Technologists

Technologists have a critical role in helping make energy production viable. Their work directly helps companies steward responsible energy development. There are many, varied opportunities for Technologists across Canada’s energy industry. Often, they use specialized equipment and apply science, engineering, and mechanical skills to conduct experiments, tests, and analyses. There are various disciplines that Technologists can pursue. They may research new products, conduct studies in the field, prepare technical plans/specifications, design operational processes, coordinate field operations, manage projects, evaluate performance, analyze data, troubleshoot issues, or lead in management roles. There is an ongoing need for Technologists in the energy industry where operational efficiency and sustainability are so important.

As their experience grows, Technologists take on increasingly complex technical responsibilities. They may work independently, under general direction, or in leadership positions. Leadership can include directly overseeing field operations at a facility or leading a team of technical/operational professionals. They possess theoretical and practical knowledge of many different types of technology. For certain types of technical work and decisions, the support of a professional engineer or architect may be required.

This career might be a fit for you if you enjoy creating, conceptualizing, or building things like equipment, models, and electronic devices. You probably also have an interest in math, science, and applied engineering. Working in teams with others is also important. Types of Technologists that are needed in the energy industry include: chemical, electrical, mechanical, petroleum, geological, and civil. Once Technologists have experience in a specialized area, they can work in a variety of sectors. 

Established Energy Sectors:

  • Oil and Gas
  • Offshore Oil and Gas
  • Oil Sands
  • Energy Services
  • Pipelines
  • Refining

Emerging Energy Sectors:

  • Biofuels
  • Hydrogen
  • Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)

What Technologists Do

Design and Build Equipment, Systems, or Studies

Technologists apply their science and engineering knowledge to varied tasks. These include designing, developing, and building equipment, systems, and processes. Some Technologists also interpret specifications and prepare or modify technical drawings or specifications. Other roles may be more research-oriented and involve the design and implementation of testing programs in the lab or field. Collecting samples, conducting experiments, and analyzing results are parts of the research. All this work can be used in energy exploration, development, and production.

Direct operations

Technologists monitor and direct one or more daily operations as per prepared plans/specifications. They provide real-time problem-solving and solutions. They monitor and track key performance indicators (KPIs) and optimize operations where applicable to drive efficiencies. 

Operate and Maintain Equipment

Technologists take charge of or help with the installation, operations, and maintenance of processing plants, equipment, and systems. They operate equipment for studies and tests. They can perform inspections and maintenance of parts, technical equipment, or entire machines. This work helps identify safety risks and more efficient ways of operating equipment. 

Recommend Improvements and Install Upgrades

Technologists develop procedures and technologies that make performance the best it can be. They also analyze, evaluate, and troubleshoot problems. They may recommend technology upgrades, using different approaches with equipment, or changing the way work is performed.

Compile and Interpret Data and Prepare Reports

Technologists compile data, conduct analyses, and create reports. The reports record results and support decisions about resource development. Some Technologists support the management of cost controls for facilities and projects. They prepare estimates of time, quantities, material, and labour requirements for activities such as testing, installation, and maintenance. Other Technologists will be more involved in field or laboratory work. They will prepare and analyze studies and field survey data. 

Stay Up to Date in Their Field of Technology

Technologists know that technology advances quickly and they need to be constantly educating themselves. They stay current by reading technology publications, attending conferences, and participating in training.  

Key Skills and Abilities Technologists Need

This chart shows the skills, abilities, certifications, and personal attributes needed as Technologists enter and advance their careers in the energy industry.  Each occupation, job level, and responsibility will require a different mix of these skills and abilities.

Personal Attributes

  • Adaptability
  • Attention to detail
  • Collaboration
  • Active learning
  • Analytical thinking
  • Stress tolerance

Core Knowledge

  • Develop discipline-specific knowledge such as geology, geoscience, chemistry, mechanics, petroleum technology, instrumentation, electrical technology, and electronics
  • Specialized digital tools for business and data analysis, computer-aided design, process engineering, industrial controls, and mapping
  • How to design, operate, and maintain instruments, equipment, and facilities
  • How to conduct and design geological/geophysical studies and field survey programs
  • How to use quality management systems

Technical Skills

  • Install equipment
  • Troubleshoot and identify needed repairs for machines and systems
  • Use statistics and analytical software  
  • Evaluate equipment failures and equipment changes
  • Read geological maps
  • Evaluate samples, geological data, and maps
  • Gather information and write reports

