Halliburton Internship

I ran across a blog today written by a Halliburton Intern I thought would be useful to share with you: http://halhr.blogspot.com/. It's author (thanks Eric!) provides valuable information and photos about the work that's performed at Halliburton. He also discusses turnover rates in the industry and plans to study how to minimize it, particularly in light of the pending mass retirements of Baby Boomers forecasted.

Allow me to step up onto my soapbox. There are a variety of reasons for high turnover. Many times it's attributable to lack of clear objectives and goals about the job. Sometimes, applicants may become so enthralled by the high pay, they may lose focus that they actually have to work for it. In an effort to recruit employees, sometimes companies focus only on the attractive aspects of the job. Other times communication (or lack thereof) is the culprit, particularly in this day and age when we have many different cultures and generations (Baby Boomers, GenX, GenY, Millennials) with different communication techniques, life priorities, and/or work ethics, working along side one another.

With respect to entry level field jobs in oil & gas, I want to communicate that they pay very well (salaries in this industry generally pay about 35% more than average salaries in other industries). Why, you ask? Because it's hard work! Although some rig crews can get on a flex-schedule (such as two weeks on, two weeks off), they're working at least 12-hours shifts (or more) every day for those two weeks, in extreme weather, lifting heavy loads, in the middle of nowhere. It really is much more difficult than it sounds.

If you cannot withstand starting your day punctually before the sun rises, like 3:00 am, traveling to a well pad that's hundreds (or thousands--perhaps overseas) of miles away from your family, a city, or the nearest 7-11 convenience store; living in temporary housing with your crew, getting dirty, hearing profanity, getting yelled at (or fired) for making mistakes that jeopardizes safety, effectively communicating and getting along with others, and lifting hundreds of pounds consistently for weeks on end, in a drug-free environment, then I'm sorry to inform you that these jobs are definitely not for you, so please don't contribute to the turnover rate.

However, if you are certain you have the brawn, brains, thick-skin, drive, stamina, and desire to learn, you're a hot commodity in this industry, will be well compensated, and could move up the career ladder quickly, perhaps up to a tool pusher who makes around $95,000 / year. If you're real good, the E&P companies that employ the contractor you're working for could also recruit you to become a "company man".

If you're unsure whether this oilfield work is for you, consider trying it on a temporary basis. Several employment agencies offer temp positions in oilfield work. They include SOS Staffing, Aerotek, and Weststaff, among many others, and often post their positions in ConnectingColorado.

I hope this helps to clarify some of the objectives for those of you considering embarking on these occupations.

Photo courtesy of Jerry Brown

Schools & other training providers

Here's a list I created and maintain that lists all of the energy-related training providers I've learned about. Use the search box on the right to search for a specific types of training such as 'lineman' or 'engineer'.

Some of these schools are eligible to receive tuition reimbursement under the federal WIA (Workforce Investment Act) for eligible jobseekers. To learn whether the programs are WIA eligible, look them up on this website--click on "Education" along the top to search for the program that interests you. To find out if you, as a jobseeker, are eligible for the WIA program, visit your local workforce center and speak with an advisor. If you're a training provider and would like to submit your program for consideration to receive WIA training funding, go to this website, and "download the instructions".

In addition, there are many apprenticeship programs available at energy companies (they pay you while they train you). See my apprenticeships post for more information.

COLORADO TRAINING PROVIDERS:

Aims Community College, Greeley, CO: welding, electrical wiring, automotive tech, construction management, OSHA, CAD, chemistry, ESL, see also: the MIST program below under MISCELLANEOUS PROGRAMS
Alameda High School, Lakewood, CO: Introduction to Process Technology
Arapahoe Community College, Littleton, CO: geology, construction supv, solar installation
Bowman Voc-Tech, Thornton, CO
Colorado Mountain College, Leadville/Steamboat/virtual, CO: apprenticeships, engineering, process tech, petroleum technology, natural resource mgmt, Industrial Instrumentation Control Technician, engineering...
Colorado Northwestern Community College, Rangley & Craig, CO: GIS, industrial electrician, mine training, powerplant tech, civil engineering, construction tech, energy & facilities mgmt tech, natural resource mgmt, process tech oil & gas
Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO: engineering, mining, geology, chemistry…
Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, CO: engineering, natural sciences, natural resources, SEAL at Colorado State University-research in solar thermal, building analysis, and HVAC systems, Green Buildings Certificate, Green Homes Certificate
Community College of Aurora, Aurora, CO: biotech, diesel power mechanic, ctr for workforce dev; and has Association of Applied Science articulation agreement with Regis University (making for a much more affordable CIS/BTM bachelor's degree); also, in response to industry demand, is developing a solar photovoltaic training program
Community College of Denver, Denver, CO: welding, Machine and CNC Tool Operator, science, chemistry, ESL, geology; CCD has begun a partnership with EGOS and iCAST to explore developing programming related to the new energy economy. This may include pre-apprentice programming as well as energy-related electives for an associate degree. Programming will likely be implemented in Summer or Fall of 2009.
Community College of Denver - Performance Solutions: Health/Safety/OSHA Training Online Courses; they also help administer the Colorado First and Existing Industry state training grants for employers.
Construction Industry Training Council of Colorado, Inc., Denver, CO: apprenticeship & training in carpentry, electrical, pipefitting, plumbing, & sheetmetal programs.
Delta-Montrose Technical College, Delta, CO: via collaborative partnership with Western Region Workforce Centers provide training in the following areas: Auto & Diesel Mechanic, OHSA, MSHA, Mining Tech, Long Wall Mining
Emily Griffith Opportunity School (EGOS), Denver, CO: customized training, GIS, real estate appraiser, Electrical Line Worker (lineman), Electrician, Iron Worker, Operating Engineer, Pipefitter, Plumber, Sheet Metal Worker, Automotive Technician, Heating/Ventilation/Air Conditioning (HVAC), Welding
Front Range Community College, Westminster, CO: construction tech, welding, CAD, HVAC, OSHA, oil & gas equipment operator, Clean Energy Technology, (see also "Energy BOOST" under Miscellaneous Programs below)...
Heavy Equipment Training Academy, Julesburg, CO
Independent Electrical Contractors, Rocky Mountain Chapter, Denver, CO
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers / Denver Joint Electrical Apprenticeship and Training Committee, Denver, CO: electrical (inside and outside linemen) & IBEW Renewable Energy Industry Program, solar installation, Voice Data Video Telecommunications
Lamar Community College/Red Rocks Community College/Warren Technical-Collaborative: to design an 11-14 (high school to post-secondary pathway) windsmith program that prepares students to work as electrical and mechanical apprentice interns for Wazee and other national wind turbine maintenance firms upon high school graduation while completing their Associate of Applied Science degree in Wind Energy.
Mesa County Energy Workforce Training Center, Grand Junction, CO: Energy extraction site truck driver, construction & heavy equipment operations, oil & gas rig hand training; NOTE: training center is not yet open, but near completion
Mesa State / Western State Community College, Grand Junction, CO: construction tech, bioscience, electric line worker/lineman (Mesa Hotline School), energy mgmt, mfg tech, geology, phys sciences, process tech, watershed science, landman/energy management
Metropolitan State College, Denver, CO: chemistry, engineering
Morgan Community College, Ft. Morgan, CO: automotive, construction, welding
Northeastern Jr College, Sterling, CO: biotech, chemistry, pre-engineering, bioagriculture, diesel tech, and developing a renewable energy (wind) program
Pickens Tech, Aurora, CO: automotive/diesel, welding, construction & dev, pre-engineering
Pikes Peak Community College, Colorado Springs, CO: construction tech, automotive, biosciences, machining tech, physics, pre-engineering, welding
Pipefitters Local 208, Denver, CO: pipefitting, welding, HVAC…
Pueblo Community College, Pueblo, CO: auto, engineering tech, industrial electronics, machining tech, welding; and currently participating in the NSF/ATE MentorLinks grant which allows PCC to collaborate with the wind energy program at Laramie County Community College in Cheyenne, WY; also developing a training program to facilitate movement of workers from the steel mill industry to the Vestas tower plant.
Red Rocks Community College, Golden, CO: Industrial Science & Operations (including Process Technology Program), electrical, plumbing, and HVAC, Renewable Energy Technology (including solar certificates and degrees), Industrial Maintenance; Electrical, Mechanical; articulation agreement with Colorado School of Mines
San Juan Basin Technical College, Cortez, CO: via collaborative partnership with Western Region Workforce Centers provide training in the following areas: Diesel Mechanic, Heavy Equip. Operator, Welding, OHSA
Trinidad State Junior College, Trinidad, CO: EPIC scholarship program, heavy equipment operator, diesel/heavy equipment, welding, electrical & utility line technician (lineman)
University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, CO: CU Environmental Center
University of Colorado at Denver - GEM, Denver, CO: Global Energy Management graduate program
University of Colorado at Denver, Denver, CO: undergrad O&G Accounting
University of Colorado at Denver - Sustainability Program, Denver, CO: Sustainability, Interdisciplinary Signature Area; IGERT: inter-disciplinary graduate program on sustainable urban infrastructure
University of Denver, Denver, CO: engineering, science...
Warren-Tech, Lakewood, CO: construction tech, biotech, power equipment, welding…
Western Colorado Community College, Grand Jct, CO: process tech, welding, electrical lineworker (lineman), construction tech, machining, drafting/CAD...
Western State College, Gunnison, CO: geology, chemistry, environmental studies, geology, physics, landman...

