Seismic Labourer

NOC #85111

  • Environment Primarily outdoor work
  • Education Grade 10
  • Average salary $44,000 to $72,000

Career profile

Seismic labourers assist in various aspects in the four phases of seismic operations: surveying, line clearing, seismic drilling and data acquisition and recording. They are also instrumental in supporting more specialized positions on seismic crews. This occupation is considered an entry-level position. Seismic labourers often develop on-the-job skills and are provided training that allows for movement into higher skilled or more responsible positions.

The typical roles in this occupation include:

  • Chainer’s assistants help measure, map and locate drilling locations.
  • Surveyor’s assistants help collect and process survey readings.
  • Locator’s assistants help find and document all buried utilities.
  • Packers clear debris from seismic lines and help move equipment.
  • Driller’s helpers assist with drilling holes and placing charges.
  • Lineworkers place, remove, load and unload all seismic recording equipment.
Oil and gas services, Offshore

In this occupation activities may include:

  • Placing flags on marks on the cable
  • Loading dynamite into shot holes
  • Helping find, track and mark pipelines, cables and buried utilities
  • Helping the Driller as required
  • Clearing debris on seismic lines to ensure the line is accessible for others that follow
  • Loading and unloading seismic equipment from seismic line vehicles or heli-bags.

Education

  • A high school diploma is preferred by employers but not necessary.

Certifications

  • Standard and emergency first aid
  • H2S Alive
  • Oilfield driver awarenss
  • Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG)
  • Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
  • All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV)

Licensing

  • A valid driver’s licence and a clean driving record may be required, depending on the company and role

Additional Requirements

  • Ability to pass pre-employment physical assessment and drug test
  • Minimal or no travel
  • Shiftwork/variable work hours
  • Primarily outdoor work
  • Physical work
  • Safety-sensitive environment
  • Work away from home/in camps

You have physical stamina and can navigate remote landscapes.

  • Active listening
  • Service orientation
  • Troubleshooting
  • Attention to detail
  • Mechanical knowledge
  • Public safety and security knowledge
  • Judgment and decision making
  • Service orientation
  • Planning and organization
  • Operation monitoring
  • Operation and control
  • Document use
  • Critical thinking