Beneficial Certifications

  • Driver’s Licence plus a clean abstract 
  • First Aid
  • H2S Alive
  • Fall Protection
  • Confined Space Entry
  • Aerial Lift
  • Equipment Isolation
  • Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
Personal attributes
Technical skills
Beneficial certifications
Core knowledge

Technologist Careers in the Energy Industry

There are different education and work experience requirements for the Technologist career. These may differ from province to province. Entry to a Technologist career in energy can start with relevant education, or education combined with related job experience. The chart shows how roles and educational requirements change for each career level. As you advance your career, your education and experience can help you to move across the various sectors in the energy industry.

Career Level

Entry
Mid
Senior

Education Levels & Areas of Study

After Completion of a 2−3-year College Program in a science/engineering Technology discipline

Visit Technologies Professionals Canada http://www.technologyprofessionals.ca/ for more information.

Licensing and certification are required in most provinces/territories and may vary by jurisdiction

Intermediate Technologist

Work experience to develop the technical and personal skills needed to adapt to a variety of situations and work settings

Senior Technologist

Specialization based on interests and technical and personal skills developed through experience 

Types of Careers

  • Entry-level Technologist
  • Technologist in Training (T.T.)
  • Technologist (certified)

2 years of relevant experience to qualify in one of the following equivalent licences:

  • Applied Science Technologist (AScT), or
  • Certified Engineering Technologist (C.E.T.)
  • Intermediate Technologist (certified)
  • Applied Science Technologist (AScT)
  • Certified Engineering Technologist (C.E.T.)
  • Senior Technologist (certified)
  • Technology Supervisor/Manager
  • Professional Engineering Technologist (P.Tech) [ASET]
  • Professional Licensee (P.L. Eng) available in Alberta, BC, Saskatchewan; called Limited License in other jurisdictions; 6 years of relevant work experience required

Career Level

Entry

Education Levels & Areas of Study

After Completion of a 2−3-year College Program in a science/engineering Technology discipline

Visit Technologies Professionals Canada http://www.technologyprofessionals.ca/ for more information.

Licensing and certification are required in most provinces/territories and may vary by jurisdiction

Types of Careers

  • Entry-level Technologist
  • Technologist in Training (T.T.)
  • Technologist (certified)

2 years of relevant experience to qualify in one of the following equivalent licences:

  • Applied Science Technologist (AScT), or
  • Certified Engineering Technologist (C.E.T.)

Mid

Education Levels & Areas of Study

Intermediate Technologist

Work experience to develop the technical and personal skills needed to adapt to a variety of situations and work settings

Types of Careers

  • Intermediate Technologist (certified)
  • Applied Science Technologist (AScT)
  • Certified Engineering Technologist (C.E.T.)

Senior

Education Levels & Areas of Study

Senior Technologist

Specialization based on interests and technical and personal skills developed through experience 

Types of Careers

  • Senior Technologist (certified)
  • Technology Supervisor/Manager
  • Professional Engineering Technologist (P.Tech) [ASET]
  • Professional Licensee (P.L. Eng) available in Alberta, BC, Saskatchewan; called Limited License in other jurisdictions; 6 years of relevant work experience required

Transferring Technologist Skills from One Energy Sector to Another

There are core skills and knowledge that all Technologists need for their careers. These building blocks apply across all energy sectors and for all specializations. 

The building blocks are: 

  • Knowledge of science, technologies, and operational processes
  • Design, construction, and optimization of facilities and operational processes
  • Use tests, tools, and techniques to study and monitor equipment and processes in facility, field, and laboratory settings
  • Install and maintain tools, equipment, and systems and perform troubleshooting 
  • Safety programs and certifications for industrial operations

The following interactive tool presents the core skills and knowledge Technologists need as building blocks. It also identifies evolving skills required to address the needs of each energy sector. Each energy sector uses the building blocks in different ways. 

New entrants to a Technologist career can use the tool to understand the building block skills needed to work in sectors across the energy industry. Experienced Technologists can use the tool to explore how each building block is applied across the energy sectors.  

