Oil and Gas Jobs in Australia

The world of oil and gas jobs in Australia is a unique beast, offering a path less travelled that can lead to a career unlike any other. Forget the standard office routine; this is an industry built on vast landscapes, complex engineering, and a rhythm of work that blends intense effort with generous rest. For those with the right mindset and skills, it presents a chance to build a substantial life, often in a surprisingly short amount of time. But it’s not for everyone, and understanding the real picture – the good, the challenging, and the downright gritty – is the first step to seeing if you could fit in.

What the Industry is Really About

At its heart, the oil and gas sector in Australia is about finding, extracting, and processing the resources that power much of our modern world. It’s a cornerstone of the national economy, but on a personal level, it’s about practical work. This isn’t a theoretical field; it’s about turning wrenches, monitoring pressures, interpreting geological data, and ensuring that massive, complex operations run safely and smoothly. The work happens in some of the country’s most remote and dramatic locations, from the blistering heat of the Western Australian outback to the fierce winds of the Bass Strait.

The industry is often divided into two main parts: upstream and downstream. Upstream is all about the hunt and the harvest – the exploration and production. This is where you’ll find the offshore platforms and the remote inland gas fields. Downstream is about processing and delivery – the refineries and processing plants that turn the raw crude oil and natural gas into the fuels and products we all use. Both areas offer a huge range of oil and gas jobs in Australia, each with its own character and demands.

Why People Are Drawn to This Work

Let’s be frank; one of the biggest lures is the financial reward. Salaries in this sector are known for being well above average.

• The pay packet is significantly higher than for similar roles in other industries. A tradesperson or an engineer on an oil and gas project can earn a great deal more than their city-based counterpart.

• Many roles, particularly on remote sites, operate on a FIFO (Fly-In-Fly-Out) or DIDO (Drive-In-Drive-Out) basis. These rosters often mean you work for a set number of days, followed by an equal or longer number of days off. A common roster is two weeks on, one week off.

• The industry provides exceptional job security for skilled and reliable workers. Once you’re in and you prove your worth, the demand for your experience can be very steady.

• There is a clear and structured career path. You can start as a helper or an apprentice and, with training and dedication, progress to a senior technician, a supervisor, or a manager.

• For many, the work itself is a huge draw. The challenges are real, the projects are immense, and the sense of achievement when you solve a complex problem is immense.

A Look at the Different Rigs: Onshore vs. Offshore

When people think of oil and gas jobs in Australia, they often picture dramatic offshore platforms. But a huge part of the industry exists on dry land.

Onshore work typically involves gas fields and some oil extraction. Sites are often in remote, arid parts of the country.

• The rosters can be more varied, sometimes allowing for longer swings at home.

• While still remote, you are on solid ground, which some people prefer to being out at sea.

• The work can involve maintaining wellheads, operating processing equipment, and managing the vast network of pipes that transport the gas.

Offshore work takes place on massive structures anchored to the seabed. Life there is completely self-contained.

• You live where you work for the entire duration of your swing, with all meals and accommodation provided on the platform.

• The environment is harsher, with weather playing a much bigger role in your daily life and potentially in your travel plans.

• The work can be physically demanding and is always conducted with an unwavering focus on safety, given the isolated and potentially hazardous environment.

The Cast of Characters: Who Works Out There?

The range of oil and gas jobs in Australia is vast, requiring a complete team to make any project work. It’s not just for engineers and geologists.

For those who work with their hands, the opportunities are plentiful.

• Roustabouts: These are the general labourers of the offshore world. It’s a classic entry-level position, involving manual tasks like moving equipment, cleaning, and assisting the drill crew. It’s hard work but an excellent way to get a foot in the door.

• Riggers and Scaffolders: These professionals are responsible for setting up the equipment needed for lifting heavy loads and for building the temporary scaffolding that allows other workers to access hard-to-reach areas safely.

• Mechanical Fitters: They are the machine doctors. They install, maintain, and repair the heavy machinery on site, from massive compressors to powerful pumps.

• Electricians and Instrumentation Technicians: They keep the power flowing and the brains of the operation working. They look after everything from general lighting to the sophisticated sensors and control systems that monitor the entire process.

The technical and supervisory roles are the backbone of the operation.

• Drillers: They lead the team on the drill floor, operating the machinery that bores deep into the earth. It’s a high-pressure job that requires immense skill and concentration.

• Production Operators: These are the people who run the plant. They monitor control panels, check equipment, and make adjustments to ensure the safe and efficient flow of oil or gas.

• Geologists and Geophysicists: They are the detectives of the industry. They analyse rock samples and seismic data to figure out where the oil and gas might be hiding, guiding the exploration efforts.

• Various Engineers: Mechanical, chemical, petroleum, and civil engineers all play critical roles. They design the systems, solve complex technical problems, and manage projects.

And then there is the crucial support network that keeps everything running.

• Catering and Housekeeping Staff: They are essential for morale and wellbeing. They prepare meals, clean the accommodation, and ensure everyone is fed and comfortable after a long shift.

• Medics: On any remote site, having a qualified medic on hand is non-negotiable for dealing with any injuries or illnesses.

