Technical and Digital Recruitment Capability Overview

October 12, 2019
Technical and Digital Recruitment Capability Overview

Petroplan has a team that services our international markets. We specialise in the oil, gas and energy sector and have a  technology and digital recruitment team to take on requirements now in great demand in these inventive industries. Our technology skill knowledge is our first priority for this discipline combined with over 40 years of experience in sourcing talent for energy sector.

For assignments for our energy clients, we have an existing candidate network, however, we have the technology and recruitment skills to be adept at sourcing outside this group for niche and specialist skills that maybe hard to find in the energy market.

Below are some key areas of competence, however, we understand that with the speed of digital transformation across many industries, coding, development and project management frameworks and of course data requirements demand locating talent this is often very mobile and inventive so don’t fit into neat categories. We’ll find your unicorns too!

See IT Jobs

ERP Systems

We have a strong network of Enterprise Resourcing Planning (ERP) Professionals some in consulting but most with experience of working on enterprise solutions within client organizations in the engineering and energy markets. This enables us to speed up the time to hire for urgent roles as well as recruiting for hard-to-fill roles with the candidates possessing the business process knowledge relevant to our clients’ industry.

Businesses needing  experience of how to analyze, access and organize data for core  business purposes can trust Petroplan to find local and mobile ERP candidates to manage the applications including design, sales/profitability, material, production, delivery, logistics, human resources and finance.

Petroplan’s team understands organizations may require a mix of ERP skills including coding expertise and project management skills. Some of our client organizations have deployed a hybrid comprised of multiple ERP solutions, while others may have created their own using open-systems software.

When we screen for candidates we will vet experience by discussing with the candidate a few ‘hands-on’ examples of challenges they have resolved. We’ll enquire about their softer skills such as persuasion, motivation, their ability to reassure and be assertive.

Key systems’ knowledge

Our team is specialist when it comes to ERP, whether the opportunity is to support SAP, Oracle, JD Edwards,  or Peoplesoft . However, there continues to be a great demand for SAP specialists.

SAP expertise

When a requirement for a SAP practitioner arises, we’ll check for evidence of utilization of the SAP ASAP Methodology for SAP systems. Your ideal candidate should be familiar with ASAP or industry best-practice information published continuously by other leading ERP software providers.

The SAP roles for which we recruit include:

All SAP Functional areas (FICO, MM, SD, CRM, SRM, SCM, PP, PM, EHS, PS, QM, LE, WM, IM, IS-Oil, HCM, SuccessFactors)

All SAP Technical areas (ABAP, BASIS, PI/XI, BI/BW/HANA, BOBJ, BPC, S/4HANA, Security, Fiori/Mobility),

Change Management, Training Developers, all the way up to management and director level.


Software and Applications Development

Is 2018 the year of the software developer? US Labor Statistics Office has named the top job as that of a software developer. With an average salary of $100,080 per year. This job has moved dentists off the top spot for jobs with the greatest hiring demand , the best work/life balance, salary and future prospects.

This trend is also appearing with the oil, gas and energy industry as organisations look to drive efficiency, utilise their data aournd assets and processes to drive revenue.

Candidates with the appropriate transferable skills can often be successfully transitioned to the energy sector from other industries, and the strategic use of social media has an increasingly important role to play in our interaction with sought after industry talent.

Development skills in demand

Software development is a very broad candidate pool, so here we have touched on some of the competencies we are recruiting for. Talent acquisition in the fields of artificial intelligence, data science, mobile application development, Cloud/IoT, in particular is growing in demand.

Cloud Computing

 IT professionals with skills in cloud computing and software as a service (SaaS) will need virtualization skills in Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure, IBM Cloud, Microsoft Hyper-V and VMware for private cloud hosting  Plus experience with DevOps, containers, the entire cloud stack and IPv6  are skills employers are watching for.

We are always looking for candidates who are constantly learning as this attitude will bring success in the future of this unpredictable field. This ability to adapt to new technology from a strong development foundation is what sets great talent from jobbing developers.

Programmers and Web Developers

Coding and programming experts are always in demand from business applications to web-based user interfaces. Back-end and front-end web developers with experience of user experience-oriented development for business and consumer websites feature as talent for the energy sector. The market is maturing to make its products and services accessible to consumers and business partners.

