Duties:

Boilermakers build, erect, repair, test and maintain all types of boilers, tanks, and pressure vessels, and perform all types of structural and plate work on dust, air, gas, steam, oil, water and other liquid-tight pressure vessels.

Boilermakers also erect and install boilers, sometimes working on scaffolds, and repair and maintain existing boilers and related metal products.

To fabricate and repair boilers, tanks, heat exchangers, fired heaters, reactors and other pressure vessels, boilermakers:

• Develop a layout and plan the sequence of work to be done
• Layout plate, sheet steel or other heavy metal, and locate and mark bending and cutting lines
• Shape the metal using metalworking machines such as shears and drill presses
• Cut metal plate and brackets using an oxy-fuel torch, and chip and grind parts to shape for fitting together
• Fit and tack weld parts together using electric arc welding equipment

Working Conditions:

Boilermakers generally work on construction sites.  Working conditions are often cramped, dirty and involve exposure to chemical vapours, wetness or high noise levels.  The normal workweek is 40 hours, but some overtime may be required.

There is always some risk of injury involved in working with heavy equipment, especially when working at considerable heights.

Project:

• Suncor Base Plant & Firebag
• Syncrude
• Shell Scotford

Shift:

• 10 -hour shift - Days/Nights

Notes:
Camp Accommodation

Preferred Skills:

• Journeyman
• 3rd Year Apprentice
• 2nd Year Apprentice
• 1st Year Apprentice

Duties:

Steamfitter/Pipefitters lay out, assemble, fabricate, maintain and repair piping systems that carry water, steam, chemicals or fuel used in heating, cooling, lubricating and other processes.

To install a typical piping system in a commercial building or industrial plant, Steamfitter/Pipefitters:

• Study blueprints, drawings and specifications to determine the type of pipe and tools to use, and lay out the sequence of tasks
• Sometimes make detailed sketches for pipe and equipment fabrication and installation, as required
• Measure, cut, thread, groove, bend, assemble and install metal, plastic, and fibreglass pipes, valves and fittings
• Join pipe sections, related equipment and secure in position
• Use testing equipment to check systems for leaks

Steamfitter/Pipefitters also remove and replace worn components, do general maintenance work and may work on plant shutdowns.

Working Conditions:

Steamfitter/Pipefitters work both indoors and outdoors at physically demanding tasks that often require climbing.  They work approximately 40 hours per week, with overtime sometimes required to meet construction deadlines.

There is some risk of injury involved in working with power tools and heavy equipment.

Project:

• Suncor
• Shell Scotford

Shift:

10-hour shift - Days/Nights

Notes:
Camp Accommodation

Preferred Skills:

• Journeyman
• 4th Year Apprentice
• 3rd Year Apprentice
• 2nd Year Apprentice
• 1st Year Apprentice

Duties:

Welders join or sever metals in beams, girders, vessels, piping and other metal components, make metal parts used in construction and manufacturing plants, and weld parts, tools, machines and equipment.

Welding usually involves applying heat to metal pieces to melt and fuse them together. In electric arc welding, heat is created as an electric current flows through an arc between the tip of the welding electrode and the metal. In gas welding, such as oxy-acetylene welding, the flame from the combustion of burning gases melts the metal. In both arc and gas welding, filler materials are melted and added to fill the joint and make it stronger. In resistance welding, the metal piece itself is melted as current flows through it, and no filler is added.

Welders use different welding processes and fillers depending upon the type of metal, its size and shape, and requirements for finished product strength. For a typical welding project, they:

Develop patterns for projects or follow directions given in layouts, blueprints and work orders

Clean, check for defects and shape component parts, sometimes using a cutting torch

Weld parts together

Welders may also build up worn parts by welding layers or high-strength hard-metal alloys onto them.

Working Conditions:

Welders generally work on construction sites. Working conditions are often cramped, dirty and involve exposure to chemical vapours, wetness or high noise levels. The normal workweek is 40 hours, but some overtime may be required.

There is always some risk of injury involved in working with heavy equipment, especially when working at considerable heights.

