Finding a Job in North Dakota : The Bakken Formation : Spillover
93January 22, 2012
Spillover?
Yes, indeed. I first published the original page, Finding a Job in North Dakota: The Bakken Formation, on November 14, 2010. From the beginning, the search engines liked it, and the Hub generated steady traffic and occasional reader comments.
A few months ago, however, both daily viewer counts and commentary by visitors literally exploded, rocketing up to levels as high as 5,000 or more views per week. There are currently more than 1,100 comments "over there", and a lot of them pack a lot of real meat on their bones. I encourage every reader of this Hub to click on the link and check out that Hub, at least if you're looking for work.
You'll be glad you did.
So...why am I adding a "spillover page"?
Simple. The huge amount of traffic has made "page #1" the premier Internet source for job seekers looking toward North Dakota and the oil drilling boom going on there...but it's also made things rather clumsy for me, personally, when it comes to answering questions by readers.
I can get lost in the woods when scrolling up and down, picking out comments that need my response and trying not to lose a lengthy post by hitting the wrong key.
My point: Ask me a question related to job hunting in North Dakota on this page...and I should be able to get to it a little quicker.
Think of that first (and most important) "location" as the ground view for a hunter whose range of vision is limited by acres and acres of thick grass and brush, while here...yeah, more like our local redtail hawk, soaring on high and able to spot the slightest movement down below.
Political Rhetoric vs. the Visible Trend
Any of us with a TV set have seen President Obama's defenders claiming in various ads that he's done wonders for the American economy. One recent production declared as fact that the administration has during the past three years created "2.7 million jobs", turned the economy around for the better, and that all is (and will be) rosy...if only the dumb Republicans don't prevent the wise American people from giving Obama four more years in office on Election Day in November.
Say what?
Never mind the extreme likelihood that the Democrats are in this case counting every temporary Census worker employed briefly in 2010 as "a job created". It's not even necessary to dig into the statistics to uncover the smoke and mirrors act claiming all this "job production".
Simply put, all we need to do is take a look at the figures for that original North Dakota jobs Hub. In the early months of its active, published life, it always got daily views...but usually fewer than 50 per day,
Beginning in the month of September (2011), however, the ramp-up in daily visitor counts was next to incredible. In recent weeks, the tally has been averaging more than 500 viewers per day (At this exact moment, the number showing on my Stats page is 578--on a Sunday.)
A tenfold increase in job seekers finding the site does not sound like an "improved economy" to me.
How about you?
In fact, how about a poll?
Poll on Jobs and the Economy
ASIDE FROM THE OILPATCH, which response best reflects your experience?
See results without votingRemember in November!
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- Useful (15)
- Funny (3)
- Awesome (5)
- Beautiful (4)
- Interesting (9)
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Well its so small. I can drive from here to there and get all my stuff done : ). My post was sort of confusing... i haven't started production yet, still on fresh water. I was talking to the scheduler today, he has me floating temporarily, meaning instead of 5/2 5/3 my days off are scattered. As in every few days i get a day or two off. I love it this way!! I was hoping he would keep me on this and apparently he likes it this way too! He can use me for fill in. I just hate rigid schedules. This is flexible and makes it feel like i am only working parttime : D everytime i turn around... another day off. I told him I am happy as a clam and he can use me on whatever side he needs me on. So dunno yet whether i am changing over, he might keep me on fresh water side.
suzeca: Great post; happy to hear it's going so well for you. My comfort with night shift no doubt has to do (at least in part) with my "night hawk nature"--even here at home, that's when I do most of my writing. Biorhythms, maybe.
It's excellent that you like the production side, though. That puts you in some pretty tall cotton right there.
And Watford City. Home is where the heart is...and in this case, the job! :)
Hi everybody,
Just thought i would give a short update. I am doing well. It was sort of a ruff couple months but i am getting used to it and things are going so much more smoothly. In fact I'd say its gotten down right easy. I haul fresh water mostly to frac sites, lately around New Town/Stanley area. I have decided that i am going to move over now to the production side and start hauling production water. So far i like it. I wish i could work nights. It sounds very tempting....nicer atmosphere and the best pay but i am old now and i fear my system couldn't handle it. Anyway i am trying to get more in balance with my body so that maybe i can lose some weight and working nights wouldn't help that. Anyway all is well and i really like it here in Watford City, i will probably stay here.
Thanks to ALL of you for posting. Looks like the "right" answer regarding hair testing is: Depends on the company; some are and some aren't--but as far as the trucking companies go, they mostly aren't.
As for the "other body hair", yeah, I thought of that.:)
I had to do a urine test just to attend the CDL school.
Kevin said that Sanjel did a urine test on him.
Unless one waxes their entire body, other types of hair can be used for drug testing. I've shaved my head for years and if I was in danger of being denied a job for lack of head hair, I'd definitely be offering up some from elsewhere in my own defense.
www.omegalabs.net/abouthairtesting/hairtestingfaq/hairtestingfaq.aspx
Truck companies are still doing urine testing only, so far as I know.
Thanks for the post on Schlumberger. Must be Hell on bald guys. :) (I've been shaving my head for years--just to avoid haircuts--but never did apply at Schlumberger.)
That is what I was told when I was going through the drug testing panel after getting a job offer from Schlumberger.
If you don't have hair long enough to test then it is as if you failed the test.