Candidates with multi-faceted languages like Javascript, C#, Java, and Python, are the most in demand,  the disciplines in the spotlight span roles such as Database Engineers, software engineers, or front end/digital marketing professionals. These languages are not only used to build scalable applications but also to automate, streamline processes or crawl data across disparate systems.

Especially in the energy sector an engineering mind and coding skills are now essential for the high-tech industry. Organizations need their tech teams to keep inventing new ways to build and use products and services that are more intuitive for specialists where their outcome is in the field or brings value within the operations of the business.

Automation and Artificial Intelligence

There is a skills shortage in the field of digital automation and artificial intelligence. Not only is this for practitioners but also technology leaders (CIO/CTO, head of product, etc.) who can credibly manage teams made up of AI, data science and innovative product specialists.

Machine learning is also in the spotlight in the energy sector as companies look to compete by making better and quicker decisions based on using predictive analytics. This business intelligence is created through the analysis of data received from the field via industrial control systems and a whole host of devices termed as the Internet of Things (IoT) in combination with business data from the ERP  systems managing business process data. Talent for this complex and transformative process is hard to find.

Mobile Application Development

Mobile application developers will continue to be in high demand,  Successful app developers should be fluent in multiple programming languages, and frameworks, including iOS, Android, Objective-C, Xamarin, Hibernate, Swift, and many others. Also, app developers with UX and UI design skills can offer much more value for project management.

Project and Product management

An important skill is to identify and implement digital platforms across the whole organization that will impact operational efficiencies and increase revenue.  Project and product managers/owner roles are growing in numbers as clients require coordination and delivery of technology roadmaps that span the organization.

Petroplan’s technology recruitment team are able to not only identify the many skill sets across the digital spectrum but also track cultural fit. Projects within the energy industry will need great communications skills and perseverance as this digital disruption requires the collaboration across engineering, business services and operational teams. Working in this environment will present great rewards as the industry matures in its application of technology.

 


Data Analysis

Our technology recruitment teams are constantly scanning the technology community to identify professionals from a data science or analysis background who have skills and an aptitude to work in the energy sector.

LinkedIn commissioned a recent survey that had statistical and mathematical skills as the second most in demand hard skill in 2018. The need is great in the energy sector as its organizations strive to achieve improvement in efficient production and improved revenues from analyzing the data recorded both in the field and through core business process systems.

Data scientists who can provide the link between the programming and implementation of data science with these companyies’ business applications are heralding a new era for energy.

Knowledge required in the Energy Sector

The skills needed for this sector are very similar to any other industry that has industrial automation systems, ERP applications and often retail  divisions. The real difference is the industry’s recent digital transformation and the environments from which data is recorded. Data may be captured by devices at a refinery, a plant, a pipeline in the desert or in freezing temperatures, or indeed it could data from the seabed or geological data.

The key technical skills though are knowledge of algorithms, mathematics and programming languages such s R+ and Python.

There is expectation that data analysis experts understand how to structure a data problem, frame the right questions, and communicate the outputs to decision makers. Average salaries are competitive with other industries at about $115,000 USD.

We recruit across the disciplines to include the following roles:

  • Data engineers/Data scientists (Software engineering experience with a background in Computer Science and utilisation of Python, Hadoop to Java)
  • Data architects ( Experience of structuring the data infrastructure with programming and database skills utilizing SQL and NoSQL)
  • Data analysts (Competence in analyzing data to provide business reporting and visualisations)
  • Business analysts (Ability to recommend and communicate business decisions from the interpretation of the data science and collaboration with business partners)

To find out about the unique opportunities in this growing area of technology in the energy sector and whether your skills could apply please get in touch with our team of technology recruitment consultants


Cyber Security

As digitization comes of age in the energy sector, the flow of data, the devices in the field and the systems infrastructure that manages and warehouses this information is more accessible to hacking. In the environment of oil, gas and energy companies this threat is not just about the dangers of loss of personal information but can also cause material damage. such as plant shutdown or equipment damage plus risks to human health and safety.

The necessary automization and integration of systems exposes industries to external threats so protection of this critical infrastructure is ever more important.

ABI research expect that oil and gas companies will be spending $1.87 billion on cyber security in 2018. Pre-emptive measures to defend the organization from attack is essential.

In the field, interference in monitoring not only means production shut-down but could lead to poor product quality, undetected spills, violation of safety measures which could result in injury or worse.