Project:

• Suncor Base Plant & Firebag
• Syncrude
• Shell Scotford

Shift:

• 10 -hour shift - Days/Nights

Notes:
Camp Accommodation

Preferred Skills:

• Journeyman

Duties:

Millwrights install, maintain, repair and troubleshoot stationary industrial machinery and mechanical equipment in sites such as factories, production plants and recreational facilities.
On a typical job, millwrights:
• read diagrams and schematic drawings and service manuals to determine work procedures
• operate rigging equipment and dollies to place heavy machinery and parts
• fit bearings, align gears and shafts, attach motors, and connect couplings and belts to precise tolerances
• align and test equipment, and make any necessary adjustments
• perform predictive and operational maintenance using procedures such as vibration analysis, and repair or replace defective parts when necessary
• service and repair hydraulic, pneumatic and programmable logic controls
• may do some tack welding and fabrication as well as maintain an inventory of replacement parts
• may do some tack welding (a weld that is adequate in size to temporarily hold components in place until it can be completely welded by a registered apprentice welder or a journeyman welder) and fabrication as well as maintain an inventory of replacement parts

Working Conditions:

Millwrights may do primarily construction work, plant maintenance work, or a combination of both. They often work in close association with other trades people such as machinists, instrument mechanics, welders, electricians and pipefitters.
Working conditions for millwrights vary from one job to another. On construction job sites, they are exposed to a variety of weather conditions. In plant maintenance, they may work indoors and outdoors. Hours of work vary: shift work and some overtime may be required.
The work environment may be noisy, and there is a strong emphasis on safety while working with machinery.

Project:

• Suncor Base Plant & Firebag
• Syncrude
• Shell Scotford

Shift:

• 10 -hour shift - Days/Nights

Notes:
Camp Accommodation

Preferred Skills:

• Journeyman

Duties:

Insulators apply, remove and repair thermal and acoustical insulation (e.g., calcium silicate, glass foam, mineral wool, Styrofoam, fibreglass) on all types of industrial equipment (e.g., duct piping, heat exchangers, tanks, and vessels).

In general, insulators:

• Read and interpret drawings and specifications to determine insulation requirements

• Select the amount and type of insulation to be installed as well as a method of securing the insulation (e.g., spraying, pinwelding, wiring, pasting, strapping, taping) according to the type and shape of surface, whether or not the equipment is cold or hot, inside or outside, and what the equipment is going to be used for

• Measure and cut insulating material and coverings to the required shape and dimension

• Fit insulation around obstructions or shape insulation materials and protective coverings

• Install vapour barriers and finish insulated surfaces by applying metal cladding, canvas, plastic sheeting or cement

• Remove or seal off old asbestos insulation

Working Conditions:

Insulators work both indoors and outdoors, often in uncomfortable or potentially hazardous circumstances: in very hot or cold settings, on ladders or scaffolding, in cramped areas, with materials that are dusty, itchy or toxic. They must observe safety precautions and use equipment such as respirators, coveralls, and safety glasses/goggles.

Insulators usually work a 40-hour, five-day week but may work 40 hours in four days. Some overtime may be required to meet construction deadlines.

Project:

• Suncor Base Plant & Firebag
• Syncrude
• Shell Scotford

Shift:

• 10 -hour shift - Days/Nights

Notes:
Camp Accommodation

Preferred Skills:

• Journeyman

Duties:

Bricklayers prepare and lay brick and other masonry units to construct and repair structures such as walls, partitions, patios, arches, fireplaces and chimneys.

Bricklayers work with masonry materials such as brick, concrete block, stone, structural tile and precast panels. They also lay or install fire brick or castable materials in commercial and industrial furnaces and incinerators, and acid tile and acid brick in pulp mills.

In general, bricklayers:

• Interpret drawings and blueprints, and calculate the materials required
• Measure from an established starting point and construct corners first, using a plumb line and mason’s level to ensure each layer will be level from corner to corner
• Spread mortar over the base or previous layer, spread more mortar on one end of each brick to be laid, and lay the bricks into position
• Remove excess mortar after the brick (or other masonry material) is in position
• Use a hammer and chisel or a masonry saw to cut bricks to fit, as required

Bricklayers must know the properties of various mortars and other bonding materials, and how to handle different types of masonry unit.

Working Conditions:

Bricklayers usually work outdoors, often on scaffolding. They sometimes use protective enclosures and portable heaters in adverse weather conditions.

There is always some risk of injury involved in working with heavy equipment, especially when working at considerable heights.

Project:

• Suncor Base Plant & Firebag
• Syncrude
• Shell Scotford

Shift:

• 10 -hour shift - Days/Nights

Notes:
Camp Accommodation

Preferred Skills:

• Journeyman

Duties:

Construct, erect scaffold and repair buildings and other structures made of wood, wood substitutes, steel and other materials.

