September 10, 2024 - By Monique Thompson
Oil and Gas Jobs in Australia: Industry News and Career Insights
Australia’s oil and gas sector remains one of the nation’s most significant employers, supporting thousands of jobs across exploration, drilling, production, refining, LNG processing and major offshore operations. As the industry continues to evolve, staying informed about emerging projects, workforce trends and employer expectations is essential for job seekers aiming to secure competitive roles in this high-demand sector. Understanding where opportunities are growing and which skills employers now prioritise can give you a critical advantage when preparing your resume and targeting new positions.
Strong Growth Across LNG, Offshore and Brownfields Projects
The industry is experiencing renewed activity driven by major offshore and LNG investments. Western Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory continue to dominate hiring demand, with large-scale developments creating sustained employment opportunities across multiple disciplines.
Key projects influencing the job market include:
- Woodside’s Scarborough Project supporting engineering, construction, subsea and offshore operations
- Santos’ Barossa Gas Project driving demand for drilling crews, rig technicians, production operators and marine personnel
- Chevron’s Gorgon and Wheatstone Operations requiring ongoing maintenance, turnaround, inspection and integrity specialists
- Inpex Ichthys LNG supporting mechanical, electrical, instrumentation and operations teams
- WA offshore maintenance campaigns requiring trades, scaffolders, riggers and rope access technicians
This broad pipeline of work has resulted in consistent demand for engineers, electricians, mechanical fitters, instrumentation technicians, operators, supervisors, IRATA technicians and health, safety and environmental professionals.
Key Skills and Certifications Employers Prioritise
The oil and gas industry is heavily regulated, and employers seek candidates who demonstrate both technical capability and strong safety compliance. The following certifications and competencies significantly improve employability:
- BOSIET or TBOSIET for offshore survival and emergency preparedness
- HUET for helicopter transit safety
- MSIC for maritime and port access
- IRATA Levels 1–3 for offshore rope access and inspection roles
- High Risk Work Licences for dogging, rigging, scaffolding, forklift, EWP and crane operations
- Electrical, mechanical and instrumentation trade certifications
- Gas Testing Atmospheres, Confined Space and Working at Heights
- LNG, shutdown or commissioning experience
Including these clearly and consistently on your resume is essential, particularly when applying through applicant tracking systems used by major energy operators, EPCM contractors and labour hire agencies.
FIFO, Offshore and Remote Work Expectations
A large proportion of Australia’s oil and gas workforce operates on FIFO or offshore rotation schedules. These rosters allow workers to balance demanding project commitments with extended time off, but employers expect candidates to demonstrate resilience, adaptability and a strong safety mindset.
Typical rosters include:
- Offshore rotations: 14/14, 21/21 or 28/28
- Onshore LNG project rosters: 2:1, 3:1 or lifestyle-based shifts depending on project phase
- Remote regional operations: 7/7 or blended rosters for production and maintenance roles
Highlighting previous FIFO, offshore or remote work experience, even from mining or construction, strengthens your suitability for these positions.
Why a Professionally Targeted Oil and Gas Resume Matters
Competition across the industry remains high, with recruiters receiving hundreds of applications per role. Applicant tracking systems (ATS) automatically screen resumes for specific oil and gas terminology, meaning generic resumes are often filtered out before a human ever sees them.
Strong resumes must include:
- Industry-specific keywords such as offshore operations, LNG processing, shutdown execution, commissioning support and permit to work systems
- A clear breakdown of technical competencies and equipment
- Documented safety performance and compliance history
- Detailed project experience aligned to oil and gas environments
- Current and valid training, tickets and medicals
A professionally structured oil and gas resume ensures you meet ATS requirements while presenting your experience with clarity and authority.
Final Insights
Australia’s oil and gas industry continues to offer strong employment prospects for skilled and safety-focused professionals. With major LNG and offshore investments driving long-term workforce needs, job seekers who remain informed, maintain current certifications and present a polished, targeted resume will be well positioned for upcoming opportunities.
Oil & Gas Resume Writing and Career Coaching Experts
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