Contract Field Operator – Drayton Valley, Alberta
Location: Drayton Valley, Alberta
Schedule: 8 days on / 6 days off
Contract Type: Independent contractor
Compensation: Competitive contract rate, based on experience and qualifications
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Contract Field Operator to support oil and gas operations in the Drayton Valley area.
Reporting to the Operations team, the successful contractor will be responsible for day-to-day field operations and maintenance activities while safely achieving production, reliability and cost targets. This role includes wellsite and facility surveillance, troubleshooting, production optimization, regulatory inspections and coordination with maintenance and integrity personnel.
This is a field-based position involving travel between operating sites, intermittent outdoor work in varying weather conditions and some field-office duties. The work requires moderate physical activity, including climbing stairs and ladders and lifting up to 50 lb.
Key Responsibilities
- Safely execute daily wellsite, pipeline and facility operating activities.
- Monitor SCADA data to identify operating issues, production losses and optimization opportunities.
- Conduct routine field rounds, inspections and equipment checks.
- Troubleshoot operational problems and coordinate corrective work.
- Optimize wells and facilities while maintaining approved process and operating parameters.
- Complete facility, production and environmental logs accurately and on time.
- Manage area pigging and batching programs.
- Coordinate PSV recertification and maintain the area car-seal program in collaboration with the Integrity team.
- Complete required regulatory, environmental, safety and equipment inspections.
- Maintain accurate operating records and required supporting documentation.
- Identify opportunities to improve safety, production, reliability and operating costs.
- Track field costs and provide supporting documentation for expenditures.
- Coordinate and assist with maintenance activities, shutdowns and equipment repairs.
- Communicate operating conditions, risks, production issues and outstanding work during shift handovers.
- Share operational knowledge and support consistent work practices throughout the operating area.
- Participate in emergency response activities, safety meetings and required training.
- Perform all work in accordance with applicable legislation and company policies, standards and procedures.
Qualifications and Experience
- Minimum of two years of oil and gas operating experience.
- Previous experience with wells, pipelines, batteries, compressors and production facilities.
- Experience with unconventional gas operations is considered an asset.
- Working knowledge of SCADA systems and electronic field data-capture platforms.
- Experience with pigging, batching, pressure-safety-device programs and production optimization is preferred.
- Valid Class 5 Alberta driver’s licence with an acceptable driver’s abstract.
- Current H₂S Alive and Standard First Aid/CPR certification.
- WHMIS, TDG, CSO or equivalent orientation and other site-specific training may be required.
- Ability to pass pre-access drug and alcohol testing and comply with the company’s ongoing testing policy.
- Ability to work independently, manage changing priorities and respond effectively to unplanned operating events.
- Strong troubleshooting, organizational and decision-making abilities.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with operations, maintenance, engineering, integrity, HSE personnel and service providers.
- Ability to work outdoors in changing weather conditions, climb stairs and ladders and safely lift up to 50 lb.
- Fourth Class Power Engineering certification is considered an asset but is not required unless specified for the assigned facilities.
Contractor and Business Requirements
The successful contractor will be expected to provide services through an incorporated business and maintain the following throughout the contract:
- An active corporation registered and in good standing in Alberta.
- A valid GST registration number.
- Workers’ Compensation Board–Alberta coverage and a current clearance letter, or approved equivalent coverage where applicable.
- Commercial general liability insurance of at least $5 million per occurrence.
- Automobile liability insurance of at least $2 million covering the vehicle used to provide the services.
- Any additional insurance required under the final services agreement.
- A reliable field-ready truck suitable for year-round lease-road travel.
- The vehicle must be properly registered, insured and maintained, and equipped with appropriate tires, emergency supplies and required site-safety equipment.
- A valid driver’s licence and satisfactory driver’s abstract.
- Personal protective equipment, including CSA-approved safety footwear, hard hat, safety glasses, gloves, flame-resistant clothing and any other required PPE, unless otherwise specified.
- Responsibility for the contractor’s payroll, income taxes, GST remittances, insurance, WCB premiums and other business obligations.
- Compliance with all confidentiality, cybersecurity, safety, environmental and contractor-management requirements.
Contract Rate and Expenses
The contract rate will be negotiated based on the successful contractor’s experience, qualifications, vehicle arrangement and scope of responsibility.
The final agreement will specify:
- Hourly or daily contract rate.
- Overtime, callout and standby rates, if applicable.
- Pre-approval requirements for reimbursable expenses.
- Required notice for schedule changes or contract termination.
Work Location: In person