I've been out of the industry for more than 3 years now, so you probably shouldn't go by me. However, the trucking companies where I worked only used urine testing.
Were I in your place, needing a job but not certain about the hair follicle thing, I'd just shave my head and get on with it. Can't test a hair follicle if there aren't any showing.
Unless they then go for body hair, and that would seem to be a whole 'nother kettle of fish.
can anyone answer me a question about drug testing. do all companies use hair follicle testing? and does it go back three months??
i stopped using, wasnt an addict or anything, but still have to waiting 3 months is driving me nuts.
helpingmyhubby: Thanks for continuing to post. There are still people viewing this page every day, so even if no one comments, your up-to-date info is obviously helping job seekers whether we hear from them or not. :)
I still look at this site everyday, so if anyone has any questions I would love to try and help.
Kevin said he hasn't noticed a big rush yet, things do seem to be a tad bit slower, but there still are people hiring. He met a guy that said, do you know anyone with a CDL looking for a job? So, they are out there.
Looks like he will be taking a trailer up there and the boys and I will join him for the summer. Looking forward to seeing him everyday, even though he will work a lot. We are grateful, he is really enjoying working and he is so glad he is working for Sanjel!!!
LOL! Not laughing at you, Suzeca--it just happens that for a brief time, right after leaving the oilpatch for a while 'in '83, I WAS a social worker!
Your half hour of paperwork after shift sounds exactly on my own personal average. And with Halliburton, we'd have to steam wash the truck when we got in--but that was on the clock, and we did get paid for it most of the time.
Fortunately, PT (in Colorado) was perfectly content to run dirty trucks, no picky-picky cleany windshieldy (or dash). They understood the concept that customer loyalty would go to those who got the water there on time and did the job right (as well as being at least slightly personable)--not the shiniest set of wheels.
Yeah i can spelled sucked alright. I can be going along having an alright day but all that freaking paperwork just ruins my day sometimes. I work ALL DAY for cryin out loud AND i sit and do some of it while i am loading or waiting in line. But STILL I have to sit there in the truck after i get back to the yard for another half hour with all these loose ends i am trying to tie up. I DETEST doing that paperwork. It feels like i am being pecked to death... and you have to clean the inside of the truck (wash the dust off the dash) wash the inside of the windows, then climb on the truck and wash the outside of the windsheild. I NEVER climb on the truck! Thats a good way to bust my @$$ or i might fall off and hurt my back... I hate that part of the job. Why in the world aren't the ladies in the office doing this damn paperwork?? I am having a miserable day and it started when i pulled into the yard this evening. This company feels fragmented and disjointed as a result of growing too fast. And disfunctional as hell. Ok i'm done... for right now anyway...Felt like talking to Ghost the social worker tonight : )
Garett - That is good news indeed!
Garrett: Thanks for the good news post; much appreciated.
Suzeca: Getting paid for sitting in the lunch room sounds awesome. I never did quite manage that one. Nor did I ever run a gear pump--vac trucks all the way.
It's good to hear you've reached the, "Hey, this job is really pretty easy" stage. Been there, done that. Of course, there were always the change-up pitches, such as (just for instance) the two times hoses came apart while unloading and the "water cannon" from the trailer literally blew me off my feet, but hey.
You may be right about night shift production work being too much for your system. For a major part of my last year with PT in Colorado, that's precisely what I did, and AFTER mastering the intricacies of production water paperwork, I went from hating the very idea to loving it. BUT even among my fellow PT employees, there weren't many who could hack night shift. I PREFERRED it, but then again, you don't ever get "money for sitting in the lunch room" in production work. In fact, it's go-go-go, then go some more.
And you're definitely right: Avoiding getting lost on those lease roads is a biggie--doubly so on night shift. I once missed my turn-in (midwinter) to a location I knew well, ended up where I shouldn't have been, spun out, and had to call dispatch so they could tell the road maintenance outfit to send a grader to give me a quick tow up the grade. Looked like the average idiot that time.
WHY did I miss my turn-in? Because during the month since my LAST trip to that location, they'd REDONE the road arrangement!
Can you spell "sucked"? :)
This has turned out to be a pretty easy job Ghost. Now that i have been released and am on my own it suddenly seems so much easier. I drove a truck with a gear pump yesterday and did just fine altho i do prefer a vac truck. I think the most challenging part for me will be to keep from getting lost on those lease roads. I am hauling fresh water, no production yet altho i may transfer over later..they are wanting me to do production nights, i guess they need people on that shift but i think it would be too hard on my system..
Well I made $300 day before yesterday for sitting in the lunchroom all day. Hess had 14 of us on standby. Watford city is small so a couple times I left and went and did errands. Its nice to have a break sometimes. Rained nearly all day yesterday. But mud up to my a$$ is still better than dirt in my eyes face and mouth from the wind. I like it here and the money is great.
@helpingmyhubby road restrictions should be lifted today at 0730. aside from it raining here the last few days, things should start to pick up soon.
Sounds right, lawdawg. Listen up, y'all! :)
Yeah Ghost.... For a country boy like me... I love Wyoming so beautiful and lots to do. I went to North Dakota to drop off some eqipment and good grief all I saw was misery and heartache. If it were me looking again for a job... I would start about Greely Colorado work my way through Cheyenne and hole up in Casper.... plenty of outfits hiring between those points. Casper has help wanted signs everywhere. Especially along the industrial strip out by the airport on the road to Shoshoni... people dont just limit yourself to North Dakota....especially if you want to have a life outside of work..
lawdawg: Could simply be an effect of the news ramp-up hitting North Dakota and mesmerizing a lot of job seekers to the point of semi-blindly thinking that's all there is. But yes, my personal druthers would rate either Wyoming or Montana well ahead of North Dakota.
