Joe, Alberta requirements-
Alberta requirements for drilling rig technicians-
(applies whether hired by oil company doing the drilling or registered contractor)

Rig technician 1- must be registered apprentice,certified journeyman (journeyperson in AB Occupational profiles), or holds a recognized trades certificate. Base pay $27.50/hr. plus living allowance.
Rig technician 3- the driller- 3 years experience minimum, trade school diploma or equivalent. Base pay $38.50/hr. plus living allowance.

A professional engineer is in charge of the field, and makes daily visits to a drilling well- often staying on site during critical intervals.
A geologist (analyzes samples, etc.) may be on site for critical wells, but usually receives samples sent to him daily.

Back-up- With major companies, professionals in Exploration Division and research personnel at a central laboratory.

Lowest rung on the well- Leasehands, floorhands, motorhands; usually highschool level. Do the 'joe-work' around the rig. Pay $27.50/hr. plus living allowance (may be bunk and mess hall food, while the driller gets a house or trailer home, a car, etc.).

On an offshore rig, the crews are professional technicians, a professional engineer, and rig crew of the rig owner, that takes care of everything not directly related to the well itself.