Devon Osecki

Project Planning Engineer, Nexen Inc.

Devon Osecki is a Saskatchewan boy with a flair for the cosmopolitan. Devon Osecki is a Saskatchewan boy with a flair for the cosmopolitan. Devon spent his youth stopping goals cross the prairies until he settled on completing a Geological Engineering degree from the University of Saskatchewan. Before officially becoming an Albertan, he tested the waters by working as a production Engineer in the cross-border town of Lloydminster.

Drawn to the bright lights of the big city, Devon finally hung his hat in Calgary and is currently splitting his time as the Planning Engineer on an offshore development in Nigeria and Project Manager for Nexen’s new Corporate Wellness Centre. As one would suspect, Devon is highly dedicated to the pursuit of fitness…which fortuitously keeps his wandering legs strong so his transient ways can take him to exciting adventures in new countries.

We asked Devon:

The OGM: What does sustainability mean to you?

Devon: Sustainability means longevity. In the O&G Industry it’s ensuring all stakeholders are satisfied with the job that your company or team are undertaking, which in turn will spawn future opportunities for development. It’s a cyclical process which ensures I’m gainfully employed for decades to come!

The OGM: What does success mean to you?

Devon: Success is when I can realize the fruits of my labor. To physically see barrels of oil being produced for something I contributed to.

The OGM: If you were to describe your career in three words what would they be?

Devon: Unpredictable, Diverse, Gratifying

The OGM: What advice would you give to someone looking for a career in the Energy Industry?

Devon: No matter what your education or your background there’s a job out there that can utilize your skills. Quite often in the Energy Industry it’s all about who you know which gains you your next career move. Make the opportunity to network with as many Energy professionals as possible.

The OGM: Describe a milestone in your career?

Devon: Moving from Lloydminster to Calgary was a milestone in my career. I wanted to advance my career so I felt I had to make the leap to the Head office. Since I’ve been here a multitude of opportunities have presented themselves and provided me with a great spring-board to future success.

The OGM: What impact does Technology have on your career?

Devon: Without it I’d be unemployed. All my roles have required applications of new technologies. My experience with heavy oil required the use of progressive cavity pumps to make the marginal field economic. My current role on a deepwater offshore asset requires the use of a multitude of new technologies on a daily basis. With resources becoming discovered in deeper waters and harsher environments we’ll soon discover our industry to be weighted heavily on the success of future Research and Development projects.

The OGM: What do the next 5 years look like in your career?

Devon: Your guess is as good as mine. If you asked me 5 years ago where I’d be today I would never have guessed where I am. Opportunities seem to present themselves at the most precarious of times.

The OGM: Were you always interested in a career in Energy?

Devon: Not at all! I come from a forestry town so naturally that’s where an Eng. Degree could have taken me. However, after my 1st year of Geology courses in University I soon committed to a career in Oil and Gas.

The OGM: What interests you to sustain a career in the Energy industry?

Devon: Endless opportunities to work in various disciplines (not just engineering) and to work on projects around the globe.

The OGM: What is your favorite APP on your phone?

Devon: BBM……I know exactly when you read my message!

The OGM: What impact will the Millennial Generation have on the Energy industry?

Devon: I hope they’re not risk adverse. The ‘slam-dunk’ O&G discoveries are behind us. We’re now exploring areas with less than favorable environmental and political climates with harsher fiscal regimes. We’re heavily relying on new technologies to provide us with the confidence to invest in future developments. Now more than ever the R&D sector will play an important part in the success of future exploration and development opportunities.