The SCADA systems and industrial programmable logic controllers (IPLs) transfer data to enterprise applications such as ERP or business intelligence systems. Any insecure connections between these IT systems and Operational Technology environments become the points of vulnerability.

So the demand for information security professionals is on the rise. The challenges are quite unique in the energy sector and provide rewarding and interesting work for cyber security experts.

Key skills for the cyber security opportunities in the oil, gas and energy sector

As this is a multi-disciplinary area this list is not a definitive  but a guide to what organizations are looking for from great talent:

  • Solid IT fundamentals
  • Coding skills (C, C++)
  • Knowledge of systems architecture, administration and key operating systems
  • Background in asset and risk management and appreciation of the controls required to mitigate organizational risks
  • Ability to communicate across the organization

Certifications in demand

Some of the key qualifications that provide employers with confidence of ability include:

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) or GIAC

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Certified Penetration Tester (GPEN)

Certification in Information Security Management Principles (CISMP)

Broad discipline areas for Information Security in the Energy Sector

The oil, gas and energy market is home to a plethora of business types from large operators, contract and procurement organisations,  manufacturing, processing and service companies all with differing points of vulnerability. Petroplan’s clients often look to find candidates working in roles where they can demonstrate some of the following areas:

Security analyst knowledge for assessment of threat and vulnerability plus  competence in log collection and analysis

Penetration testing skills including intelligence gathering and post attack monitoring and restraint when creating test environments

Secure software development experience to encompass development testing pre-launch of any execution

Incident responder awareness which can address areas such as communication, disaster recovery for business continuity and forensics to preserve the integrity of digital evidence

Security architect competence to take into account network configuration, identity and access management and system hardening

Some of the role areas we recruit for include:

Technical security: Security Architects, Security Engineers, Security Administrator and Security Consultant

Detection and Investigation: Security Operations Analyst, SOC Manager, Digital Forensics and Risk analyst

Regulatory: Governance and Compliance Manager, Information Security, Assurance Manager, Lead Auditor and Data Protection Manager

Executive: Lead Security Architect, IT Director – Security and CISO

Security and Risk Management: Information Security Officer, Information, Security Manager, Information Security Analyst and Information Risk Manager

 

If you think your experience could benefit this diverse and transformative industry please get in touch with our team of cyber security recruitment experts

Related Articles

The AI Revolution: Navigating the Future Job Landscape

The woman in this picture does not exist. She has never existed. She is simply a calculation, made by a computer, based on millions of data points. The image was built entirely by AI, and the tool is getting more sophisticated every day.

Artificial Intelligence has become an integral part of a great many industries, revolutionizing processes and operations. One significant area undergoing major transformation is recruiting. As AI takes center stage in the hiring landscape, both employers and job candidates need to understand its implications and adapt to the evolving dynamics of the recruitment process.

The Rise of AI in Recruiting

AI in recruiting involves the use of advanced technologies like machine learning algorithms and natural language processing to streamline and enhance various stages of the hiring process. From initial resume screening to candidate engagement and interview processes, AI offers efficiency, objectivity, and improved decision-making.

Automated Resume Screening and Shortlisting

One of the primary areas where AI is making a significant impact is in automating the initial stages of candidate evaluation. Traditional resume screening processes can be time-consuming and prone to biases. AI algorithms, on the other hand, can quickly analyze vast datasets, identify relevant skills and experiences, and shortlist candidates based on predefined criteria.

However, job candidates should be mindful of optimizing their resumes for AI screening. Using industry-relevant keywords, emphasizing skills and achievements, and aligning their profiles with specific job requirements can increase the likelihood of passing through AI-driven screening processes.

Enhanced Candidate Matching

AI-driven systems can efficiently match candidate profiles with job requirements, ensuring a better fit for both employers and candidates. These systems consider not only the explicit qualifications but also factors like soft skills, cultural fit, and potential for growth. For job seekers, this means that presenting a holistic view of their skills and experiences becomes crucial.

Candidates should focus on showcasing a well-rounded professional profile, highlighting not only technical skills but also interpersonal abilities, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning. This broader perspective enhances the chances of being matched with roles that align with their overall capabilities.