How to Use the Tool 

  1. Click on a building block
  2. Click on a sector
  3. Read about how that skill can be used in a specific sector
1

Choose a building block

  • Knowledge of science, technologies, and operational processes
  • Design, construction, and optimization of facilities and operational processes
  • Use tests, tools, and techniques to study and monitor equipment and processes in facility, field, and laboratory settings
  • Install and maintain tools, equipment, and systems and perform troubleshooting
  • Safety programs and certifications for industrial operations
Knowledge of science, technologies, and operational processes

Browse energy sectors

Select to learn how these skills can be applied across energy sectors

Exploration and production

Field and processing facility operations 

Geophysical mapping 

Reservoir modelling and engineering

Well design, planning and completion

Production optimization 

Physics, geology, engineering, chemistry, statistics, and thermodynamics 

Emissions detection, reduction, and monitoring

Production facilities, vessels, and offshore exploration and operations 

Geophysical mapping 

Reservoir modelling and engineering

Well design, planning, and completion

Production optimization 

Physics, geology, engineering, chemistry, statistics, and thermodynamics 

Emissions detection, reduction, and monitoring

Bitumen mining and in-situ extraction

Geophysical mapping 

Reservoir modelling and engineering

Well design, planning, and completion

Production optimization 

Upgrading processes and facilities

Remediation and reclamation

Physics, geology, engineering, chemistry, statistics, and thermodynamics 

Emissions detection, reduction, and monitoring

Seismic data collection and interpretation 

Drilling, testing, completing, maintaining, and reclaiming services

Executing well decommissioning, remediation, and repurposing 

Geophysical mapping 

Safe disposal of waste fluids into underground formations

Applying expertise and skills to emerging technologies and energy sources

Pipelines of all types, and storage facilities

Pipeline design, operation, and integrity

Physics, geology, engineering, chemistry, statistics, and thermodynamics 

Emissions detection, reduction, and monitoring

Production processes using electrolysis technologies, electrochemical, and thermochemical reactions, and carbon capture and storage (CCS)

Underground storage 

Compressing, liquifying, and blending of hydrogen for truck and pipeline transportation

Working with fuel cells

Properties, behaviour, and handling of hydrogen 

Production optimization 

Physics, geology, engineering, chemistry, statistics, and thermodynamics 

Emissions detection, reduction, and monitoring

Drilling and completion of CO2 injection wells

Capture, separation, purification, liquefication, steam generation, and transmission of carbon

Storage of CO2, including evaluation and monitoring of CO2 storage sites

Properties, behaviour, and handling of carbon/CO2

Production optimization 

Physics, geology, engineering, chemistry, statistics, and thermodynamics 

Emissions detection, reduction, and monitoring

Natural gas liquefication and LNG storage, transportation, and re-gasification processes

Production optimization 

Physics, geology, engineering, chemistry, statistics, and thermodynamics 

Emissions detection, reduction, and monitoring

Oil refining processes and creating end uses and products

Production optimization

Physics, geology, engineering, chemistry, statistics, and thermodynamics 

Emissions detection, reduction, and monitoring

Refining, petrochemical processing, and carbon capture technologies 

Feedstock production, handling, and processing

Storage and transportation of feedstock to refinery (by pipeline, tanker, rail, etc.)

Production optimization 

Physics, geology, engineering, chemistry, statistics, and thermodynamics 

Emissions detection, reduction, and monitoring

Browse energy sectors

Knowledge of science, technologies, and operational processes

Select to learn how these skills can be applied across energy sectors

Exploration and production

Field and processing facility operations 

Geophysical mapping 

Reservoir modelling and engineering

Well design, planning and completion

Production optimization 

Physics, geology, engineering, chemistry, statistics, and thermodynamics 

Emissions detection, reduction, and monitoring

Production facilities, vessels, and offshore exploration and operations 

Geophysical mapping 

Reservoir modelling and engineering

Well design, planning, and completion

Production optimization 

Physics, geology, engineering, chemistry, statistics, and thermodynamics 

Emissions detection, reduction, and monitoring

Bitumen mining and in-situ extraction

Geophysical mapping 

Reservoir modelling and engineering

Well design, planning, and completion

Production optimization 

Upgrading processes and facilities

Remediation and reclamation

Physics, geology, engineering, chemistry, statistics, and thermodynamics 

Emissions detection, reduction, and monitoring

Seismic data collection and interpretation 

Drilling, testing, completing, maintaining, and reclaiming services

Executing well decommissioning, remediation, and repurposing 

Geophysical mapping 

Safe disposal of waste fluids into underground formations

Applying expertise and skills to emerging technologies and energy sources

Pipelines of all types, and storage facilities

Pipeline design, operation, and integrity

Physics, geology, engineering, chemistry, statistics, and thermodynamics 

Emissions detection, reduction, and monitoring

Production processes using electrolysis technologies, electrochemical, and thermochemical reactions, and carbon capture and storage (CCS)