In fact, the only time I seriously looked at ND was after I got laid off from Halliburton in Oct. of '82 during that oilpatch slump. Ex #3 and I went as far east as Dickinson one day, looking to talk to a couple of companies based out of there.
However, coming out of McDonald's, I was suddenly down, rolling as I hit the concrete, no clue what the attack was or where it was coming from.
Turned out an old piece of metal banding, still looped, had been left lying there. I'd put both cowboy boots in it without even seeing the danged thing, "roped" myself as neat as you please, ker-splat!
I got the message. Told Rose (wife at the time), "Looks to me like the Universe is saying that's far enough east. Let's go home."
We headed back to Glendive. Some days later, I landed the workover rig job that got us through the winter--in Glendive.
Things seem to be slow everywhere right now... we have been waiting on the Sage Grouse restrictions to pass in Wyoming. Sanjel is still planning on fully opening their Cheyenne yard sometime soon. We have been stockpiling equipment there lately. I drove through the salt creek oilfield near Casper and counted over a hundred workover rigs. Nabors has huge sign in Casper looking for help. I do not know why people are so focused on working in North Dakota.
helpingmyhubby: Thanks for the update. I've seen those muddy spring / weight restriction situations. Never fun.
Kevin is not working again tonight. Since he has been up there 10 days ago, he has only worked about 5 of those nights. He is frustrated, but is told it is mostly from weight restrictions and rain/flooding/muddy roads. Anyway, if you are heading up there now, sounds like things are slow, so I would think twice. Your call, but it seems like oilfield jobs are slowed for a bit.
I think it will change in the next few weeks though, because they are having a warm spring.
Just a thought!
Lots of luck, phargreaves. You go.
Thanks Ghost32....saw that yesterday and wrote the list down ............and yes....whoisthere48, I have a place in Regent the past month but to far from anything for a "Good" job but still looking....moving May 1 to fox Run in Williston....problem now only have $$ for 1 month rent & no gas $$.......needed a job like yesterday.....Job fair Thursday in Williston for Watco Terminal going there....Wish me lots of Luck.
Phargreaves: You might start by checking out the list ItsMeFred posted, partway down this page. Shouldn't take too long to give each one a call, say, "Hiring right now? Yes-no?" And go from there.
Hi Phargreaves,
Now that Walmart does not allow overnighters in their lot, have you found a good solution for where to stay in Williston while you are looking for a job? Are there any hotel rooms available there now?
Thanks and good luck to you and all here still looking for an oil job.
yeah...up here in ND..could use some leads on getting a job with CDL for 12 years but no exp. have class "B" exp. anyone want cdl to train? Can anybody send leads that "is" hiring..........Thanks so much..............
You go, Suzeca. Sounds like the usual exemplary set of directions from dispatch.
Red barn, eh? Turned out to be the really FADED red barn, not the smaller but brightly PAINTED red barn a mile farther on...:)
Something to remember: EVERYBODY misses out there at one time or another.
Well i tested out yesterday and am going on my own now. I will go out on Wed. Now lets see how long it takes me to get lost... Just take hwy 8 to 52nd st, turn left, then go left again at the red tractor, then right 8 mi down at the next lease road and its the 3 rig back. Of course nothing is marked including the rigs (sometimes). Brother.
Maybe everybody already got a job? After all, Obama keeps telling us how the economy is improving...:)
4 days and no comments, I am surprised :-) Just wanted to let everyone know that Kevin said Sanjel is not hiring in Williston. Of course, he is not in charge of hiring, so this is just what he has heard. I am really seeing this cycle of companies, they go on a hiring bing then stop.
So, who is heading up there? What are your plans?
You're welcome. Hang in there.
Ghost: Hey, thanks a lot for taking the time to answer that. Its pretty much what I figured, as that's kind of how I got my last job, except I first talked to the owner. I talked to Fox Run yesterday so hopefully they call again and I can speak more with them about the work I did on the garbage truck. Anyway, good luck to anyone that can get through the interviews! Don't give up!
match4work: I can't honestly tell you (or even guess with any hope of getting it right) what the companies who post "2 years of experience" will or will not do in the form of waiving the requirement. Basically, it's like this:
1. When there aren't enough drivers to go around, they'll often "waive at will".
2. If they're getting more apps than they can handle at the moment, they'll tell you to go pee up a rope.
3. IF you can get the attention of a person with hiring authority long enough to impress 'em with your blazing brilliance and sterling work ethic, yeah, most companies (except the giants, who tend to be more rigid) may cut a guy a break once in a while. BUT if you impress somebody who then has to buck it up the line for a final decision, you'll basically get the shaft--because either the guy/gal you impressed won't dare stick the ol' neck out to get it chopped off, or the boss will tell 'em, "Nah. Stick to the script." (I had that happen twice in '09 here in Arizona on non-oilpatch job interviews, did WELL during the interviews, but the interviewerers had no hiring AUTHORITY.)