Chatbots and Automated Communication

AI-powered chatbots are increasingly being used for initial candidate engagement, answering queries, and even conducting preliminary interviews. While these technologies offer convenience and speed, job candidates should be prepared for interactions with virtual interviewers.

Being comfortable with virtual interviews, maintaining clear and concise communication, and adapting to a more conversational style are essential for candidates navigating AI-driven communication tools. Additionally, understanding the specific technologies used by employers can provide a competitive advantage.

AI in Skill Assessment and Pre-employment Testing

AI is being employed to assess candidates' technical and soft skills through various online platforms. These assessments often go beyond traditional methods, providing a more comprehensive understanding of a candidate's capabilities. For candidates, this underscores the importance of continuous skill development and staying abreast of industry trends.

Engaging in ongoing learning, obtaining relevant certifications, and showcasing practical applications of skills through projects and portfolios can set candidates apart in an AI-driven recruitment landscape. Proving the practical application of skills becomes as important as listing them on a resume.

Mitigating Bias in Hiring

AI has the potential to address bias in recruiting by making decisions based on objective criteria rather than subjective judgments. However, it's essential to recognize that AI systems are not inherently unbiased; they learn from historical data, which may carry biases. Job candidates should be vigilant about potential biases and advocate for transparent and ethical AI practices in hiring.

Candidates can also benefit from understanding how AI systems operate, being proactive in addressing biases, and promoting diversity and inclusion in their professional experiences.

Preparing for AI-Integrated Interviews

Video interviews with AI analysis tools are becoming more prevalent. These tools analyze facial expressions, tone of voice, and language patterns to assess candidate suitability. Job candidates should be mindful of their virtual presence, ensuring they communicate effectively through a screen.

Practicing video interviews, maintaining eye contact with the camera, and being aware of verbal and non-verbal cues can enhance a candidate's performance in AI-integrated interviews.

Embracing Lifelong Learning

As AI continues to evolve, so do job requirements. The era of lifelong learning has arrived, and candidates must adopt a growth mindset. Staying updated on industry trends, acquiring new skills, and being adaptable are crucial for sustained career success in an AI-driven job market.

Job candidates should consider continuous education, whether through formal courses, online certifications, or immersive learning experiences. Demonstrating a commitment to learning and adaptation can be a valuable asset in a landscape where technological advancements are the norm.

Building a Personal Brand in the Digital Space

In an AI-driven recruiting world, candidates need to go beyond traditional resumes. Building a strong and authentic personal brand in the digital space becomes imperative. This includes maintaining a professional online presence, engaging in relevant online communities, and showcasing thought leadership.

Creating a comprehensive LinkedIn profile, participating in industry forums, and contributing to relevant discussions online can enhance a candidate's visibility. Employers increasingly use online platforms to discover and vet potential candidates, making a robust digital presence an essential part of the modern job search.

Conclusion: Navigating the Future Together

AI is reshaping the recruiting landscape, offering efficiency, objectivity, and new opportunities. For job candidates, adapting to this evolving landscape requires a proactive approach, embracing continuous learning, and leveraging technology to showcase their unique strengths.

As AI becomes more ingrained in recruiting processes, a collaborative effort between candidates and employers is essential. Transparency, ethical AI practices, and a commitment to creating a fair and inclusive hiring environment will be crucial in shaping the future of recruitment. In navigating this AI-driven landscape, job candidates who embrace technology while maintaining their authenticity and commitment to growth will stand out in the competitive job market of the future.

United Kingdom

The AI Revolution: Navigating the Future Job Landscape

The woman in this picture does not exist. She has never existed. She is simply a calculation, made by a computer, based on millions of data points. The image was built entirely by AI, and the tool is getting more sophisticated every day.

Artificial Intelligence has become an integral part of a great many industries, revolutionizing processes and operations. One significant area undergoing major transformation is recruiting. As AI takes center stage in the hiring landscape, both employers and job candidates need to understand its implications and adapt to the evolving dynamics of the recruitment process.

The Rise of AI in Recruiting

AI in recruiting involves the use of advanced technologies like machine learning algorithms and natural language processing to streamline and enhance various stages of the hiring process. From initial resume screening to candidate engagement and interview processes, AI offers efficiency, objectivity, and improved decision-making.

Automated Resume Screening and Shortlisting

One of the primary areas where AI is making a significant impact is in automating the initial stages of candidate evaluation. Traditional resume screening processes can be time-consuming and prone to biases. AI algorithms, on the other hand, can quickly analyze vast datasets, identify relevant skills and experiences, and shortlist candidates based on predefined criteria.