Underground storage 

Compressing, liquifying, and blending of hydrogen for truck and pipeline transportation

Working with fuel cells

Properties, behaviour, and handling of hydrogen 

Production optimization 

Physics, geology, engineering, chemistry, statistics, and thermodynamics 

Emissions detection, reduction, and monitoring

Drilling and completion of CO2 injection wells

Capture, separation, purification, liquefication, steam generation, and transmission of carbon

Storage of CO2, including evaluation and monitoring of CO2 storage sites

Properties, behaviour, and handling of carbon/CO2

Production optimization 

Physics, geology, engineering, chemistry, statistics, and thermodynamics 

Emissions detection, reduction, and monitoring

Natural gas liquefication and LNG storage, transportation, and re-gasification processes

Production optimization 

Physics, geology, engineering, chemistry, statistics, and thermodynamics 

Emissions detection, reduction, and monitoring

Oil refining processes and creating end uses and products

Production optimization

Physics, geology, engineering, chemistry, statistics, and thermodynamics 

Emissions detection, reduction, and monitoring

Refining, petrochemical processing, and carbon capture technologies 

Feedstock production, handling, and processing

Storage and transportation of feedstock to refinery (by pipeline, tanker, rail, etc.)

Production optimization 

Physics, geology, engineering, chemistry, statistics, and thermodynamics 

Emissions detection, reduction, and monitoring

Design, construction, and optimization of facilities and operational processes

Browse energy sectors

Select to learn how these skills can be applied across energy sectors

Provide design support to multidisciplinary teams

Create and modify technical documentation

Prepare cost and materials estimates, project schedules, contracts, and reports 

Assist or supervise installation projects

Test and commission systems and equipment

Process control to improve production systems and management of fluid flows, temperatures, and pressures

Execute scope and design provided by owner company

Deliver equipment and services 

Create and modify technical documentation 

Prepare cost and materials estimates, project schedules, contracts, and reports 

Respond to customer inquiries

Troubleshoot issues or deviations from design

Browse energy sectors

Design, construction, and optimization of facilities and operational processes

Select to learn how these skills can be applied across energy sectors

Provide design support to multidisciplinary teams

Create and modify technical documentation

Prepare cost and materials estimates, project schedules, contracts, and reports 

Assist or supervise installation projects

Test and commission systems and equipment

Process control to improve production systems and management of fluid flows, temperatures, and pressures

Execute scope and design provided by owner company

Deliver equipment and services 

Create and modify technical documentation 

Prepare cost and materials estimates, project schedules, contracts, and reports 

Respond to customer inquiries

Troubleshoot issues or deviations from design

Use tests, tools, and techniques to study and monitor equipment and processes in facility, field, and laboratory settings

Browse energy sectors

Select to learn how these skills can be applied across energy sectors

Selection and use of the appropriate testing method, tools, and techniques to:

  • Create drawings and models
  • Conduct experiments, tests, and studies
  • Evaluate the safety and quality of equipment, materials, and products
  • Research new and improved products, processes, and technologies

Use statistics and analytical software for interpretation and decision-making

Browse energy sectors

Use tests, tools, and techniques to study and monitor equipment and processes in facility, field, and laboratory settings

Select to learn how these skills can be applied across energy sectors

Selection and use of the appropriate testing method, tools, and techniques to:

  • Create drawings and models
  • Conduct experiments, tests, and studies
  • Evaluate the safety and quality of equipment, materials, and products
  • Research new and improved products, processes, and technologies