COLORADO LISTS OF SCHOOLS:

Colorado Private Occupational Schools (includes truck "Driving" schools)
2-Year Community Colleges
Technical Colleges/Vocational Schools


MISCELLANEOUS PROGRAMS:

Adams 50 School District - School to Work Alliance Program (SWAP), Westminster, CO
Adams County Workforce WIRED solar training program: Currently being developed; training will be delivered through proctored computer-based training. It will include modules for both solar manufacturing and solar installation. The initial opportunities for this training will begin in January and be available through Adams & Boulder Co only.
Advanced Technology Environmental and Energy Center (ATEEC): a national center that promotes and supports environmental and energy technology education to address the needs of the national and global workforce - also maintains an online listing of environmental and energy technology programs in the nation's two-year colleges
Alliance for Sustainable Colorado, Denver, CO: university research and collaborative activities, capacity building workshops, sustainable Colorado lunch series, Alliance for Sustainable Colorado speaker series, building tours...
American Petroleum Institute Classroom Energy and Certificate Programs: API Monogram Program, APIQR, Individual Certification Programs (ICP), Perforator Registration, Engine Oil Licensing and Certification System (EOLCS), and API Training Provider Certification Program (TPCP).
Arrupe Jesuit High School, Denver, CO: Corporate Work Study program
Associated General Contractors of CO, Denver, CO: OSHA courses
Basic Employment Skills Training (BEST)-Work Exchange Pilot Program, Denver, CO: CAD training for & work done by homeless people; BEST aims to partner with AEC (Architecture/Engineering/Construction), and other technical companies, who can post non-critical work to the work center
Bentley, US: on-demand e-learning: GIS/geospatial software solutions architectural, engineering, construction (AEC), and geospatial software needs of subscribers, providing building, plant, civil, and geospatial solutions and supporting a managed environment for their AEC and geospatial IT
BETR Project, Colo Spgs, CO: business and education partnership, primary objective and vision was to promote ways to address the workforce problems that business has had with the quality of applicants for employment openings in Southeastern Colorado. The Business and Education Talent Readiness Project (BETR) was formed. Tuesday tours of businesses for teachers & students...
Career Education Center, Denver, CO
Collbran Job Corps Center, Collbran (Gr. Jct), CO: Career Technical Training: Business Technology, Carpentry, Cement Masonry, CISCO Networking Academy, Facilities Maintenance, Welding
Colorado MESA, CO: organization under the Colorado Minority Engineering Association (CMEA) Our Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) program is designed to encourage minority and female students to prepare themselves for a college education and to major in mathematics, engineering or science
Colorado Mining Association (CMA), CO
Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association (CoSeia), Carbondale, CO: Solar certification and training guides.
httpCRC - WorkKeys - Applied Technology module, CO: tests to assess your math skills, mechanical aptitude, and other skills, administered by many Colorado workforce centers
Denver Parks First Tee Program, Denver, CO: teaches children math while learning golf
Denver Public Schools Business Partnerships, Denver, CO: mentorship opportunities, industry presentations
Denver School of Science & Technology, Denver, CO: curriculum designed to challenge students & prepare them attend and succeed in a 4-year college; strong liberal arts curriculum w/ emphasis on the sciences...develop key skills in math, science, reading, writing, critical thinking and technology...math, biology, and other advanced science electives (physics, chemistry, biotechnology) during the 11th and 12th grade years
Employment Services of Weld County & Aims Community College, Greeley, CO: Multi Industry Systems Technician (MIST) program. The MIST Prep Academy will assist individuals in improving their math, reading and English skills and prepare them for either entry level jobs in the energy field or to enter into the certification programs under the MIST Program. Examples of courses for the MIST I and MIST II certificate levels include: Technical Mathematics, Introduction to PC Applications, Business Ethics, Technical Writing or Business Communications and Report Writing, Blue Print Reading, Process Technology, Basics of AC/DC Electricity, Instrumentation, and more.
ENERGY BOOST: Basic Training for the Energy Industry, Front Range Community College - Larimer Campus, Fort Collins, CO: Those who successfully complete this 80-hour program are guaranteed an interview at an exclusive job fair with the area's top energy companies, including Vestas Blades, Platte River Power Authority, Woodward, Solix and others. Production worker and technician positions starting at $30,000 per year.
EnergyU: "the most comprehensive e-learning portal for the Energy Industry...home to over 600 energy companies and nearly 20,000 employees nationwide."