However, job candidates should be mindful of optimizing their resumes for AI screening. Using industry-relevant keywords, emphasizing skills and achievements, and aligning their profiles with specific job requirements can increase the likelihood of passing through AI-driven screening processes.

Enhanced Candidate Matching

AI-driven systems can efficiently match candidate profiles with job requirements, ensuring a better fit for both employers and candidates. These systems consider not only the explicit qualifications but also factors like soft skills, cultural fit, and potential for growth. For job seekers, this means that presenting a holistic view of their skills and experiences becomes crucial.

Candidates should focus on showcasing a well-rounded professional profile, highlighting not only technical skills but also interpersonal abilities, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning. This broader perspective enhances the chances of being matched with roles that align with their overall capabilities.

Chatbots and Automated Communication

AI-powered chatbots are increasingly being used for initial candidate engagement, answering queries, and even conducting preliminary interviews. While these technologies offer convenience and speed, job candidates should be prepared for interactions with virtual interviewers.

Being comfortable with virtual interviews, maintaining clear and concise communication, and adapting to a more conversational style are essential for candidates navigating AI-driven communication tools. Additionally, understanding the specific technologies used by employers can provide a competitive advantage.

AI in Skill Assessment and Pre-employment Testing

AI is being employed to assess candidates' technical and soft skills through various online platforms. These assessments often go beyond traditional methods, providing a more comprehensive understanding of a candidate's capabilities. For candidates, this underscores the importance of continuous skill development and staying abreast of industry trends.

Engaging in ongoing learning, obtaining relevant certifications, and showcasing practical applications of skills through projects and portfolios can set candidates apart in an AI-driven recruitment landscape. Proving the practical application of skills becomes as important as listing them on a resume.

Mitigating Bias in Hiring

AI has the potential to address bias in recruiting by making decisions based on objective criteria rather than subjective judgments. However, it's essential to recognize that AI systems are not inherently unbiased; they learn from historical data, which may carry biases. Job candidates should be vigilant about potential biases and advocate for transparent and ethical AI practices in hiring.

Candidates can also benefit from understanding how AI systems operate, being proactive in addressing biases, and promoting diversity and inclusion in their professional experiences.

Preparing for AI-Integrated Interviews

Video interviews with AI analysis tools are becoming more prevalent. These tools analyze facial expressions, tone of voice, and language patterns to assess candidate suitability. Job candidates should be mindful of their virtual presence, ensuring they communicate effectively through a screen.

Practicing video interviews, maintaining eye contact with the camera, and being aware of verbal and non-verbal cues can enhance a candidate's performance in AI-integrated interviews.

Embracing Lifelong Learning

As AI continues to evolve, so do job requirements. The era of lifelong learning has arrived, and candidates must adopt a growth mindset. Staying updated on industry trends, acquiring new skills, and being adaptable are crucial for sustained career success in an AI-driven job market.

Job candidates should consider continuous education, whether through formal courses, online certifications, or immersive learning experiences. Demonstrating a commitment to learning and adaptation can be a valuable asset in a landscape where technological advancements are the norm.

Building a Personal Brand in the Digital Space

In an AI-driven recruiting world, candidates need to go beyond traditional resumes. Building a strong and authentic personal brand in the digital space becomes imperative. This includes maintaining a professional online presence, engaging in relevant online communities, and showcasing thought leadership.

Creating a comprehensive LinkedIn profile, participating in industry forums, and contributing to relevant discussions online can enhance a candidate's visibility. Employers increasingly use online platforms to discover and vet potential candidates, making a robust digital presence an essential part of the modern job search.

Conclusion: Navigating the Future Together

AI is reshaping the recruiting landscape, offering efficiency, objectivity, and new opportunities. For job candidates, adapting to this evolving landscape requires a proactive approach, embracing continuous learning, and leveraging technology to showcase their unique strengths.

As AI becomes more ingrained in recruiting processes, a collaborative effort between candidates and employers is essential. Transparency, ethical AI practices, and a commitment to creating a fair and inclusive hiring environment will be crucial in shaping the future of recruitment. In navigating this AI-driven landscape, job candidates who embrace technology while maintaining their authenticity and commitment to growth will stand out in the competitive job market of the future.

