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There are jobs opening up in PA as the gas exploration and drilling industry progresses:

http://sungazette.com/page/content.detail/id/541511.html?nav=5011

Excerpt:

Jobs and skills

Doyle and Wolfe discussed the need for skilled workers as drilling progresses.

They agree that it’s quite a challenge, especially for firms that serve as site contractors and suppliers for the exploration companies.

And while the general public might gripe that they’re not seeing the kind of job growth industry experts predicted, there are opportunities.

Reportedly, one local gas field support company advertising for positions including welders, truck drivers, pipefitters, general laborers, electricians and more received 400-plus job applications in a matter of two weeks.

As it stands, site contractors are having to import workers from the southwest and Canada, mostly “roughnecks” who know how to work a drilling rig.

But Louis D’Amico, of the Independent Oil and Gas Association of Pennsylvania, said “that is not our long-term solution.”

Larry L. Michael, executive director, Workforce and Economic Development at Penn College, co-authored the Marcellus Shale Workforce Needs Assessment released last June.

“On average, a drilling rig is on site from three to five weeks. During that time, there are 20 to 30 subcontractors. You have to figure out who those 20 to 30 contractors are to find the jobs. They could be a water hauler, welder, pipefitter, surveyor, logger and, of course, roughnecks or ‘roustabouts’ as they’re also called,” Michaels said.

“Roughnecks by far make up largest percentage of jobs,” he continued. “They are typically general labor but need certain training, including safety. In fact, our largest training need is for roughnecks. They need a basic understanding of the industry, need to undergo rigorous safety training and generally obtain certificates to work in the industry.”

Matt Carmichael, senior public affairs representative for Anadarko, said it’s not just about finding workers to train; recruiting people to do the training is another obstacle.

“There’s no critical mass up here, no (drilling industry) retirees who live here and can teach roughnecks how to work a rig floor, for example.”

Rhonda Engh, human resource manager for Precision Drilling Inc. - a Canadian-based drilling contractor for the exploration companies here -said the firm’s short-term manpower needs are being met by qualified but imported workers “to insure we are operating in a safe and productive manner.

“Our long-term plans include aggressive training for local individuals who haven’t had the opportunity, but have the desire to pursue a career in the oil and gas industry,” she said.

Asked if Precision is finding qualified local people to work, she said, “The definition of qualified depends largely on the position being filled. However, we have hired at the entry level positions with local people who do have the desire to work in this type of industry.

“Entry level positions do require a minimal qualification due the scope of work they must be able to perform,” she added. “However, training is still required for this position, but does not require the level of training as do the more critical positions.”

Desire can’t be overstated, she said.

Roughnecks and associated drill site laborers typically work 28 straight days of 12 hour shifts, with 14 days off under a three-shift rotation, she said. The firm provides housing for each rig, with some housing on site and some off.

“We use local welders and other craftsmen to support the rig needs,” she added.

Though the number likely is higher now, she estimated earlier this year that Precision’s labor force was 160 and counting. Precision drills for Anadarko, Range Resources, Fortuna and Ultra Resources. The firm has opened a field office in the Williamsport area.

“Our investment in office construction and moving full time support staff to the area demonstrates Precision’s commitment to a long-term presence in the area,” she said.