English as a Second Language (ESL): various providers (in addition to ESL courses available at Denver's DIA Workforce Center); additional list also available on Denver's Office of Community Support website.
Environmental Safety, Aurora, CO: haz mat/abatement training (WIA approved)
Environmental Defense Fund Climate Corp: Together with our partner, Net Impact, EDF embeds trained MBA students who identify energy efficiency improvements that can cut costs and reduce emissions
Geothermal.org geothermal heat pump consortium training nationwide
Gobbell Hays, Denver, CO: haz mat/abatement training (WIA approved)
Goodwill Energy Workforce Program: Students recently participated in a week-long renewable energy training program, facilitated by Al Wallace with Energy Environmental Corporation. Students explored the properties of renewable energy and new sustainable technologies in wind, solar, earth and water by working with their hands, using state-of-the-art equipment and hearing from local industry experts.
International Center for Appropriate and Sustainable Technology (iCast), Lakewood, CO: Energy auditing training, solar thermal installation, insulation and air sealing, Air Conditioning installation.
Institute for a Built Environment (CSU), Ft. Collins & Ext. ofcs in Denver & Colo Spgs, CO: interdisciplinary research institute that engages faculty and industry partners in healthy and sustainable building issues, including LEED accreditation training & exam prep
International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC): "High quality training that meets international, industry standards is the goal of IADC accreditation programs."
MiCasa Women in Construction , Denver, CO: construction, CDL-B, pre-apprenticeship program (includes a one-week Introduction to Construction course and five weeks of Pre-Apprenticeship construction training, including two weeks of theory and practical installation of solar, thermal and wind energy technology. Further training for weatherization and historic restoration is under development. The program begins in February 2009.)
Mile High Youth Corps, Denver, CO: energy conservation & retrofit projects; several conservation learning programs including a residential energy auditing and weatherization program. Youth learn to assess a home for energy and water inefficiencies and then install things such as low-flow toilets & showerheads, CFLs and weather stripping. Also in partnership with the Denver Housing Authority, youth learn green building techniques and skills.
National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO: varoius K-12, Internship/Graduate, and Teacher programs on energy efficiency and renewable energy (solar, geothermal, wind, hydrogen, etc)
OSHA, Denver, CO: hosts a number of inexpensive training programs (also in Spanish), Compliance Assistance: Hispanic Employers and Workers
PetroSkills: sessions on topics spanning the industry, from Exploration & Production to Surface Facilities, HSE, and Petroleum Business
Practical GeoExchange Solutions: geothermal system design
Project Learning Tree: an award winning, multi-disciplinary environmental education program for educators and students in PreK-grade 12. PLT, a program of the American Forest Foundation, is one of the most widely used environmental education programs in the United States and abroad. PLT continues to set the standard for environmental education excellence.
REScheck Online Training: covers the basics of complying with the 2000 International Energy Conservation Code using REScheck. Audience: Building energy code officials, designers, engineers, builders, and anyone else involved in demonstrating energy code compliance for a residential building
Residential Energy Efficiency Network (RESNET), aka E-Star Home Energy Rating System (HERS), Berthoud, CO: E-Star is a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) program that is certified by a nationwide program called the Residential Energy Efficiency Network (RESNET).
Solar Energy International, Carbondale, CO: Solar Electricity (PV), Wind Power, Micro-hydro, Sustainable Home Design & Natural House Building, Solar Thermal, Renewable Fuels, Rural Development, Women's Only, For Educators, Online courses.
Sunpower Inc, Denver, CO: home energy audits, energy efficiency, weatherization, insulation, furnace...
Sustainable Energy Education and Training (SEET), a project funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF Award No. DUE-0602633) and runs from October 1, 2006 through September 30, 2008. Provides professional development training for 50 upper level high school and community college technology instructors that focuses on the areas of energy efficiency and energy conservation and delivered through two ten-day intensive annual workshops at national laboratories
Turnabout, Inc., Denver, CO: prisoner reentry agency that focuses on employment, project provides training on "hard skills" such as Solar Panel Installation, Wind Power Installation and Equipment, OSHA certification, Industrial First Aid/C.P.R. certification, Commercial Drivers License (A & B) for the Energy sector.
WIRED: programs developed by local partnerships and funded by US DOL grants to train and place people in targeted industry jobs (including energy).