4. If hunt around hard enough, there are always SOME trucking companies without that 2-year requirement.
Of course, whether or not they're good people to work for is sometimes another matter entirely.
Hey everybody! I've noticed from different pages on the web that people are going to these 20 hour cdl schools and wanted everyone to know that colleges usually offer this as well. The price to the one that I went to here in Houston was about $3k or so but had 240 hours of instruction. Maybe something within that range of hours would give you a better chance to understand what is going on with pre-trip inspections and shifting patterns. A questionnaire asked about 13 speed experience and while I said no, I know that I can operate one without any problems since we ran with 10 speeds.
Ghost: I have four months of total drive experience using two 10 speeds in school and 3 months in garbage trucks(automatic and manual) and am waiting to hear back from some companies. Do you think they may waive the 2 years exp for someone with my kind of experience. I looked at some stuff that was posted and feel that for what the work conditions were hauling garbage(almost daily breakdowns, extreme heat in-cab, long hours, etc.,) I'd be more than able do the job.
Well I hope everyone finds their job here and its done safely. Remember everyone, when you drive these trucks, you are responsible for others safety above your own so do your pre-trip to the best of your ability and don't drive if you can't. It'll break more than your heart if someone else gets hurt because you didn't take the time to do it right.
Yep....read the same article...I can see why the townfolk are not happy, lotsa homeowners in town renting a spot for rv's in their yards...going price is 8-1000.00 a month. Some of People I talked to out there 2 weeks ago when I was there said they are fed up...but the others are smiling all the way to the bank. I would prefer to be out of town....plan on hitting up some land owners off the beaten path, offer to do some work on the side, keep the place clean, etc.
Before you head up there with your RV READ THIS article...(Another one sent by my Dad. They are right in saying finding a job isn't the problem, it's finding housing.
Striation: Sounds like with the in-flux situation at present, your best bet would be to simply start calling companies--maybe anonymously, even. Ask 'em, "Have you tightened up your requirements lately, or do you still hire brand new CDL drivers with no experience?"
If they never did and challenge you about that, easy response: "Oh! Guess my informant had one too many that night!" (Or some such.)
ND or Bust: No specific clues on parking spots (since I'm not in ND & haven't heard lately)...but thanks for liking the Hub. Two ways of finding spots (that come to mind):
1. Networking like crazy onsite--that is, boots on the ground in ND, talk-talk-talking to people.
2. Pounding on farmers' doors & asking. Who knows, one of 'em might park you out back of their shop (or some such) with electrical for a (more) reasonable price.
In 1997, in SOUTH Dakota, my wife and I once desperately needed a place for a mobile home (which we didn't have yet, but hey). Actually spotted a tiny scrap of paper on a store/restaurant bulleting board advertising a space on a ranch. Called the rancher up, cut a deal, and lived there for 2 years.
Hi everyone,
I have a couple of job offers to choose from.(non-driving) The NEWALTA one didnt happen. As everyone knows lodging is the main issue as it seems. My plan is to pull my 27 ft travel trailer out with me, for the summer anyway. Hard part is finding some place to park it. I know there are "rv parks" that have space but are charging 800-1000.00 a month, hiway robbery if you ask me, but everyone is entitled to get rich. Does anyone have any leads or tips on finding a place to park a travel trailer? Ideally a place with a electrical hook up....I can live with out a water or sewer hook up if I had to. Just have to go and refill tanks and dump blackwater as needed.
Thanks in advance....this is one sweet Hub!
Thanks everyone for all your input. I was told that that they were only needing a CDL-A and they would hire and train you. Now, they told me that they have so many applicants that they are now able to tighten their requirements a bit more to get a closer mathc to what they want for those positions.
As far as my CDL goes, I just got it a couple of weeks ago. So I have no work experiene driving. I have been investigating some of the driving jobs in ND and they seem to want at least a year of driving experience. Does anyon know of any companies that are willing to train new CDL grads?
Thanks everyone!
We have just been traveling around from Riverton to MOntana, Colorado, and North Dakota. Riverton office is awsome... Im going to make my digs in Lander though... it is beautiful there. North Dakota is where the money is though if you want huge bucks. I like my time off though. It is great here.
Lawdawg - Kevin would love Colorado, how did you end up there?? Did they just send you and are you there permantly?
Glad you are working lots, your paycheck will be fun :-)
I have been working in Greely Colorado for Sanjel. There is a lot of work for CDL drivers here too.... We have been doing. Coil tubing jobs like crazy down here.. Sanjel is still hiring for pumping services in Wyoming. I love my job it is long hours but not really hard.... just alot of standing around so far.
Most All Y'all: Looks like you don't need much input from me; good work!
Whoisthere48: You're right about the "worm" thing. At 63, not a prayer--they're looking for 23. When I got hired at 39 as a rookie on the workover rigs (and soon worked up to derrick hand), I was looked upon with amazement by the rest of the crew. Over the hill, doncha know.
They forgot about that after a while, once I'd proved myself a bit, but the bias is there when it comes to the rigs themselves.
However, getting to the good news: The CTS (Commerce City) CDL school has an okay rep as far as I know. At least, a couple of people have posted favorable reviews--some months back, don't recall EXACTLY when--and nobody's posted any horror stories about them that I know of.
With the CDL, your odds of landing a driving job should be pretty good. It may take some hunting, and the up-down cycles keep rolling through, so there is that. But overall, doable.
