While traveling around the world or country is commonplace for many oil and gas workers, free housing is never a guarantee for all positions.
In fact, oil rigs are likely the only place where you will find free housing - although some non-oil rig jobs do provide housing if they are located in remote areas.
Being "stuck" on an oil rig or out in the middle of nowhere doesn’t sound like a glamorous lifestyle, but the typical schedule for an oil worker is two weeks on and two weeks off or 14 works days out of 28. This rotating schedule means that you can spend longer periods of time at home between shifts.
If this lifestyle seems ideal to you, you can enjoy free room and board while working on an oil rig or in the oil fields!
Here is some insight into what that kind of life looks like as well as accommodation provided jobs in the oil and gas industry:
What Is It Like to Live in Free Accommodations?
When living in free accommodations, you can expect to share your room with several fellow oilfield workers along with showers and toilets.
That said, many oil rigs (especially those camps found in western Canada) employ a dedicated team of kitchen staff to prepare fresh food, so you will never be without a good meal.
You may be concerned about keeping in touch with friends and family since mobile phone signals aren’t particularly reliable when you’re far out at sea. Fortunately, many oil rigs and outlying areas have their own internet connections so that you can message and Skype with uninterrupted service.
Offshore & land based rigs rigs alike typically also have recreational facilities to keep you entertained when you are not working. Most of these include small movie theatres, large screen TVs, video game consoles, pool tables and air hockey tables - enough to make sure you don’t get bored!
Living in free accommodations with other oil and gas workers creates a tight-knit community and promotes a strong sense of teamwork.
5 Accommodation Provided Jobs in the Oil and Gas Industry
When it comes to scoring free accommodation in remote oil fields it’s important to take a close look at the job posting to see if this is offered.
Otherwise, if you are really looking for free accommodations in the oil and gas industry, your best bet is to land a job on an oil rig. Here are some positions you should consider:
Oil Rig Drilling Engineer
Drilling Engineers are responsible for planning and executing the operations that drill for gas and oil, from initial well designs to testing as well as supervising a drilling crew.
They often work with geologists, drilling contractors, and construction managers during their involvement in the entire drilling life cycle.
Drilling Engineers typically have a bachelor’s degree in petroleum or mechanical engineering.
Oil Rig Mechanic
Oil Rig Mechanics perform and record daily maintenance tasks on an oil rig included repairing, installing, and maintaining equipment used for drilling. They also work on the operating pump as well as hydraulic and pneumatic equipment.
Mechanics work in a team environment and may end up working on various sections of focusing on a specific part of the rig.
To become an Oil Rig Mechanic, you need a high school diploma or GED certificate along with experience as either a mechanic or an oil rig worker. On-the-job training is available but most employers will look for mentorship under a senior mechanic.
Oil Rig Roustabout
The job of Oil Rig Roustabout is an entry-level position referring to any unskilled manual laborer on the rig. They are usually hired to support the skilled personnel by taking care of peripheral tasks such as cleaning, digging, scraping, and painting.
Even though being a Roustabout involves long days and hard work, this type of job can lead to advancement and steady employment.
While you don’t need any formal education to become a Roustabout (a high school diploma/GED will do), many colleges and vocational schools offer programs to help individuals gain Roustabout employment.
Oil Rig Diver (Offshore)
Oil Rig Divers work underwater and perform construction and maintenance tasks underwater from offshore oil rigs. This position can also involve inspecting concrete and metal joints, identifying faults and weaknesses in installations, and cutting concrete and steel.
In many countries, you will be required to have certain health and safety certifications in order to be an Offshore Diver. Most employers will need assurance that you are in peak physical condition with no existing health problems.
You must also attend a commercial diver training school - a leisure diving qualification won’t cut it. Gaining experience through other means is definitely a plus and will give you a better chance of becoming an Offshore Diver.
Oilfield Housing Accommodation Worker
The last accommodation provided job on our list doesn’t actually involve working on an oil rig.
Many hospitality groups and other organizations that operate housing paid for by oil workers require individuals to perform necessary tasks such as cook meals and clean rooms.
In exchange for working in housing accommodations, workers are often given free board as well as pay.
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