OUT OF STATE SCHOOLS:

American Association of Community Colleges
Austin Community College , Austin, TX: Solar Photovoltaic and Solar Thermal Power, Wind and Geothermal Power...
Bismarck State College, ND: contains some on-line courses that can be useful in studying/preparing for the Xcel Energy EEI Exams (POSS & MOSS): Specifically, the Industrial Aptitude Course is helpful in prepping for the EEI exam. The Orientation to the Electric Industry is good information to get an overview on this industry.
Brazosport Community College, Lake Jackson, TX: Chemical Tech, Computer Tech, Drafting, HVAC and Refrigeration Tech, Heavy Equipment Tech, Industrial & Commercial Construction, Industrial & Commercial Electricity, Industrial & Commercial Pipefitting, Instrumentation Tech, Machine Tech/Millwright, Safety, Health, & Environmental Mgmt, Welding...
Cloud County Community College, KS: Wind Energy Technology, physics, engineering...
College of Eastern Utah, UT: chemistry, engineering, geology, physics, apprentice electrician, auto tech, building construction, diesel eqpt tech, drafting & design, hydraulics, machine tool tech, mining, welding, process tech.
Columbia Gorge Community College, OR: Renewable Energy Technology
Community-Based Job Training Investment Center: projects awarded DOL training grants; sort by industry or state
Eastern Utah Western Energy Training Center, UT
Enform, CN
Essex County Vocational Technical School, NJ: Sustainable Energy Academy (Architectural design/drafting, carpentry, electrical maintenance & construction, welding, HVAC)
Fairbanks Pipeline Training Center, Fairbanks, Alaska
Hudson Valley Community College, Troy, NY: School of Engineering and Industrial Technologies, Introductory Photovoltaic (Solar) Electric Systems, The Center for Energy Efficiency and Building Science Offerings (New Wave in Contracting seminar, Envelope Professional, Building Analyst Training, Envelope Professional Training)
Iowa Lakes College, Estherville, IA: Wind Energy and Turbine Technology Program
Lake Region State College in Devils Lake, Devils Lake, ND: hopes to start a wind technician course in near future
Laramie County Community College, WY: chemistry, Diesel Technology, engineering, Associate of Applied Science in Wind Energy ...
Lousiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA: science, engineering (petroleum, biological, environmental...)
Marietta College, Marietta, OH: petroleum engineering, geology, biochemistry...
McMurray Training Center, WY: First Aid & CPR, Fall Protection, OHSA, Floorhand, IADC Rig Pass, Derrick Hand, Well Control, Heavy Equipment Operator, CDLA, CDLB, Carpentry; has online self-assessment/screening tool
Minnesota Center for Renewable Energy: Minnesota State University, MN: Mankato, Minnesota West Community and Technical College: College of Science, Engineering and Technology, Minnesota West Community and Technical College
Missouri University of Science & Technology, Rolla, MO: science, geological engineering (including mining, petroleum)...
Montana State University, College of Technology, MT: diesel mech, construction tech, drafting & design, HVAC-R, power plant tech, process tech, welding...
Morrisville State College, Morrisville, NY: science, engineering, drafting, natural resources, agriculture, Renewable Energy Training Center
Mountain States Line Constructors Joint Apprenticeship and Training Program, Midvale, UT: Outside Electrical Lineman apprenticeships
National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), Gainesville, FL: not-for-profit education foundation created to develop industry-driven standardized craft training programs with portable credentials and help address the critical workforce shortage facing the construction industry.
New Mexico Junior College, Hobbs, NM: welding, drafting, chemistry, construction, nuclear technician, pre-engineering, industrial technology...
New Mexico Tech, Socorro, NM: science & engineering (including electrical, mineral, environmetal, petroleum & natural gas)...
North Carolina State University Solar Center, NC: clearinghouse for solar and other renewable energy programs, information, research, technical assistance, and training for the citizens
Northwest Energy Education Institute, OR: Renewable Energy Technician
Oklahoma University, OK
Pennsylvania State University, multiple campuses, PA: agricultural sciences, engineering...
Rice University - Houston, TX: Shell Center for Sustainability, engineering, science, environmental...
San Juan College, NM: building trades, diesel tech, drafting, welding, petroleum tech, construction, welding, industrial mech, rig operations, well control, natural gas compression, renewable energy, solar installation…
Texas A&M, College Station, TX: geosciences, engineering (petroleum, nuclear, industrial, ocean...)
Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX: engineering (including petroleum), science (including energy), Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources...
Uintah Basin Applied Technology College, UT: petroleum tech, truck driving, electrical apprenticeship, drafting, welding, diesel tech
University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS: engineering (chemical, petroleum, electrical, bio, environmental), science...
University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA: science, engineering (chemical, electrical, petroleum...)
University of Missouri, MO: science, engineering (nuclear, petroleum, mining...)
University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK: College of Earth and Energy
University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA: science, engineering (civil, chemical, petroleum...)
University of Texas at Austin - Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering, TX
University of Texas - Petroleum Extension Service, TX
University of Texas – School of Law, TX: oil & gas law
University of Texas at Dallas The School of Management: Oil & Gas Financial Management
University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK: engineering & natural sciences
University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI: engineering (including nuclear), GIS, chemistry...
University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY: School Energy Resources, science, engineering (including environmental, petroleum)...
Virginia Tech University, Blacksburg, VA: science, engineering, natural resources, School of Construction, 76 masters and 62 doctoral degrees through eight academic colleges...
Western Wyoming Community College, WY: various Technology & Industry
West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV: science, engineering (petroleum, natural gas, environmental...)
WyoTech, Laramie, WY (and CA, FL & PA): diesel mechanics, HVAC, plumbing & electrical
Williston State College, ND