Hi HelpingMyHubby -
Quick note... The link you posted for The Shopper (a very good resource I think) should have a ".net" after it instead of a ".com".
On my status... I now have a CDL permit with HazMat & Tanker and I am getting ready to pay for the driver training at the Colorado Transportation School in Commerce City CO. Their price is much lower than I have found elsewhere (2100 for the 160 hour course) but I really don't know much about them. Does anyone here have any info about this company. Are there any others around here you would recommend? My two other choices are 4500 or 5200.
Also, does anyone here have an opinion about the odds of a (physically fit) 63 year old guy with a brand new CDL A getting a "decent" job in the oil biz in ND or WY? I really need dough to keep our home and I have no other options that I can see. By the way I can work a long day but being a "worm" might push my limits a bit too far.
Thanks in advance for all of you (and Ghost of course) for this very useful forum.
Striation, if you're a driver with full endorsements (as well as experience?) you want to find a job with a truck company, not a frac company. The truck company works for them and hires DRIVERS.
Here are a few names to start you out:
*PowerFuels (several locations)
*Badlands Trucking (Minot)
*Brady Trucking (out of Vernal, UT, but recently moved to Williston)
*Wolf Oil Field Services
*D&T Trucking (Minot)
*Fox Run Transport (Berthold)
*Deer Valley Trucking (Williston?)
*Gold Spur (Minot?)
*MBI (Williston)
*D&H Trucking (Minot?)
Striation - I will have to ask Kevin what he thinks. But, he did say that Sanjel has overstaffed in Williston right now, don't know where you applied.
It seems like these big companies are going through cycles, massive hiring and then making it more difficult. So, where are people getting hired?
Kevin said there is a new company starting in June/July named Journey, you could try with. They had a huge ad in The Shopper, www.theshopperinc.com
Where else are people getting hired, that are reading this?
Hi All,
Been reading this hub for a while.
I applied for a Fracking job with Sanjel and after two weeks they informed me that they wanted people with farming, construction or physical labor backgrounds. I didn't think this would be an issue. I have my CDL-A with multiple endorsements. Just wondering what gives.
Thanks!
Might as well leave the link in place for now, I'm thinking. Especially since it's from your Dad. :)
My Dad emailed me an interesting article on Housing in Williston...
http://www.builderonline.com/workforce/black-gold-
Ghost, if you don't like that link on here, feel free to delete.
Kevin is home for a couple of days and we are loving it!
lawdawg - No, would it be here on Hubpages? You can always email me at lesli625@yahoo.com.
ItsMeFred: Got it. :)
Helping my hubby....did you get my pm?
From what he said, it was certainly not the entire crew. Just a couple of guys who were giving him a hard time. For that matter, he's hardly the only one who's satisfied with his job.
I just thought it was funny that I have my own groupies! :D
ItsMeFred: Yeah, duh, 'twould be dumb to post a job-hate comment on a public forum! No kidding!
I must have been really fortunate in my "choice" of oilfield/gasfield employers over the years. Never made any bones about enjoying the job, but never caught any flak for it, either. Most of the crews I was on were relatively congenial. Had a couple of set-to's here and there, but always with individuals, never any "group hate".
Mike: Great post on NM & TX; thanks. Still getting paid ND wages is WAY good. :) (And yes, getting sleep time onsite and on the clock is the best that best can be.)
robione: Appreciate the "$0 credit left" cost rundown. That's bound to help a few folks along the way.
Anthony has it correct. I thought "Progressive" would give it away. :) I really don't know why I just didn't write it down. Some part of me thought trying to be vague about it would make it more difficult for ppl applying for driving positions in a similar situation.
I'm all for helping people.... I just need my job 1st before I help someone get the same thing. :) Hopefully that is understandable.
Amazingly I think I almost spent the same figure to get here:
~$3000 for CDL school (20 hrs O_O)
~$500 OSHA certs
~$500 Plane ticket from Kodiak - Boston
~$350 Cold-weather clothes
~$200 Baffin -100C boots
~$250 Fix/prep car for trip
~$200 Gas
(in the theme of the CC commercials)
Available credit... ~$0 :)
Anthony175 - I just saw your post from a couple weeks ago. Things at BHI are going well. I am actually working out of the yard in Artesia, NM. Things are booming in the Permian Basin as well. Due to the mild winter in ND, BHI ended up with a few too many operators, instead of having us hang around in the yard in Dickinson, they sent a bunch of us to West Texas and New Mexico. I've been going out with both frack and cement crews. It's all good. I'm happy when I'm on the clock. Nothing like showing up at a site to find out that it is time to "cab up" for 12 hours before the work starts. I've never been paid so well to sleep! I'll probably be down here for 90 days or so (except for when I am home). I will then be off to parts unknown, eventually ending up in Williston, when the new superyard comes online.
As mentioned by previous posters, West TX and SE NM should be considered by anyone looking to get a foot in the door...the wages paid here are lower, however, hours are plentyful. Incidentally, I am still being paid ND wages to work in NM...not a bad deal.
--Also, who is on here that is on his crew and didn't tell me!--
It might not be anyone who's actively posting, helping. My DH was berated by co-workers one day for not hating his job. lol
Apparently I have stalkers! :D
(I would mention that even if he wasn't fairly happy, and absolutely *loathed* his job, only a fool would actually say so on a public forum.)