Understanding LNG – an introduction to the current landscape

Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) has emerged as a critical player in the energy landscape, and the United States has become a focal point for substantial LNG project activity. Understanding what LNG is, the dynamics of the LNG market, and its significance to the American economy is paramount as the nation navigates its energy future.

Understanding LNG: A Primer

LNG is natural gas that has been cooled to the point of liquefaction, transforming it into a clear, colorless, and non-toxic liquid. This process reduces the volume of the gas significantly, making it easier and more cost-effective to transport and store. The liquefaction process involves cooling natural gas to around -260°F (-162°C), converting it into a liquid state. This transformation not only reduces the volume by about 600 times but also makes it more suitable for long-distance transportation, primarily through specially designed LNG carriers.

The LNG Boom in the United States

The U.S. has witnessed a substantial surge in LNG projects, driven by various factors, including the shale gas revolution, global demand for cleaner energy sources, and advancements in liquefaction technology. The shale gas revolution, particularly in regions like the Permian Basin and the Marcellus Shale, has unlocked vast reserves of natural gas, making the U.S. a major player in the LNG market. The growth of LNG export terminals along the Gulf Coast, such as the Sabine Pass LNG Terminal in Louisiana and the Corpus Christi LNG Terminal in Texas, highlights the nation's commitment to leveraging its natural gas abundance for economic gains. These terminals serve as crucial hubs for liquefying and exporting natural gas to international markets, contributing significantly to the U.S. energy landscape. Key Players and Projects Several prominent players have spearheaded LNG projects, solidifying the U.S. as a major LNG exporter. Cheniere Energy, with its Sabine Pass and Corpus Christi LNG terminals, has been at the forefront of this transformation. Other players like Dominion Energy Cove Point LNG, Freeport LNG, and Cameron LNG have also played pivotal roles in expanding the country's LNG export capacity. The sheer scale of these projects is noteworthy. For instance, the Sabine Pass LNG Terminal has the capacity to produce over 30 million tonnes of LNG per year, making it one of the largest facilities of its kind globally. These projects not only contribute to domestic economic growth but also enhance the global energy trade landscape.

Economic Impact and Job Creation

The LNG boom in the U.S. has brought about a wave of economic benefits. These projects contribute significantly to job creation, both directly and indirectly. The construction and operation of LNG export terminals require a skilled workforce, ranging from engineers and technicians to logistics and administrative professionals. Additionally, the growth of associated industries, such as natural gas production, transportation, and equipment manufacturing, amplifies the positive economic impact.

Global Energy Security and Diplomacy

As the U.S. emerges as a major LNG exporter, it enhances its role in global energy security and diplomacy. LNG is a versatile energy source that can be used for power generation, heating, and as a feedstock for various industrial processes. By exporting LNG to nations seeking diverse and reliable energy sources, the U.S. strengthens diplomatic ties and plays a strategic role in supporting the energy needs of its allies.

Environmental Considerations

While LNG is often considered a cleaner-burning fuel compared to traditional hydrocarbons, there are environmental considerations. The extraction and production of natural gas, as well as the transportation of LNG, have environmental impacts that must be carefully managed. Balancing economic benefits with environmental stewardship is crucial to ensuring a sustainable and responsible approach to LNG development.

Conclusion: Shaping the Energy Future

In conclusion, LNG has become a linchpin in the U.S. energy strategy, offering economic benefits, job creation, and a substantial role in global energy dynamics. The growth of LNG projects along the Gulf Coast reflects the nation's commitment to leveraging its natural gas resources for domestic and international gains. As the U.S. continues to navigate its energy future, LNG stands as a cornerstone, contributing to economic prosperity, energy security, and strategic diplomacy on the world stage.

USA

Understanding LNG – an introduction to the current landscape

Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) has emerged as a critical player in the energy landscape, and the United States has become a focal point for substantial LNG project activity. Understanding what LNG is, the dynamics of the LNG market, and its significance to the American economy is paramount as the nation navigates its energy future.

Understanding LNG: A Primer

LNG is natural gas that has been cooled to the point of liquefaction, transforming it into a clear, colorless, and non-toxic liquid. This process reduces the volume of the gas significantly, making it easier and more cost-effective to transport and store. The liquefaction process involves cooling natural gas to around -260°F (-162°C), converting it into a liquid state. This transformation not only reduces the volume by about 600 times but also makes it more suitable for long-distance transportation, primarily through specially designed LNG carriers.

