Safe, Productive workplace.
Terminal Operator (Former Employee) – Ottawa, ON – 9 February 2019
I worked at the Ottawa tank farm as a full time terminal operator, contracted employee for six years. As a contracted employee I worked at Imperial Oil Monday to Friday. I wore the Imperial Oil uniform but was paid by the contracting firm that hired me. After the six years, I transferred to Black & McDonald and continued working at Imperial Oil part time as a service technician/ terminal operator/ safety supervisor.
The average day starts at 7:30 and usually involves sampling/ testing petroleum products, as well as, preforming daily, weekly, monthly inspections and maintenance on pumps, valves, meters, gauges, etc. year round. End of day is 3:30 pm.
The workplace culture is all about safety. Every job had a description and a list of steps to be safely completed. Since every job is double checked there is no incentive for rushing /skipping steps. If a job meant working overtime, the only question was the importance of that job getting completed. If it had to get done, Imperial Oil paid overtime without question. If the job could be delayed to the next day, it was.
The hardest part of the job at Imperial Oil is being on call all the time. Even if you're not on call, you are. If the call center can't reach the person on-call, they call you.
The most enjoyable part of the job is training. First Aid, WHIMIS, Transportation of Dangerous goods, Gas Testing, Man lift operation, Working at heights, Forklift Operation, and so on.
Pros
Safety, safety, safety. Working with petroleum, you can never be too safe. Free uniforms.
Cons
Very limited opportunities for advancement and raises. Almost constant after hours on-call.