HelpingMyHubby: Yay, Kevin! Exactly as you say, yes, the money is good--and also yes, you DO earn it.
Lawdawg: Good to hear you're all licensed up and working. I like Wyoming, too. Lived and worked in Gillette one winter, as a live-in group home houseparent for teenagers in trouble. That was interesting.
Finally headed to work in Riverton on a coil crew starting wednesday. The ten grand pay raise for getting my CDL is nice! Even after Sanjel payed for it, way cool. Never been afraid of hard work. I hope the hours are good in Wyoming too. I really like Wyoming lots to do for a country boy.
My guess is $5,500 to pay for your own insurance the first year.
helpingmyhubby - I'm glad you guys have got some real money coming in and that Kevin is heading home for a break soon. As you say, it's hard work. A lot of people want the great money but can't deal with the environment.
Kevin metioned yesterday that he things Sanjel in Williston is over staffed. I guess they were gearing up for winter. He said, it won't last long.
We got our first check with Kevin actually working in the field, we were very pleasantly surprised. I say that because now we know the money is REAL and not a gimic at all. We all know what "bonuses" mean when you are hired. But, these really do pan out and we saw that last week.
I also say that because he also said it is hard work. So, this isn't super easy money. We briefly talk every morning when he gets back to his room, then we Skype around 3 when he wakes up to get ready to go back to work. He is working a lot of hours, so be prepared!!!
He comes home this THursday via Amtrak...we are pretty excited around here :-)
Also, who is on here that is on his crew and didn't tell me! Is it you dropzone??? Anyway, I think that is pretty cool!
Robione: In the chicagoland area schools would cost you around $4000 for your CDL. So, your price may be a little high. Did you see any job fairs in Minot, worth checking into...good luck!
robione: You sound in pretty good shape to me so far--anybody who can throw around terms like "2011 Roth contributions" and "investment opportunities" is ahead of most games I've been in.
$5,500 for a CDL school, is what you're saying? To me, that sounds a bit above midrange, but not totally out of the ball park. On the other hand, there are drivers on here who've been through the process a lot more recently than I have. They might be able to fine tune that question for you.
Or not. A lot of them have gotten hired in recent weeks and are now too busy humping hoses (or whatever) to get online much.
Finally up here in Minot. Been here for about a week. Been a good experience so far. Haven't really got too into the search yet. I'm so obsessed with maxing my 2011 Roth contributions ($2000 to go) by April 17th that I've been mostly doing day labor with Command Center.
I look for jobs after that. If I'm lucky. Right now I'm on the AFB moving furniture (as it pays more). The drawback is it ends later in the day. Almost removing any real time to go and look for jobs.
Finally got AK to get my history faxed here... only to find the first "page" (top half of sheet) is someone else. Sigh.
I'm kinda focused on PowerFuels at the moment. One of my coworkers said his sister's brother-in-law just got hired a week ago with no experience. So I have hope... although that is not the norm for them. Their office on 17th wasn't so helpful in directing me to the spot in Minot where they do hire from either. The same coworker pointed me in the right direction.
After I get all my stuff in for my Roth then I need to save for next month's bills... then potentially an insurance premium... then an investment opportunity. It never ends. :(
Ghost, (or any trucker), I went to Fox Run and although they "required" 2 years exp the person I was speaking with decided to delve into my story anyway of how/why I got my CDL. He indicated it was for insurance purposes. Then started calling other companies to see if they'd consider me. (Really nice of him.)
It took a day for the idea to pop in my head. Without blatantly putting out on the web (although I think it's pretty obvious what I intend on doing) I was speaking with Progressive for half hour throwing some numbers/ideas back and forth. We arrived at an annual cost of about $5,500. Have you heard of drivers doing this to get their first gig?
Basically if anyone tells me "lack of experience/insurance" again I'm just going to say I did some research and I'll foot the bill until you feel comfortable.
For those interested in my personal experience I've been kinda keeping an online journal at city-data.com at: city-data.com/forum/north-dakota/1538880-my-first-day-north-dakota-my.html
Anthony: Thanks; nice post.
Whoisthere48: Amazing how having a Mrs. on hand wll "inspire" a whole lot of us to man up. My compliments on your speedy adjustment following the reality check.
Hmmm... kitchen work or Walmart is not going to cut it with Mrs. Whoisthere48 :)
I guess I'd better man-up (no gender discrimination intended) and get ready to sling some iron and pay the school to get me from CDL-A Permit to CDL-A License.
Grazi!
whoisthere48 - Almost every job at a service company involves getting a CDL at some time; mostly so that you have the ability to move equipment.
From what I've heard, slinging heavy stuff is just part of the job in the field but some jobs sling more than others.
Target Logistics, which runs camps, has some positions open in the kitchen and housekeeping areas:
www.targetlogistics.net/job_openings.php
They do 6/2 week rotations, 7 days a week with a 12hr morning and evening shift (84hr/wk), with lodging/meals/benefits included. I've "heard" they pay $10/hr+OT but you'd need to verify that.
I've seen other jobs available in other areas: mechanic, banking, finance, Walmart, carpenter, etc.... but most of those you'd probably need your own housing.
Suzeca: No, I did NOT know the portable scales don't hold up in court. Seen 'em everywhere, of course, Colorado, California, you name it.
Suppose the results (in court) vary by state? Not that it matters in the Bakken if you're sticking to North Dakota, of course.
