Date: February 1, 2005
Contact: Don Canton or Don Larson, (701) 328-2200

BISMARCK, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven announced that the employment campaign launched last fall by the Governor's office, Job Service North Dakota, and the North Dakota Petroleum Council has made significant gains in filling the labor demand for oil field workers.

"Oil production is expanding rapidly in North Dakota, and that means more demand for workers and more good paying jobs for our citizens," Hoeven said. "Job Service, the Petroleum Council and industry leaders have partnered together and done an outstanding job of keeping pace with industry growth."

According to Job Service Executive Director Maren Daley, since October 2004 the agency has filled about 214 of 277 jobs listed on its Web site, some of which have paid more than $50,000 a year. The recruitment campaign consisted of radio ads, advertisements in local Job Service offices and special outreach efforts to available workers, first in North Dakota and then in neighboring states. The industry received inquiries from as far away as Oklahoma and Texas.

"Job Service has been timely, flexible and highly adaptive in responding to the needs of the industry," said Bob Mau, president and owner of Eagle Operating of Williston and chairman of the North Dakota Petroleum Council. "North Dakota companies, and those considering a location here, can be confident that the state has an available workforce and that Job Service will be an effective partner in recruiting qualified workers."

The oil and gas industry in North Dakota employed 4,135 people in 2004, and demand for both short- and long-term employees is expected to continue. The industry experts estimate that between 50 and 70 percent of current employees will retire over the next two to 12 years, significantly challenging industry growth.

"The cooperation between Job Service, the North Dakota Petroleum Council, and the energy industry is a great example of the success we can achieve through public-sector, private-sector partnerships," Daley said. "Job Service has the tools and the services to respond quickly and effectively."

Additional Resources:
Public Exhange 101 PowerPoint Presentation
Letter to the Petroleum Industry
Job Announcement Flyer
North Dakota Oil Industry Advertisement