Jobs in ND Oil Patch

Hey Big John-How are you?Wow.Very interesting post.I think i'm going to look into the Texas work.Thanks and take care.Brian

 

are there any trailer lots with water/sewer/electric available in watford city nd,.

 

Great Info all around, and what I did was home in on the info that I found relevant to my situation. I'll check on ND put 10 apps in and see what bites. Though I will put 10 in with TX as well. In my Mid 30's myself, was wondering if you considered that young? 36 going on 37 soon.

Thank you for the post; the information does help out since I take my test very soon here. Just purchased my $100.00 Sheet for taking the exam.

 

I'll share more but this is the conclusion I have made based on reading ads and making calls. I have not been to these areas or conducted a scientific survey so my accuracy is questionable but should be a useful guideline.

It appears that a few travel trailer and RV lots are still available in ND. Some inside lots are $135 per week including utilities, which is $585 per month (135 * 4.333). Prices run from $400 - $800 per month with many including standard utilities. The less expensive ones are up to 80 miles from Williston. Many ND RV lots advertise space until the big freeze. Apparently they don't even try to keep them open during the harshest weather months.

I would not even consider spending the winter in a travel trailer or RV unless it was made by one of a few manufacturers and artic rated. When spring comes, after all winter without water and freezing, you will have to replace all the plumbing. I would be careful renting manufactured housing too. If you look in one of the closets or around the furnace or hot water tank you will find a placard that tells what region it was manufactured for. I think this is important because if it isn't properly insulated you will spend large sums of cash heating it and still never be comfortable.

As for motels in Midland, I would guess you might find one but I doubt you can be too picky. I haven't checked motels because I don't have the cash to spend long in one. The people are starting to rent out bedrooms just like in ND. I spoke to a guy that had a small travel trailer for rent at $550 and lots for $350. The electric is split between the occupants and you buy your own propane. A small electric heater might be a good way to cut down on heating costs. You would be splitting the cost between the six spaces and I doubt you would be the only one to think of this cost cutting idea.

I spoke to three apartment communities and none had apartments available. Since I haven't made a final decision, I didn't go further. IMHO, you can probably find an apartment but I doubt it will be a great unit in a great part of town. I spent nearly ten years working in the apartment business in OKC so my knowledge of the industry and the importance of location play into my conclusions.

As for the 65/35% being statistically true I would say no. I did not keep exact track of this information. However in TX about twice as many that wanted experience, said no to my over 10 year old experience as said yes. In ND I have intentionally spoken with smaller fleets and owner operators and almost all will run my MVR by their insurance.

Another thing I forgot to mention that played a part in my looking at companies that pull different kinds of trailers. I have heard from three different sources that water hauling can slow down this time of year. I doubt this has a great effect on the larger companies. Still with a smaller operation that has different trailers a good driver can probably stay busier.

On the age question, if I were still in my thirties and felt like I did then, I'd go for what ever came my way. Unfortunately at 54 I don't have the same drive I used to have. I'm not too old to cut the mustard but I'm old enough to pick my conquests wisely and pace myself.

 

Read all about it >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>


http://www.startribune.com/local/131923403.html

 

great to read that they are looking 20 years ahead on this. I think this is sort of the working at an automobile plant type thing where guys like us now......20 years from now may be saying, "wow, those were the great jobs anyone could basically get".

......but then again, maybe 20 years from now, working in outerspace will be the "new thing" or something. Its just great that theres actually good paying work that makes you feel like an american again.

 

you can check the fair grounds in watford for spots

 

I believe I have the companies to apply for.
Sanjel
Northern Trucking
Haliburton
Badlands Power cells
SLB

That's my list for North Dakota

 

Slb, halliburton, and sanjel are service companies and the driving will be minimal. Badlands power cells is suppose to be power fuels. Their legal name is badlands power fuels. Northern is new to nd. From Alaska originally and would be the highest risk of the above mentioned. They've only been here 6 months or so.

 

Very true Great Northern Trucking has people living in there rigs on the lot. Though I feel they might give a new student a chance.

The others yep are service and I want to get going this winter; plus I'm a stock build guy that lifts weights off and on. So I could handle the work even at the old age of 36... Its not my first option but, I need to get to work in a field that is making money. The service industry in Sales has been decimated up here in the Seattle area. Big change for me; but I come from a straight up no BS bringing in the Midwest.


I'm also looking into a state that doesn't get any attention. WY they have lots of work also it would appear.

The Wife and kids are looking for TX I do have a relative in Arlington TX and she has relatives in Dallas Area. Though adventure into unknown areas is always exciting.