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If you’re looking for a job in oil and gas production then Canada could offer you an array of lucrative opportunities. As the fifth-largest oil-producing and exporting nation in the world, there is always a demand for more drillers, mudloggers, and engineers among others in the Great North. But where should you look?
Canada is large with 13 provinces and territories. Luckily, you can narrow down your job search to three provinces that are responsible for 97 percent of the oil production in the country. Ready to discover where to find the best oil and gas jobs in Canada? Keep reading.
Top 3 Oil Producing Provinces in Canada
There may be three top oil-producing provinces in Canada but there are thousands of in-demand jobs across the country. Finding a province where your occupation is in-demand can help you narrow down your job search and you may even qualify for a Provincial Nominee Program.
1. Alberta
Taking the first spot as the largest oil producer in Canada and the largest oil sands producer in the world is the Canadian prairie province, Alberta. Major oil fields can be found throughout the province in cities like Brooks, Medicine Hat, Caroline, and Red Deer. You will also find oil upgraders and refineries like the Shell Canada Scotford Upgrader and the Shell Canada Scotford Refinerythat produces 100,000 barrels per day. Alberta is also home to pipelines that transport crude oil to markets in other provinces and the United States.
2. Saskatchewan
Another prairie province takes the top spot. Saskatchewan is the second-largest oil-producing province and responsible for approximately 13.5 percent of light crude oil, heavy crude oil, and natural-gas production in Canada. The good news is that knowing where to find the best oil and gas jobs in Canada is easy in Saskatchewan because there are four distinct oil-producing regions namely the Lloydminster area, the Kindersley area, the Swift Current area, and the Weyburn area.
3. Newfoundland and Labrador
As one of the smaller provinces in Canada, Newfoundland, and Labrador depends on its incredible oil and gas industry as a main economic driver. There are four fields producing an average of 240,000 barrels per day and a fifth field, the $14 billion Hebron project, that produced the first oil in November 2017.
GOOD TO KNOW: If you’re looking for a job in Newfoundland then check this list of designated employers that form part of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot. Through this program, you can permanently live and work in the province if you manage to secure a job offer from a designated employer.
Major Oil Producing Companies in Canada
A good way to find oil and gas jobs in Canada is to check the career page on company websites. For example, Enbridge Inc has 42 job positions available across Canada. You also learn more about the different companies, their vision, and mission as well as the benefits of working for them. This can help you create a tailored CV and cover letter when you apply for jobs.
10 Biggest Canadian Oil & Gas Companies
- Enbridge Inc.
- Suncor Energy Inc.
- Imperial Oil Ltd.
- Canadian Natural Resources
- Cenovus Energy Inc.
- Husky Energy Inc.
- Parkland Fuel Corp.
- TC Energy Corp.
- Gibson Energy Inc.
- Pembina Pipeline Corp.
Oil and Gas Jobs in Canada
The industry offers far more than just working a rig - with approximately 533,000 Canadian jobs supported by oil and gas production in 2017 there are a lot of opportunities available. From truck drivers to accountants, the industry consists of a wide variety of workers with different skill sets.
Here are the top 10 highest paying oil field jobs in 2021, according to Indeed.
| Top 10 Highest Paying Oil Field Jobs in 2021 | |
|---|---|
| Job | Annual Salary in USD |
| 1. Gas plant operator | $41,451 |
| 2. Well testers | $44,061 |
| 3. Chemical engineer | $63,844 |
| 4. Sales representative | $65,169 |
| 5. Petroleum geologist | $70,578 |
| 6. Vessel manager | $72,125 |
| 7. HR adviser | $72,174 |
| 8. Drilling engineer | $75,770 |
| 9. Crude oil driver | $76,874 |
| 10. Executive account manager | $77,099 |
Source: Context Energy Examined
Best Ways to Work in Canada’s Oil and Gas Industry
How are you planning to work in Canada? With over 100 visa programs that allow foreign nationals to come to the country on a temporary or permanent basis, there are quite a few options to consider. Here are two popular visa programs that you should consider which also allows you to bring your family members with you to Canada:
1. Express Entry System
If you’re a skilled worker such as an accountant, engineer, or geologist and would like to work in Canada’s oil and gas industry then one of the quickest and easiest ways to do so is through the Express Entry immigration system. If your application is successful you will obtain a Canadian permanent resident visa. A major benefit of taking the Express route is that you don’t need to find an oil and gas job in Canada to qualify for an Express Entry program but it could improve your application with an additional 50-200 points!
Benefits of Express Entry
- No job offer is required but then you’ll need settlement funds
- Processes applications in 6 months
- You can live and work anywhere in Canada except if you're a provincial nominee
- The entire process is online-based for your convenience
2. Canadian Work Permit
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 on a temporary basis. 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 down the line. Canada prioritizes candidates with local work experience through a few immigration programs like the Provincial Nomination Program, for example.
It’s always a good idea to understand your visa and immigration options before you take the plunge so that you are armed with an optimal plan for your future in the Great North.
Work in Canada With Professional Help
Canada has a booming oil and gas industry with a high demand for workers in skilled and intermediate skilled positions. This means that if you want to level up your career and earn a better living then Canada is the right place to make it happen. Discover your visa options with the professional help of Canadian Visa and let us guide you through the complex visa application process. We are a recognized immigration agent with dedicated immigration consultants situated in Vancouver.