But, wow. A $13,000 ticket? Makes my $108 Califoria overweight ticket (not over on GVW, just the drives--load had shifted) look mighty paltry!
whoisthere48: About the most sedentary oilfield jobs I know about would be "well sitter" (the job goes by other terms, but that's the one I know best). Even there, though, there'd be some climbing up and down, schlepping a heavy hose every now and again. If you don't want to (or physically can't) do the heavy stuff, and a CDL is out of the question...sorry. I don't know ANY oil related job (unless you've worked all the way up through the ranks to company hand) that doesn't require at least SOME of the heavy stuff.
Maybe some of our readers might have a clue or two, though....
Ghost, did you know that weights from those portable scales are illegal and won't hold up in court? We were talking to another driver the other day and he had a copy of it to prove it. A friend of his took it to court and won. This driver got a copy of it a whips it out whenever he needs to. He said prob is is that most drivers don't take the time to go to court.
We were hauling 160 bbl all last week... :OO
But there are all sorts of dirt roads and we just stayed on them. I haven't ran across anyone getting weighed... (i'm usually way out in timbucktoo) but i read an article that said they have made more money in overweight tickets then all the other states combined. He said most expensive ticket he gave was an oversize on a road he wadn't s'pposed ta be on...ticket was $13,000. ouch that hurt
I'm trying to find an oil field job that does not involve a lot of slinging big heavy stuff around and does not involve a CDL. Some of the jobs I've heard about that might fill the bill are "pumper", "wireline services" and "e-tech". Does anyone know the real scoop on what those jobs are, how much in demand they are and what they might pay?
And, does anyone know of any other non-herculean jobs available up there?
Thanks in advance for all your help.
Dropzoone: Thanks for dropping in. Great post. Question: When you say the state is "cracking down on weights", do you mean they've got their roving D.O.T. officers & portable scales out there on the back roads, catching everybody over 80,000#? (Which is EVERYBODY with a full 130 bbl tank.)
We had that in Colorado, but there was usually only 1 team out in our area at any given time, on paved roads only, and the CB radio traffic kept more drivers in the clear than not. But on the highways where we had to deal with the chicken coops, you had to run short loads; there was no other option if you didn't wan't to get ticketed (and sidelined till somebody else from your company came along to suck off part of your load).
Just checking in..pulling down 60 to 70 hours my first two weeks here, but drivers are currently frustrated because state gov its cracking down on truck weights.. Leaving lot of drivers without much work. Rumor has it that the restriction will be lifted in next wk to ten days.
The hiring all over its picking up and all managers I talk to said this summer is going to be nuts. Again...hiring is really picking up.. If you have a strong back, or a cdl, get up here if you can.
BigPete: As others have said here (I'll try to summarize), you're generally better off getting your CDL at the "handiest" CDL school you can find which shows some sign of being competent and doesn't charge ridiculous thousands more than the others. As for which exact school that would be, that's a whole 'nother kettle of fish. When I did the school thing, I lucked out: Schooled with the OTR company that hired me right out of school, assigned me a truck, and kicked me out on the road on my own.
Lawdawg: Mighty glad to hear you passed. Unbelievable you don't get your pic the same day. Last time I tested, in Missoula, the test guy sent me right down the street, I stood in line for a bit, and that was it. First time EVER I've heard of having to wait like you are.
Back to BigPete: ItsMeFred summed it up right. When you get your CDL, you have to turn in your old license in trade.
lawdawg...Whoo Hoo!!!!!!!! I am sure it won't take 3 weeks to get your photo taken :-)
Passed CDL test today after all! They were able to get me in on a cancellation. Now just have to wait for the appointment at DMV to get picture taken.... Looking forward to seeing how long that takes. Montana allows no walk ins in Billings.... but the hard part is done...
BigPete,
Your CDL will *become* your regular license. At least that's how it's worked in every state we've lived in...
Once you pass the test for your CDL, you'll get a new photo and everything. Your driver's license will then be just like usual (probably a different color scheme or something, depending on your state) and will show your various endorsements for not only your CDL, but also if you have your Motorcyle, need to wear lenses, etc, etc.
I would not recomend getting your CDL anywhere near where the hiring goes on! The schools are packed and the examiners are way over booked.... I just heard I may not get my chance to retest with Montana DMV till end of April! Sanjel is keeping me hear in case of a earlier cancellation.....this really suck....I want to go to work so bad...my friends are making the big bucks.
Okay, can I get my CDL license out of the state my regular license is from? What is the difference between Class A and B, and which one is more sought after? And can anyone recommend me a trucking school that´s reasonable and somewhat close to where the hiring goes on.
Also, what are the prospects of getting hired as a floorhand without any experience?
Thanks for the help
Suzeca: My apologies. That was meant to be a JOKE (as in, nobody COULD fake a job in the patch--NOT that Suzeca WOULD). Guess I'd best leave the attempts at humor to people like Obama, who actually believes HE'S doing an outstanding job as Prez.
Sorry about the commo glitch.
But yes, GREAT on-job photos. That looks like a really cool disposal site, very clean, simple approach, straightforward, etc.
HelpingMyHubby: Happy to hear Kevin's getting the hours. Not happy to hear the housing isn't coming together yet. Happy to see you still posting. :)
BigPete: With the CDL, yes, you've got a shot. Without, you still might--if you were willing to start with one of the pain-in-the-rear jobs like clerking at a convenience store in the area. In any boom, I've come across oilfield workers who got their start that way--re cruited right out from behind the counter somewhere.