The LNG Boom in the United States

The U.S. has witnessed a substantial surge in LNG projects, driven by various factors, including the shale gas revolution, global demand for cleaner energy sources, and advancements in liquefaction technology. The shale gas revolution, particularly in regions like the Permian Basin and the Marcellus Shale, has unlocked vast reserves of natural gas, making the U.S. a major player in the LNG market. The growth of LNG export terminals along the Gulf Coast, such as the Sabine Pass LNG Terminal in Louisiana and the Corpus Christi LNG Terminal in Texas, highlights the nation's commitment to leveraging its natural gas abundance for economic gains. These terminals serve as crucial hubs for liquefying and exporting natural gas to international markets, contributing significantly to the U.S. energy landscape. Key Players and Projects Several prominent players have spearheaded LNG projects, solidifying the U.S. as a major LNG exporter. Cheniere Energy, with its Sabine Pass and Corpus Christi LNG terminals, has been at the forefront of this transformation. Other players like Dominion Energy Cove Point LNG, Freeport LNG, and Cameron LNG have also played pivotal roles in expanding the country's LNG export capacity. The sheer scale of these projects is noteworthy. For instance, the Sabine Pass LNG Terminal has the capacity to produce over 30 million tonnes of LNG per year, making it one of the largest facilities of its kind globally. These projects not only contribute to domestic economic growth but also enhance the global energy trade landscape.

Economic Impact and Job Creation

The LNG boom in the U.S. has brought about a wave of economic benefits. These projects contribute significantly to job creation, both directly and indirectly. The construction and operation of LNG export terminals require a skilled workforce, ranging from engineers and technicians to logistics and administrative professionals. Additionally, the growth of associated industries, such as natural gas production, transportation, and equipment manufacturing, amplifies the positive economic impact.

Global Energy Security and Diplomacy

As the U.S. emerges as a major LNG exporter, it enhances its role in global energy security and diplomacy. LNG is a versatile energy source that can be used for power generation, heating, and as a feedstock for various industrial processes. By exporting LNG to nations seeking diverse and reliable energy sources, the U.S. strengthens diplomatic ties and plays a strategic role in supporting the energy needs of its allies.

Environmental Considerations

While LNG is often considered a cleaner-burning fuel compared to traditional hydrocarbons, there are environmental considerations. The extraction and production of natural gas, as well as the transportation of LNG, have environmental impacts that must be carefully managed. Balancing economic benefits with environmental stewardship is crucial to ensuring a sustainable and responsible approach to LNG development.

Conclusion: Shaping the Energy Future

In conclusion, LNG has become a linchpin in the U.S. energy strategy, offering economic benefits, job creation, and a substantial role in global energy dynamics. The growth of LNG projects along the Gulf Coast reflects the nation's commitment to leveraging its natural gas resources for domestic and international gains. As the U.S. continues to navigate its energy future, LNG stands as a cornerstone, contributing to economic prosperity, energy security, and strategic diplomacy on the world stage.

Working at Petroplan: In a fast-paced environment, a one-year anniversary comes around quickly.

Valentina Bini is a ball of energy. She sits at the Petroplan conference table, a brightly lit room with large windows looking out over west Houston’s energy corridor, looking like she might jump out of the seat at any moment.

 

“The year has gone by so fast,” she says, looking like the completion of her first twelve months at Petroplan has genuinely surprised her.

“I didn’t think I’d have done so many different things so soon after joining this team.”

Valentina began her recruitment career five years ago, after graduating from UH with a bachelors in psychology.

“It’s been a particularly challenging time for recruiters everywhere,” she says.

“The pandemic dominated so much of the landscape for all of us, and for the customers we serve. It was draining in a lot of ways. Now that period is behind us, there’s this huge swell of energy in the industry, and so much activity going on.”

