fuel and petroleum products in Canada and the United States. The company's operations include refining, distributing, and marketing petroleum products. Parkland Corporation operates in Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean, employing over 4,000 people.
TC Energy Corp. (TRP)
TC Energy Corp is a major North American energy company that operates in the natural gas, oil, and power industries. The company is based in Calgary, Canada, and was formerly known as TransCanada Corporation and employs over 7,000 people.
TC Energy Corp plans to continue investing billions in expanding North American natural gas pipeline capacity through the decade. The company's stock is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under TRP.TO. TC Energy Corp has locations in various parts of Canada, including Calgary, Grande Prairie, and Ferrocarril de Cuernavaca.
Pembina Pipeline Corp. (PBA)
Pembina Pipeline Corporation is a Canadian energy transportation and midstream service provider that operates transportation and storage infrastructure delivering oil and natural gas to and from parts of North America.
The company offers hydrocarbon liquids and natural gas products. Pembina Pipeline Corp operates through four segments: Pipelines, Facilities, Marketing, and New Ventures.
Gibson Energy Inc. (GEI)
GEI is a midstream energy company that provides transportation, storage, processing, and marketing services for crude oil, liquids, and natural gas. The company's operations include pipeline, truck, and storage facilities. Gibson Energy operates in Western Canada and the United States and employs over 1,500 people.
ARC Resources Ltd. (ARX)
ARX is an oil and gas exploration, development, and production company. The company's operations include developing, developing, and producing crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids. ARC Resources operates in Western Canada and employs over 500 people.
Working at one of these companies can opine doors to opportunities you may never get at home. However, moving to Canada to exploit these opportunities may prove tricky. One of the best ways to ensure you have the best possible chance of success is to utilize the experience and expertise of an RCIC. An RCIC evaluation can help you find the perfect pathway to Canada and ensure you're as prepared as possible for your Canadian journey before you start.
How to Find Oil and Gas Jobs in Canada
There are numerous job opportunities in Canada's oil and gas industry. These include:
- Geologists
- Engineers
- Technicians
- Operators
- Mechanics
- Welders
- Electricians
- Managers
- Accountants
- Human resources personnel
Each role requires different skills and qualifications, and the salaries vary accordingly. The qualifications required for oil and gas jobs in Canada vary depending on the role. Entry-level positions such as operators and technicians may require a high school diploma or technical certification. Professional roles such as engineers and geologists require a bachelor's degree in their respective fields. Higher-level executive positions may require a master's degree or relevant work experience.
There are numerous ways to find oil and gas jobs in Canada. Some of the most popular methods include
- Online job boards such as Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn
- Company websites for oil and gas companies like the companies mentioned above
- Recruitment agencies that specialize in the oil and gas industry
- Networking with professionals in the industry
- Attending job fairs and industry events
Here's a handy guide to learning more about Canada's job industry and how to land your job in Canada.
Tailoring your resume and cover letter to the job you are applying for and researching the company before applying is essential. If you want to ensure your CV is top-notch, maximizing your chances of landing a job in Canada, here's a handy guide on creating the perfect Canadian CV.
Why Work in Canada's Oil and Gas Industry?
Working in Canada's oil and gas industry has numerous benefits. These include:
High Salaries
Canada's average salary for oil and gas jobs is approximately CAD 85,000 annually. However, this figure can vary depending on the job role, experience, and location. According to Talent.com, a geologist in Canada can earn up to CAD 139,000 per year, while an entry-level operator can earn around CAD 40,000 per year.
Job Stability and Security
Canada's oil and gas industry supports over 660,000 jobs nationwide. The industry offers a range of careers, each with various opportunities, and employees are well-compensated for the work they are trained for and enjoy. In addition, the industry is investing billions in developing its oil and gas infrastructure, creating an urgent need for recruits.
Opportunities for Career Advancement
As Canada is investing billions in developing its oil and gas industry, there is an urgent need for people to be recruited in this field. The industry is also transitioning to cleantech, which creates new career pathways and skill development opportunities for all workers.
Why Work in Canada's Oil and Gas Industry?
Canada is a welcoming country that attracts skilled professionals worldwide. As a result, there are numerous immigration pathways available for oil and gas workers looking to migrate to Canada. Some of these include:
Canadian Work Permit
Are you not looking to settle in Canada, or at least not right away? You'll need a job offer to qualify for a work permit that will allow you to work in Canada temporarily. A Canadian work permit is issued along with a temporary resident visa and indicates for whom you can work, where you can work, and for how long you can work in the country.
Gaining work experience in Canada is an effective stepping stone to earning permanent residency. Canada prioritizes candidates with local work experience through a few immigration programs like the Express Entry System and Provincial Nomination Program.
Here's how to apply for a Canadian work permit in 2023:
Express Entry
This program is for skilled workers who wish to immigrate to Canada permanently. Candidates are ranked based on a points system, and the highest-ranked candidates are invited to apply for permanent residence. This system has three programs:
- The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- This program is for workers in skilled or National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER 0 or 1, such as:
- Engineers
- Accountants
- Managers, and
- Geologists
- The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- This program is for skilled tradespeople working in NOC TEER 2 or 3, such as:
- Electricians
- Technicians
- Welders and
- Mechanics
- The Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- This program is for skilled workers who have lived and worked in Canada for the past year.
Each of these has opportunities for oil and gas workers. Hence, it's vital to know which NOC TEER you fall under. Here's a breakdown of the NOC system to help you find where you fell in Canada's job market.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
This program is for skilled workers nominated by a specific province or territory in Canada. Each province or territory has its criteria for nomination, and successful candidates are granted permanent residence. Each province has multiple streams, each with its own set of requirements. Get started with your PNP process here.
FAQs
What are the Working Hours Like in Canada's Oil and Gas Industry?
The working hours in the oil and gas industry can vary depending on the job role and the company. Most companies work on a shift system, with employees working 12-hour shifts for a certain number of days, followed by a set number of days off.
What are the Safety Regulations Like in Canada's Oil and Gas Industry?
Safety is a top priority in Canada's oil and gas industry. Companies must follow strict safety regulations to protect employees while on the job. This includes providing the necessary safety equipment and conducting regular safety training.
Light a Fire Under Your Career in Canada
In conclusion, landing the best oil and gas jobs in Canada requires the right qualifications, skills, and dedication. It is essential to research the industry and the company before applying, tailor your resume and cover letter, and network with professionals in the industry. There are numerous job opportunities available in Canada's oil and gas industry, and with the right approach, you can land the job of your dreams.
One of the best ways to start your journey in the best possible way is to consult an RCIC. RCICs are authorized to deal with the immigration process in Canada and are legally obliged to keep up to date with the latest policy or existing program changes. They can provide insider knowledge that will save time, money, and effort to comply with immigration-related services.
RCICs can liaise with the Government Authority and the employer on behalf of the worker, which can be an annoying, time-consuming, and exhausting experience. However, RCICs understand the Canadian immigration system well and can develop a plan to achieve the worker's immigration goals using a personalized strategy.
They can guide the worker on their best options when they are ready to apply for their visa and provide immigration options customized to their needs.
RCICs can handle the tedious job of completing and submitting forms and documents for the worker, which can be much easier while increasing the chances of a successful application.
