In his role, Gerry works primarily on drilling operation planning, collaborating daily with engineers, geologists, technologists, and accountants. He spends most days at the office, working an 8.5-hour schedule with every second Friday off. Occasionally, he travels to rig sites, where he supervises drilling activities on a 14-day rotation with 12-hour shifts. His on-site work requires strong awareness of safety protocols and understanding of heavy equipment. Gerry’s career journey, which began with fieldwork as a geologist and drilling technologist, has prepared him for his current focus on advancing Chevron’s drilling projects, with future goals to work in offshore drilling.

Gerry holds a Petroleum Engineering Technology diploma from the College of the North Atlantic and a Mechanical Engineering degree from Memorial University. His academic interests in physics, chemistry, and mathematics, along with practical experiences as a peer tutor and team athlete, have honed his communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills—key attributes for his role. His entry into the industry as a geologist provided valuable insights into rock formation, later advancing to roles in directional and horizontal drilling. He joined Chevron after completing his engineering degree and now works in Calgary but aims to return to Newfoundland or possibly work in the U.S. or Scotland.

Gerry’s work life alternates between office planning and on-site supervision. His office work involves project planning and collaboration, while rig site duties require constant awareness of potential hazards and a deep understanding of the equipment. Currently based in Calgary, he commutes 45 minutes to the office and travels for field rotations, where he encounters environmental factors like high noise levels and operational hazards.