The statistics back this up. According to government data, overall labor force participation is back to its pre-pandemic forecasted level, and the closely-watched prime-age labor force participation rate is now a shade above pre-pandemic levels. Over the past 12 months, the market has seen a net gain of more than four million jobs, averaging around 350,000 new jobs gained, per month. This has left unemployment at a decades-long low. Filling these jobs represents a huge challenge in such a competitive market, especially in clean energy where skills are in relatively short supply. When asked about her approach to recruiting, Valentina explains that she looks for several key qualities in a candidate. She looks for candidates who have the right skills and experience for the role, as well as a strong work ethic, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work effectively in a team. She also looks for candidates who are passionate about their work and are committed to driving success for themselves and others.

“We have to look beyond the candidates’ hard skills to work out if they’re a genuine fit for the company they’re joining,” she says.  

The daughter of an expat, she spent her childhood in seven different countries, thriving amid the change and the constant exposure to new cultures. She brings this experience into her job.

“Culture is so important, particularly now that so many teams are working remotely and are separated from each other day to day.”

Valentina has adapted to a wide range of recruiting activities in engineering and oil and gas. The variety has clearly made her job quite challenging, but she focuses on the human elements of the recruiting task.

"I enjoy getting to know my clients and candidates on a personal level. It helps me to understand what motivates them and what they're looking for in a role,” she says.

“Valentina has been an asset to our team since she joined us a year ago,” says Craig McConochie, Petroplan’s Country Manager in the US.

“Her dedication to finding the best people, whatever the discipline, has made her hugely successful, and our clients appreciate the results they see.” Outside work, Valentina is an avid cook who loves to experiment with different cuisines. Her parents are Indian and Italian, which has influenced her cooking style. I love trying out new recipes and experimenting with different flavors. Cooking is a creative outlet for me, and I find it very relaxing."

After a few very confident photographs, she leaves as quickly as she arrived, back to the team, and to the open job list.

USA

Working at Petroplan: In a fast-paced environment, a one-year anniversary comes around quickly.

Valentina Bini is a ball of energy. She sits at the Petroplan conference table, a brightly lit room with large windows looking out over west Houston’s energy corridor, looking like she might jump out of the seat at any moment.

 

“The year has gone by so fast,” she says, looking like the completion of her first twelve months at Petroplan has genuinely surprised her.

“I didn’t think I’d have done so many different things so soon after joining this team.”

Valentina began her recruitment career five years ago, after graduating from UH with a bachelors in psychology.

“It’s been a particularly challenging time for recruiters everywhere,” she says.

“The pandemic dominated so much of the landscape for all of us, and for the customers we serve. It was draining in a lot of ways. Now that period is behind us, there’s this huge swell of energy in the industry, and so much activity going on.”

The statistics back this up. According to government data, overall labor force participation is back to its pre-pandemic forecasted level, and the closely-watched prime-age labor force participation rate is now a shade above pre-pandemic levels. Over the past 12 months, the market has seen a net gain of more than four million jobs, averaging around 350,000 new jobs gained, per month. This has left unemployment at a decades-long low. Filling these jobs represents a huge challenge in such a competitive market, especially in clean energy where skills are in relatively short supply. When asked about her approach to recruiting, Valentina explains that she looks for several key qualities in a candidate. She looks for candidates who have the right skills and experience for the role, as well as a strong work ethic, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work effectively in a team. She also looks for candidates who are passionate about their work and are committed to driving success for themselves and others.

“We have to look beyond the candidates’ hard skills to work out if they’re a genuine fit for the company they’re joining,” she says.  

The daughter of an expat, she spent her childhood in seven different countries, thriving amid the change and the constant exposure to new cultures. She brings this experience into her job.

“Culture is so important, particularly now that so many teams are working remotely and are separated from each other day to day.”

Valentina has adapted to a wide range of recruiting activities in engineering and oil and gas. The variety has clearly made her job quite challenging, but she focuses on the human elements of the recruiting task.

"I enjoy getting to know my clients and candidates on a personal level. It helps me to understand what motivates them and what they're looking for in a role,” she says.

“Valentina has been an asset to our team since she joined us a year ago,” says Craig McConochie, Petroplan’s Country Manager in the US.

“Her dedication to finding the best people, whatever the discipline, has made her hugely successful, and our clients appreciate the results they see.” Outside work, Valentina is an avid cook who loves to experiment with different cuisines. Her parents are Indian and Italian, which has influenced her cooking style. I love trying out new recipes and experimenting with different flavors. Cooking is a creative outlet for me, and I find it very relaxing."

After a few very confident photographs, she leaves as quickly as she arrived, back to the team, and to the open job list.