Duties vary according to the type of job:

• In commercial or industrial jobs, they build concrete forms, scaffolding, bridges, trestles, tunnels, shelters, towers and other structures. erect scaffolding, install ladders, handrails, walkways, platforms and gangways, and erect, move, dismantle frame scaffolding, mobile tower scaffolding, tube clamp scaffolding and system scaffolding
• In maintenance jobs, they repair and remodel existing structures of all kinds, erect scaffolding, install ladders, handrails, walkways, platforms and gangways, and erect, move, dismantle frame scaffolding, mobile tower scaffolding, tube clamp scaffolding and system scaffolding
• Some carpenters specialize in one type of work such as framing, scaffold erection, bench work or finishing work.

Most Carpenter/Scaffold Erector tasks involve:

• Reading blueprints and/or getting instructions from a supervisor
• Doing the layout including selecting materials, planning sequences and methods of work, and measuring and marking materials to avoid costly mistakes or omissions
• Cutting and shaping materials and joining them with nails, screws, bolts or glue
• Checking completed units to be sure they are level, square, plumb and the right size, shape and location
• The primary function will be the safe, efficient erection and dismantling of scaffolding associated with the construction / maintenance project

Carpenters/Scaffold Erectors must work accurately and economically, and follow national and local building codes.

Working Conditions:

Carpenters/Scaffold Erectors may work alone, in teams or with helpers. Working conditions vary from one job to another. On some jobs carpenters work primarily indoors, are permanently employed and work a regular 40-hour work week. On heavy industrial jobs, Scaffold Erectors work primarily outdoors, are subject to seasonal unemployment, and routinely work overtime in peak periods.

There is some risk of injury from slips and falls, falling objects, and sharp hand and power tools.

Project:

• Suncor Base Plant & Firebag
• Syncrude
• Shell Scotford

Shift:

• 10 -hour shift - Days/Nights

Notes:
Camp Accommodation

Preferred Skills:

• Journeyman

Duties:

Crane and hoisting equipment operators service and operate the hoist and swing equipment used to move machinery, materials and other large objects. Mobile crane operators service and operate booms that are mounted on crawlers or wheeled frames as well as travelling, fixed or climbing type hoisting equipment with a vertical mast or tower and a jib.

Operators manipulate a number of pedals and levers to rotate the crane, and raise and lower its boom and one or more load lines. Some or all of these operations may be performed simultaneously.

Certification is required when operating mobile cranes with a lifting capacity of fifteen tons (13.6 tonnes) and over. Mobile crane operator also may drive the crane to the job site, rig the machine up (pin the boom and pendant cables and pull the hoist cable in preparation for operation), and set up the machine for the lift (i.e., make it level and stable) using blocking and levelling materials.

Working Conditions:

Crane and hoisting equipment operators work on construction sites. Working conditions are often cramped, dirty and involve exposure to chemical vapours, wetness or high noise levels. The normal workweek is 40 hours, but some overtime may be required.

Occupational hazards include injuries resulting from power line contact, crane overload, falls, weather conditions or manual lifting.

Project:

• Suncor Base Plant & Firebag
• Syncrude
• Shell Scotford

Shift:

• 10 -hour shift - Days/Nights

Notes:
Camp Accommodation

Preferred Skills:

• Journeyman

Duties:

Instrumentation and control technicians install, maintain and repair the measuring and control devices used in industrial and commercial processing.

Instrumentation and control technicians work with a wide variety of pneumatic, electronic and microcomputer devices used to measure and control pressure, flow, temperature, level, motion, force, and chemical composition.

In general, they:

• consult manufacturers' manuals to determine test and maintenance procedures,
• use pneumatic, electrical and electronic testing devices to inspect and test instrument and system operation, and diagnose faults,
• practice loss management principles,
• consult with and advise process operators,
• train apprentices,
• repair, maintain and adjust system components or remove and replace defective parts,
• conduct risk assessments,
• calibrate and maintain components and instruments according to manufacturers' specifications,
• work with engineers on basic designs,
• install and maintain instruments on new or existing plant equipment and processes, and
• interpret and use appropriate CSA, ISA and API installation standards and practices.

Working Conditions:

Instrumentation Technicians generally work on construction sites. Working conditions are often cramped, dirty and involve exposure to chemical vapours, wetness or high noise levels. The normal workweek is 40 hours, but some overtime may be required.

There is always some risk of injury involved in working with heavy equipment, especially when working at considerable heights.

Project:

• Suncor Base Plant & Firebag
• Syncrude
• Shell Scotford

Shift:

• 10 -hour shift - Days/Nights

Notes:
Camp Accommodation

Preferred Skills:

• Journeyman