I also maintain a list of various training programs, articles and information on my Delicious site:
- http://delicious.com/TLynnSargent/extraction-training
- http://delicious.com/TLynnSargent/green-training

What are the jobs?

As in any industry, there are core jobs specific to each industry. In the energy industry, these include the oil & gas jobs as well as renewable energy jobs (or "green" jobs) in Colorado. Examples of these core jobs are: roustabouts (laborers who work on oil rigs), petroleum engineers, solar panel installers, and wind turbine technicians, among many others.

Then there are all the other ancillary/support positions used in any industry, such as marketing manager, accountant, salesperson, customer service representative, and those in IT. All of these support positions are also considered oil & gas jobs or renewable energy jobs.

Both types of positions are critical to the operations of a company and all are used at one point or another throughout the life cycle of the business, product, and/or service. Generally, in newer technologies the scientists and engineers outnumber the support positions as they undergo research and development. As the product or service is developed, commercialized and matures, the numbers of support positions (such as those in sales, installation, bookkeeping) increase.

In order to try to measure, categorize and describe occupations, many government agencies use a national coding system called O-Net which grew out of an older SOC coding system. Currently there are 812 O-Net codes and new codes are added as new occupations emerge. In June 2008, 102 new job titles and descriptions are to be added to the database. These "new and emerging" codes include:

- Energy Auditor
- Energy Broker
- Renewable Energy Technician
- Geospatial Information Systems Technician
- Bioinformatics Scientist (Biotechnology)
- Bioinformatics Technician (Biotechnology)

Note: NREL is one of the businesses that employs bioinformatics scientists and technicians.

Using a variety of sources, I've compiled a list of nearly 200 existing O-Net codes below to give you a sense of just how many different types of occupations are employed in the energy industry. This list certainly is not exhaustive. There are many occupations in the energy industry (such as "Landmen") which do not yet have an O-Net code assigned.

In addition, companies often have company-specific titles, which may not exactly match an O-Net title --though if you search the skillset of the standardized O-Net, or refer to O-Net's Lay Title list, you'll likely find a similar title.

Some of these job titles can be found on other websites, such as :

- The Rockies Energy Workforce Collaborative contains various titles employed in the energy industry with a short description of each
- California's "Green Jobs Guidebook" contains job titles, pay information, career ladders, job descriptions, minimum qualifications, specific training & partnership programs and other useful information.

To see a summary report (which includes tasks, abilities, work context, wages, employment trends, and links to videos) for each occupation classified with an O-Net code, type the O-Net code or the title into the occupation quick search box at http://online.onetcenter.org/

