Life in North Dakota "Man Camps"?

Discussion in 'Oilfield Trucking Forum' started by sexystuff911, Sep 8, 2013.

  1. sexystuff911

    sexystuff911 Light Load Member

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    Can anybody tell me about life in company housing? I got a job hauling crude oil in North Dakota. I start in October. The company provides temporary company housing. They said I will be sharing a room with someone, which is fine with me. I have some questions...

    I assume I'll have a room with a bed, small dresser or desk, and maybe a TV? But, is the room equipped with a small refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker? Is there a bathroom and shower, or are these located elsewhere on property? How about laundry facilities? Is there a cafeteria or restaurant? Will I have a place to lock up my valuables, like a footlocker with a padlock? Is there room to set up a printer? Should I just bring my sleeping bag and pillow? Is there a small closet?

    Thanks in advance to anybody who can enlighten me!
     
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  3. Hammer166

    Hammer166 Crusty Information Officer

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    ####! I like a pretty lady as well as anyone, but that was uncalled for, don't ya think?
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 8, 2013
    d o g Thanks this.
  4. Hammer166

    Hammer166 Crusty Information Officer

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    You hit Google already? I see a few hits...
     
  5. Chibob

    Chibob Medium Load Member

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    I think all of those questions can best be answered by your employer. I wouldn't advise using your screen name in the man camp.
     
    D.Tibbitt, Hitman and FLATBED Thank this.
  6. andre

    andre Medium Load Member

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    I hear it's run like the Royal navy - rum, sodomy, and the lash - :biggrin_25521:
     
    Rockey Thanks this.
  7. PackRatTDI

    PackRatTDI Licensed to Ill

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    I deal with enough jerks, slobs and Neanderthals when I stop in Odessa, Texas. If the man camps are even half as bad as that, there is no way in Hell I'd ever consider living in a trailer with those guys, no matter the paycheck.

    My hats off to you for even considering.
     
    FLATBED, Criminey Jade and TaserTot Thank this.
  8. FLATBED

    FLATBED Road Train Member

    As Chibob posted get in touch with whoever hired you , that is INFO they should be providing , and regardless of jokes or deleted postings BE CAREFUL , a lot of nice decent people working in those camps but also a few who are 1 step from being in PRISON.
     
    Criminey Jade Thanks this.
  9. Gaugeline

    Gaugeline Bobtail Member

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    I've known a few women crude haulers and one worked out around Buckeye NM just west of Hobbs. She dressed like a man and you couldn't tell she was female until you was up close at the station. She said she did it on purpose so she wouldn't have guys harassing her in the field while she was alone. Made good sense so might be something to think about.
     
  10. Hitman

    Hitman Mr. Gamer

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    I doubt that rooms would be "coed" for fear of sexual harassment charges
     
  11. sexystuff911

    sexystuff911 Light Load Member

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    I don't know what deleted post said, but I thank the forum staff for deleting it. I asked the hiring manager about the housing, but he doesn't live in a man camp, and says he doesn't know much about them. And, he seemed reluctant to divulge too much information about the housing. I got the impression he thought the housing conditions might be a deal breaker for me. And, everybody says recruiters lie, so i'm not sure if i should believe anything I was told?

    I was told that I would be housed alone (doubtful, given the lack of housing), with another female (if one is available), or with a family man who is in a supervisory position, or higher, and who has been with the company for a minimum of five years. This sounds too good to be true, and I have a feeling it will be a whole different story when I get to North Dakota.

    Understand that I worked very hard, and invested a lot of time and money into getting the certifications and training I needed to work the oil fields. I got my OSHA 30-Hour Field Supervisor Certificate, H2S Safety and Awareness (full course, not the $19.95 short course), and First Aide/CPR/AEd. I was already certified in Transportation of Radioactive Materials and Explosives, as well as HAZMAT Emergency Response and Spill Clean-Up. I took a few community college classes on refinery operations and process management, too.

    Hasn't anybody here lived in, or worked around the man camps in North Dakota? I realize i'm going to work in a man's environment, and i know I'll have to be "thick skinned" and survive a fair amount of hazing before (and if) I'm accepted. That's why I'm asking for information and advise on TTR. I think I'm prepared for the job, but not the reality of working in the oil fields. Please share any information you have about living in the man camps, working in the oil fields, and how to deal with the hazing. I can't believe the comments about safety were serious? Any information or advise would be greatly appreciated!

    BTW, I've teamed with men who were complete strangers for months at a time, and had no problems. However, the company I worked for was very stringent in screening drivers. Every man i drove with was very professional and polite. I was also raised by my older brothers and their friends. I'm rarely shocked, and nothing surprises me.

    Hammer166, I have tried to google this information, and I've watched a zillion You Tube videos about life in the Bakken Oil Fields. However, there isn't much info about the housing except for articles and videos stating that the housing market is tight and very expensive. Company websites don't address the type of housing they offer or have available. Info about working in the oil fields is conflicting and nobody addresses girls working in the oil fields..
     
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