Not that I'd care to go that route unless I had to. But still.
Bigpete: If you have your CDL A apply at Sanjel, that is where my hubby is working. They are hiring if you have a CDL, without experience. The job title is coiled tubing. It still pays great and they are hiring for those positions in WY, MT and TX...don't know where you live. I am sure there probably some other jobs available, I would say it always helps to get there in person, if you can.
Suzeca: You rock...love the pictures of your NEW job!!!
Ghost... Why in the world would I fake it? I don't fake anything including you know what.
I´ve been searching for floorhand jobs online, applying to a few here and there. My problem is 99% seem to be asking for experience, which I don´t have.
From people´s experience up there, in all honesty is it possible to find a job without experience?? would the best way be going up there in person, or is applying online just as good? Also if I have a CDL class A WITHOUT experience, can you find a job?
Thanks
I will admit, since Kevin was hired I haven't been on jobsnd.com that much. I looked today and there are a lot of job fairs happening up in ND, in different cities. There are a couple of Construction trades fairs. I would think this would be good for those that don't have CDL A. There is also a Halliburton fair, in a couple of days.
jobsnd.com and click on "job fairs" at the top of the page.
Well, Kevin went into work on Mon at 5 and they were saying that they were going to bring the trucks back and who still had hours. Kevin told him he didn't and he had worked almost 100 hours. The guy said, How long have you been here...he said 2 weeks. Kevin asked, "Do you want me to take my 24 hours and reset", the boss said, "OH YES"! So, he got 24 hours off!
He went back to home and we skyped, he looked so tired I and we didn't talk long. He went to sleep and slept 14 hours. SO, Ghost you are so right....everyone is working hard.
I did ask Kevin if he felt like things were slowing down up there, he didn't think so. But, then again he has been working a lot.
Again I feel down about the housing. We want to be up there with him so badly, especially the boys. It is so outrageous, I am thinking we are just going to have to wait on company housing to open up, which could be late summer/early fall.
Suzeca: Yep, that's the appropriate response. It's easy to tell you really did get hired and are NOT just faking it! :)
Note to newer readers: If you wonder why longtime posters on here have suddenly quit posting (at least regularly), that's the reason. They're working too hard, too many hours, to do much else. The moral of the story is to think of this as a GOOD thing.
Entventure: Were I to predict, I'd say the Supreme Court will rule Obamacare unconstitutional. However, Michelle Bachmann got it exactly right when she said she'd LIKE to be optimistic, but she's actually just really really nervous--because there's SO much at stake.
One thing I do believe Obama's crew is overlooking: Even the justices he himself appointed (and who share his leftist ideology) may not like him much. He's insulted and denigrated the Court from Day One, and I rather doubt a one of 'em has forgotten any of that.
No more screwing around. No more fooling around. No more wasting time on the internet.
No more going here going there...
All it is is WORK WORK WORK!!
Them's the rules now.
Well, there must be some sort of mix up...I didn't win the Mega Millions. The ping pong ball machine must be on the fritz. Obama must have put the fix in.. Hey Ghost what do ya think the outcome of the Supreme Court will be ???
nope itsmefred.... reason you were thrown is because it wasnt fox run. i saw the same truck at the disposal site again and it was deer valley trucking that i saw. I'm getting the foxes and the deers mixed up.
No still going to Wyoming...just got sent here for SAGE.... I wanted SAGE in Wyoming but got sent to Billings...Another gjy wanted Billings and hot sent to Casper, go figure. I still have no real complaints just with Mt. DMV... yeah drive tests are backed up forever in Mt... been just seeing the sights around MT.
Agenda21: You make sense about the Job Fairs (and maybe the online apps). I just never heard of the first before th comments on this Hub and only tried the second after moving to AZ in '09.
Lawdawg: MT only has ONE examiner for ALL OF BILLINGS? Holy crap! I'd get sick too, if I were him. And stay that way.
Glad to hear Sanjel's treating you right, though. That makes all the difference. I don't know of any employer I ever had who would have been that understanding.
entventure: Clear, understandable description of(at least one type of) solid controls. Thanks for the post.
It WOULD be clue to have an oilfield worker win the big Lotto bucks. As much as Obama hates oil, he'd probably be struck speechless at the very idea. Which would be a blessing for ALL concerned.
And it's pretty likely they'll know him. Like I said, it's a small company. : )
Yeah, it's Fox Run, but the water trucks threw me. I don't think they have any water trucks moving yet. For that matter, I don't think they've actually received their tankers...
So far as itsMeFred's husband, you're looking for the cowboy from Nebraska. ; )
itsmefred...isn't fox run the company your husband is working at? Yeah i saw 2 or 3 of them at the disposal site yesterday. I had the urge to run up and ask each one if they were married to itsmefred! Then shake their hand and congradulate him for getting a job in the bakken...! ...lol
But then i had to cool it down cuz i've had so much junk shoved into my head from all the training that i started second guessing on whether that was actually the right company.
Hey!! Do you know itsmefred's husband?!! Like they are going to know, yeah right..lol
Ghost32 Hub Author 5 days ago
Okay, got it. Either way, sounds like it's working for you, including having a solid relationship with your scheduler--which is DEFINITELY a good thing. :)