Title, O-Net (the text in brackets [ ] are my notes)
Accountants - 13201101
Accountants and Auditors - 13201100
Agricultural and Food Science Technicians - 19401100
Agricultural Technicians - 19401101
Auditors - 13201102
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics - 49302300
Automotive Specialty Technicians - 49302302
Biochemists and Biophysicists - 19102100
Biological Technicians - 19402100
Boilermakers - 472011
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks - 43303100
Calibration and Instrumentation Technicians - 17302302
Cashiers - 41201100
Chemical Engineers - 17204100
Chemical Technicians - 19403100
Chemists - 19203100
Civil Engineering Technicians - 17302200
Civil Engineers - 17205100
Computer and IT Managers - 11302100
Computer Hardware Engineers - 17206100
Computer Software Engineers, Applications - 15103100
Computer Software Engineers, Systems Software- 15103200
Computer Support Specialists - 151041
Computer Controlled Machine Tool Operators - 51401100
Conservation Scientists - 19103100
Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door - 499012
Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders - 519021
Customer Service Representatives - 43405100
Cutting/Punching/Press Machine Setters/Operators/Tenders - 51403100
Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas - 47501100
Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters/Operators/Tenders - 51403200
Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas - 47502100
Electric Meter Installers and Repairers - 49901201
Electric Motor and Switch Assemblers and Repairers - 49209202
Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers - 49209200
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technicians - 17302300
Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assemblers - 51202200
Electrical and Electronic Inspectors and Testers - 51906104
Electrical and Electronics Drafters - 17301200
Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation - 49209300
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial - 49209400
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation - 49209500
Electrical Drafters - 17301202
Electrical Engineering Technicians - 17302303
Electrical Engineers - 17207100
Electrical Parts Reconditioners - 49209205
Electrical Power Line Installers and Repairers - 49905100
Electricians - 47211100
Electromechanical Equipment Assemblers - 51202300
ElectroMechanical Technicians - 17302400
Electronic Drafters - 17301201
Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles - 49209600
Electronic Masking System Operators - 51502209
Electronics Engineering Technicians - 17302301
Electronics Engineers, Except Computer - 17207200
Engine and Other Machine Assemblers - 512031
Engineering Managers - 11904100
Engineering Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other - 17302999
Engineers, All Other - 17219999
Environmental Engineering Technicians - 17302500
Environmental Engineers - 17208100
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health - 19409100
Environmental Scientists and Specialists - 192041
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators - 537032
Executive Secretaries and Administrative Assistants - 43601100
Financial Analysts - 13205100
Fire Prevention and Protection Engineers [SunCor has their own fire dept onsite] - 17211102
First Line Supervisors/Managers of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers - 471011
First Line Supervisors/Managers of Helpers, Laborers, and Material Movers, Hand - 531021
First Line Supervisors/Managers of Production/Operating - 511011
Food Science Technicians [biofuels] - 19401102
Food Scientists and Technologists, - 19101200
Forest and Conservation Technicians - 19409300
Gas Appliance Repairers - 49903102
Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators - 53707100
Gas Compressor Operators - 53707102
Gas Distribution Plant Operators - 51809202
Gas Plant Operators - 51809200
Gas Processing Plant Operators - 51809201
Gas Pumping Station Operators - 53707101
Gaugers - 51809303
General and Operations Managers - 11102100
Geological and Petroleum Technicians - 19404100
Geological Data Technicians - 19404101
Geological Sample Test Technicians - 19404102
Geoscientists - 19204200
Graphic Designers - 27102400
Grinding/Lapping/Polishing/Buffing Machine Tool Operators - 51403300
Hazardous Materials Removal Workers [cleaning refinery/powerplant stacks] - 474041
Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers - 17211100
Helpers: Electricians - 473013
Helpers: Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers - 499098
Helpers: Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters - 473015
Helpers: Production Workers - 519198
Human Resource Specialists - 13107999
HVAC Mechanics and Installers - 49902100
Hydrologists - 192043
Industrial Engineering Technicians - 17302600
Industrial Engineers - 17211200
Industrial Machinery Mechanics - 499041
Industrial Production Managers - 11305100
Industrial Safety and Health Engineers - 17211101
Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators - 537051
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers - 51906100
Insulation Workers [energy efficiency] - 472131
Janitors and Cleaners - 37201100
Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers - 537062
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters/Operators/Tenders, -51403400
Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other - 19409999
Locomotive Engineers [transport coal by rail] - 53401100
Machinists - 51404100
Maintenance and Repair Workers - 49904200
Maintenance Workers, Machinery - 499043
Management Analysts - 13111100
Mapping Technicians - 17303102
Marine Engineers [off-shore derricks] - 17212101
Marine Engineers and Naval Architects - 17212100
Marketing Managers - 11202100
Materials Engineers - 17213100
Materials Scientists - 19203200
Mechanical Drafters - 17301300
Mechanical Engineering Technicians - 17302700
Mechanical Engineers - 17214100
Microbiologists - 19102200
Milling and Planing Machine Setters/Operators/Tenders - 51403500
Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engine - 17215100
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines - 49304200
Multiple Machine Tool Setters/Operators/Tenders - 51408100
Natural Science Managers - 11912100
Nuclear Engineers - 17216100
Nuclear Equipment Operation Technicians - 19405101
Nuclear Monitoring Technicians - 19405102
Nuclear Technicians - 19405100
Occupational Health and Safety Technicians - 29901200
Office Clerks, General - 43906100
Operating Engineers - 47207302
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators - 47207300
Ordinary Seamen and Marine Oilers - 53501102
Petroleum Engineers - 17217100
Petroleum Pump System Operators - 51809301
Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gauger - 51809300
Petroleum Refinery and Control Panel Operators - 51809302
Physicists - 19201200
Pipelayers - 47215100
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters - 472152
Power Plant Operators - 51801300
Product Safety Engineers - 17211103
Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks - 43506100
Purchasing Agents - 13102300
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers - 53401300
Refuse & Recycling Workers [biofuel] - 53708100
Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas - 47501200
Roustabouts, Oil and Gas - 47507100
Sailors and Marine Oilers -53501100
Sales Engineers - 41903100
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing - 41401100
Security Guards - 33903200
Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders - 519012
Service Unit Operators, Oil, Gas, and Mining - 47501300
Sheet Metal Workers - 47221100
Ship Engineers - 53503100
Shipping, Receiving, and Traffic Clerks - 43507100
Soil and Plant Scientists - 19101300
Stationary Engineers - 51802102
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators - 51802100
Stock Clerks - 43508100
Surveying and Mapping Technicians - 17303100
Surveying Technicians - 17303101
Surveyors - 171022
Team Assemblers - 51209200
Tool and Die Makers - 51411100
Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners - 51419400
Traffic Technicians - 53604100
Training and Development Specialists - 13107300
Truck Drivers - 53303200
Welders and Solderers - 51412106
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers - 51412100