Use statistics and analytical software for interpretation and decision-making

Install and maintain tools, equipment, and systems and perform troubleshooting

Browse energy sectors

Select to learn how these skills can be applied across energy sectors

Perform equipment upgrades and maintenance 

Address mechanical equipment problems and issues

Complete predictive maintenance and troubleshooting

Inspect installations of equipment and facilities

Browse energy sectors

Install and maintain tools, equipment, and systems and perform troubleshooting

Select to learn how these skills can be applied across energy sectors

Perform equipment upgrades and maintenance 

Address mechanical equipment problems and issues

Complete predictive maintenance and troubleshooting

Inspect installations of equipment and facilities

Safety programs and certifications for industrial operations

Browse energy sectors

Select to learn how these skills can be applied across energy sectors

Ensure compliance with safety practices following corporate guidelines and industry standards

Lockout Tagout procedures

Emergency response procedures

Pipeline construction safety

H2S Alive

Common Safety Orientation (CSO)

Oil spill response

Ensure compliance with safety practices following corporate guidelines and industry standards

Lockout Tagout procedures

Emergency response procedures

Pipeline construction safety

H2S Alive

Common Safety Orientation (CSO)

Oil spill response

Basic survival and helicopter/vessel safety

Ensure compliance with safety practices following corporate guidelines and industry standards

Lockout Tagout procedures

Emergency response procedures

Pipeline construction safety

H2S Alive

Common Safety Orientation (CSO)

Oil spill response

Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG)

Ensure compliance with safety practices following corporate guidelines and industry standards

Lockout Tagout procedures

Emergency response procedures

Pipeline construction safety

H2S Alive

Oil spill response

Ensure compliance with safety practices following corporate guidelines and industry standards

Lockout Tagout procedures

Emergency response procedures

Pipeline construction safety

H2S Alive

Oil spill response

Advanced hydrogen safety

Transporting and handling hydrogen safely

Ensure compliance with safety practices following corporate guidelines and industry standards

Lockout Tagout procedures

Emergency response procedures

Pipeline construction safety

H2S Alive

Oil spill response

Potential hazards of working with CO2

Ensure compliance with safety practices following corporate guidelines and industry standards

Lockout Tagout procedures

Emergency response procedures

Pipeline construction safety

H2S Alive

Oil spill response

Canadian Marine Certification of Competency

Small vessel operator proficiency

Radio licence

Ensure compliance with safety practices following corporate guidelines and industry standards

Lockout Tagout procedures

Emergency response procedures

Pipeline construction safety

H2S Alive

Oil spill response

Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG)

Browse energy sectors

Safety programs and certifications for industrial operations

Select to learn how these skills can be applied across energy sectors

Ensure compliance with safety practices following corporate guidelines and industry standards

Lockout Tagout procedures

Emergency response procedures

Pipeline construction safety

H2S Alive

Common Safety Orientation (CSO)

Oil spill response

Ensure compliance with safety practices following corporate guidelines and industry standards

Lockout Tagout procedures

Emergency response procedures

Pipeline construction safety

H2S Alive

Common Safety Orientation (CSO)

Oil spill response

Basic survival and helicopter/vessel safety

Ensure compliance with safety practices following corporate guidelines and industry standards

Lockout Tagout procedures

Emergency response procedures

Pipeline construction safety

H2S Alive

Common Safety Orientation (CSO)

Oil spill response

Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG)

Ensure compliance with safety practices following corporate guidelines and industry standards

Lockout Tagout procedures

Emergency response procedures

Pipeline construction safety

H2S Alive

Oil spill response

Ensure compliance with safety practices following corporate guidelines and industry standards

Lockout Tagout procedures

Emergency response procedures

Pipeline construction safety

H2S Alive

Oil spill response

Advanced hydrogen safety

Transporting and handling hydrogen safely

Ensure compliance with safety practices following corporate guidelines and industry standards

Lockout Tagout procedures

Emergency response procedures

Pipeline construction safety

H2S Alive

Oil spill response

Potential hazards of working with CO2

Ensure compliance with safety practices following corporate guidelines and industry standards

Lockout Tagout procedures

Emergency response procedures

Pipeline construction safety

H2S Alive

Oil spill response

Canadian Marine Certification of Competency

Small vessel operator proficiency

Radio licence

Ensure compliance with safety practices following corporate guidelines and industry standards

Lockout Tagout procedures

Emergency response procedures

Pipeline construction safety

H2S Alive

Oil spill response

Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG)

Career Outlook

Projected labour shortages: The demand for workers is projected to be greater than the supply of available workers. Source: Careers in Energy, National Labour Market Outlook to 2035
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