How does working in the southwestern part of the United States sound to you?

It’s no secret that the oil and gas industry is booming in Texas, with almost half of the United State’s production of oil coming from an area known as the Permian Basin.

Even with the recent COVID-19 crisis that rocked the oil and gas industry, Texas is well on its way to a huge comeback as employment is rebounding and the demand for energy is recovering.

If you’re ready to pack your bags and head down south, here are something you need to know about the Permian Basin and how to find a job there when you have no experience:

 

What is the Permian Basin?

The Permian Basin is a large sedimentary basin that reaches south through Texas and extends westward into New Mexico. It contains one of the world’s thickest deposits of rocks from the Permian geologic period - hence its name.

There are several component basins in the Permian Basin, including the Midland Basin, the Delaware Basin, and the Marfa Basin. It covers more than 86,000 square miles.

The Permian Basin was discovered in 1923 when the Santa Rita #1 went from producing around 10 barrels a day to blowing oil into the sky. Today, the estimated production of the Permian Basin is approximately 4 million barrels of oil per day.

It is estimated that more than 30 Bb of producible oil remains in the Permian Basin and, with over 500 active rigs, it’s safe to say that it will remain a high producer for years to come.

Job Outlook in the Permian Basin

In 2019, the Permian employed over 87,000 workers. 

However, the 2020 pandemic did have a negative effect on the Permian workforce. Even though their unemployment rates peaked early last summer, the rates are beginning to improve. 

Experts are estimating that within the next year, the labor force will increase dramatically as things get back to normal.

While job outlook appeared very grim for a while, now is the time to start actively looking for work if you are interested in getting involved with the oil and gas industry - specifically, the Permian Basin.

The great news is that there are many available positions in locations such as Midland, Odessa and Carlsbad that require no experience! 

How to Find Work in the Permian Basin With No Experience

Before you book your plane ticket for Texas and head to the Permian basin, it’s important to know how to find work there. Here are some tips to get you started:

Know the Basic Qualifications

There are basic qualifications needed to work in the oil and gas industry - especially for entry-level positions.

While these qualifications are not always dealbreakers, you should definitely keep them in mind:

  • 18 or older
  • In decent physical shape
  • Can lift heavy objects throughout the day
  • Willing to work long hours
  • Medically fit to operate machinery

Having your own protective gear as well as a valid driver’s license is definitely a plus when you are looking for a job in the oil and gas industry but have no experience.

Sign Up for Apprenticeships and Internships

You may not have any experience but that doesn’t mean you have to land in the Permian Basin with no education.

An internship or apprenticeship can help boost your chances of getting an oil and gas job and gain the experience you need to advance your career.

Look into vocational or trades schools that offer apprenticeship courses such as welding or electrical. These courses will place you in a work position to gain hands-on experience.

Apply for Jobs

Before you start applying for jobs, you want to make sure you’ve updated your resume. This is a great opportunity to leverage any previous experience you do have (even if it’s not oil and gas-related) and list your transferable skills.

You can go ahead and apply directly to companies in the Permian Basin such as Chevron, Devon Energy, and Shell.

However, you can also peruse online job boards or join Facebook groups to build a network and learn about job leads.

When you are job searching, keep an eye out for entry-level positions. Many of these jobs only require a high school diploma or equivalent where companies will provide you with on-the-job training.

Ready to Go?

With the right preparation and passion, you can easily find a job in the Permian Basin even if you don’t have any experience.

Start your job search by visiting our Job Seekers page for news and info about current job openings in both Canada and the United States.

You can also sign up for our newsletter and get hot job leads sent straight to your inbox!