Black Gold on TruTV

As you may have seen, there's a new "reality" television series on TruTV called Black Gold (from the creator of Deadliest Catch) that depicts three Texas oil rigs and their crews racing one another to extract "black gold" (crude oil).

Based on the two episodes I've watched so far, I would recommend this show to anyone who has no idea about what a oilfield job entails. I would also suggest reading this website's message boards under "Discuss the Show", as they contain quite interesting feedback from individuals who claim to be seasoned in this industry.

Here's the link to the site, which includes "sneak peek" videos of each episode, photos, and a helpful glossary of oilfield slang (in the "All About Oil" section).

Worms for Hire

It’s not what you may think…

The energy industry certainly has unique terminology. Position titles such as worm, swamper, mudman, gangpusher, and floorman are just a few examples. In my quest to create a comprehensive career ladder/lattice diagram for the energy industry, I would like to share with you information I’m gathering along the way.

In the energy industry a "worm" is an unskilled manual laborer. You’ll not likely see this term as a job title in ConnectingColorado.com, rather, titles such as "floorhand", "roustabout" and "leadhand" are commonly substituted (but duties/titles may vary among different employers).

Worms are usually the lowest member of the drilling crew hierarchy, above a ginsel—a worm’s helper--and below a roustabout / leasehand. At some companies, such as Ensign Energy Services, the leasehand is the entry-level position.

Worms / leasehands are responsible for doing whatever needs to be done on the grounds around the oil & gas rigs. Duties include basic tasks such as cleaning, digging ditches, moving equipment/supplies, building fences, and mixing drilling “mud” (fluid mixture used to lubricate & equalize the pressure when drilling wells). Crews generally consist of 5-10 members and sometimes several crews will work on one rig.

As with most field positions in oil & gas, work hours on rigs are normally 12 hours on and 12 hours off continuously for two or three weeks, followed by an equal amount of rest period at home. The work is hard and physical, in all types of weather, are in remote areas, and employers have zero-tolerance for drug use (frequently using surprise hair or urine analyses).

Workers live closely together like a family, sleep together, eat together and have to trust each other—they must cooperate in a group, led by a team leader termed "gang pusher" (ConnectingColorado job order #CO5255994). Accommodations are generally provided by the employer, in local hotels/motels or in "man camps"--groups of mobile homes, many comfortably equipped with food, cable, and internet.

For more information about these types of positions and employer-specific qualifications, please refer to the following job order numbers on ConnectingColorado.com (note: if the job is no longer available, you may not be able to view any information). There's also some more information on my Halliburton Intern post

CO5252371, Roustabout $12/hr in Craig (3.5 hrs W. of Denver)
CO5258048, Floorhand $22/hr in Wray (3 hrs E. of Denver)
CO5241792, Floorhand $16+/hr in Grand Junction (4 hrs W. of Denver)
CO5260035, Roustabout $14+/hr in Meeker (3.5 hrs W. of Denver)

With the exception of jobs in local utility plants, on local transmission lines, and the like, most entry-level field/laborer positions in oil & gas are located 3-5 hours west, south, and east of Denver, and include positions such as:

- Water truck drivers (CDL required, some require haz mat and/or tanker endorsements, and some will consider employing ex-offenders)
- Fracturing Operator Trainees
- Pipeline helpers / apprentice pipefitters
- Apprentice electricians
- Apprentice welders
- Heavy equipment operators
- Yard drivers (transporting crews)

Now you know what a worm is.