• Administrative and HR Staff: Even remote sites need people to manage payroll, logistics, and personnel matters.

Getting Your Foot in the Door with No Experience

It is possible to start a career in oil and gas with no direct experience, but it requires a specific approach.

The roustabout role is the most common entry point offshore. It demands physical fitness, a willingness to learn, and a strong safety mindset. For onshore work, look for operator trainee positions or roles as a field assistant. These are often advertised as entry-level and provide all the necessary training. The key is to look for the words “entry-level,” “trainee,” or “assistant” in the job title.

Your attitude is your greatest asset when you have no experience. Companies are looking for people who are:

• Reliable and punctual.

• Eager to learn and follow instructions.

• Safety-conscious at all times.

• Able to work well in a team.

• Prepared for the unique demands of remote work.

Having any trade qualification, such as in mechanics, electrical, or fabrication, is a massive advantage. Even if it’s not from the oil and gas sector, the core skills are highly transferable. A pre-apprenticeship or a Certificate III in a relevant field from a TAFE can be the perfect stepping stone.

The Essential Certificates You Can’t Work Without

Before you can even set foot on a site, you must have the right safety certifications. These are not optional; they are mandatory. The most common ones are often referred to as “BOSIET” and “MSIC.”

The Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET) is a must for anyone working offshore. This intensive course teaches you how to survive in an emergency. It includes:

• Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HUET), where you learn how to escape from a helicopter that has ditched into the water.

• Sea survival techniques.

• Basic firefighting and first aid.

For onshore work in many parts of Australia, you will need a Standard 11 Induction. This covers the fundamental safety and health requirements for working on a mine or gas site.

The Maritime Security Identification Card (MSIC) is a national security pass required for all personnel who need unescorted access to Australia’s maritime security zones, which includes all offshore platforms and onshore wharves. The application process involves a thorough background check.

The Realities of Life on a Swing

The FIFO lifestyle is a world unto itself, and it’s crucial to understand it before you commit.

You will be working long days, often twelve hours or more, and you will do this for every day of your swing. There are no weekends off. The work is physically and mentally taxing. You are away from home, family, and friends for extended periods. This can put a strain on relationships and means you will miss important events. The isolation of a remote site can be challenging for some. While you have a community on site, you are cut off from your normal life.

However, there are significant upsides. When you are on your break, you are completely off. There are no work emails or calls. This allows for large blocks of uninterrupted time to pursue hobbies, travel, or spend quality time with family. The financial ability to enjoy your time off is a major benefit. You can afford holidays, a nice home, or other luxuries that might be out of reach in another job. There is a strong camaraderie on site. You live and work with your colleagues, and this often forges powerful bonds and a strong sense of teamwork.

Staying Safe: It’s Not Just a Slogan

Safety is the single most important aspect of any oil and gas operation. It is not just a set of rules; it is a deeply ingrained culture. Every single person on site has the authority and the responsibility to stop any job they believe is unsafe. Before any task, especially a non-routine one, a Job Safety Analysis (JSA) is conducted. The team discusses the job, identifies potential hazards, and agrees on how to manage the risks. You will be required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times outside of living quarters. This always includes steel-capped boots, long sleeves, and high-visibility clothing, plus hard hats, safety glasses, and gloves for specific tasks.

How to Find and Land the Job

The job market for oil and gas jobs in Australia has its own rhythms, often tied to the global price of oil and new project approvals.

Specialist recruitment agencies are a primary gateway. They are used by the big companies to find staff. Registering your profile with several of them is a very good idea. Use specific keywords when searching online job boards. “FIFO,” “offshore,” “onshore,” “oil and gas,” and your specific trade (“mechanical fitter,” “electrician”) will yield the best results. The websites of the major operating companies like Woodside, Santos, Chevron, and Shell, as well as large contracting companies, always have career sections where they advertise vacancies.

Your resume for an oil and gas job needs to be different from a standard one. It must be a practical document that makes it easy for a recruiter to see you have the right skills.

• Put your mandatory certificates (BOSIET, Standard 11, MSIC, etc.) right at the top of your resume where they can be easily seen.

• Instead of just listing your job duties, describe your accomplishments. Use action verbs. “Maintained and repaired high-pressure gas compression units” is better than “was responsible for machinery.”

• Make sure your resume is perfectly formatted and free of any spelling or grammar errors. This shows you have an eye for detail.

• Prepare for behavioural questions. You will be asked to describe past situations where you demonstrated safety leadership, solved a problem, or worked in a team. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.

The Future of the Industry Down Under

The landscape of Australia’s oil and gas sector is changing. The conversation around energy is evolving, and the industry is evolving with it. There is a major global shift towards natural gas as a cleaner-burning transition fuel compared to coal, and Australia is one of the world’s largest exporters of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). This has secured the industry’s place for the foreseeable future. At the same time, many traditional oil and gas companies are investing heavily in new areas like carbon capture and storage and hydrogen production, creating new types of technical and engineering roles. While some older facilities may eventually wind down, the need to maintain and decommission existing infrastructure will provide decades of work for skilled tradespeople. This means that the demand for skilled, safety-conscious workers for oil and gas jobs in Australia is set to continue, albeit in a changing form.