How to become a Supervisor
Official title: Supervisors, petroleum, gas and chemical processing and utilities
Also called: Landfill supervisor, Gas field supervisor, Gas plant foreman/woman, Power station supervisor, Waste treatment supervisor, Chemical unit foreman/woman, Compost facility supervisor, Gas transmission supervisor, Petroleum refining supervisor, Chemical processing supervisor, Gas distribution foreman/woman, Paint processing foreman/woman
Supervisors in petroleum, gas and chemical processing and utilities supervise and coordinate the activities of workers in the following unit groups: Central control and process operators, petroleum, gas and chemical processing (93101), Power engineers and power systems operators (92100), Water and waste treatment plant operators (92101), Chemical plant machine operators (94110) and Labourers in chemical products processing and utilities (95102). They are employed by petroleum and natural gas processing, pipeline and petrochemical companies, chemical and pharmaceutical companies, electric power utilities, water and waste treatment utilities and in a range of other industries and institutions.
Main tasks
- Supervise, co-ordinate and schedule the activities of workers who operate petroleum refineries, chemical plants, water and waste treatment plants and equipment, pipelines, heating plants and power stations and systems
- Identify, investigate, correct and document potential environmental and safety problems
- Establish methods to meet work schedules and co-ordinate work activities with other departments
- Resolve work problems and recommend measures to improve productivity and product quality
- Provide information for maintenance plans to ensure that maintenance and production objectives are met
- Requisition materials and supplies
- Train staff in job duties, safety procedures and company policy
- Recommend personnel actions such as hirings and promotions
How to become one
Completion of secondary school is required. Post-secondary education in chemical processing or sciences may be required for some occupations in this unit group. Several years of experience as a senior operator in the same company or plant are usually required. Some occupations in this unit group may require a specific licence or certification, such as a power engineer licence, refrigeration certification or wastewater treatment certification. Solid waste, landfill or compost facility operator certification may be required.
Ways in
- College or CEGEP: College or CEGEP program. 33% of workers hold a college or other non-degree diploma (Census 2021). Common fields: Energy systems technologies/technicians; Business administration, management and operations; Electrical and power transmission installers.
- Licence or registration: Some occupations in this unit group may require a specific licence or certification, such as a power engineer licence, refrigeration certification or wastewater treatment certification.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $83,850 a year The middle half earn $60,938 to $107,816.
- About 19,900 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 21,800 are projected by 2033. (+9.5%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
Related jobs
- Supervisors, mineral and metal processing
- Supervisors, food and beverage processing
- Supervisors, plastic and rubber products manufacturing
- Supervisors, forest products processing
- Supervisors, textile, fabric, fur and leather products processing and manufacturing
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Supervisor?
Completion of secondary school is required. Post-secondary education in chemical processing or sciences may be required for some occupations in this unit group. Several years of experience as a senior operator in the same company or plant are usually required. Some occupations in this unit group may require a specific licence or certification, such as a power engineer licence, refrigeration certification or wastewater treatment certification. Solid waste, landfill or compost facility operator certification may be required.
How much does a Supervisor earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $83,850 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $60,938 to $107,816.
Is a Supervisor a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 10% by 2033, from about 19,900 to about 21,800 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a Supervisor?
Usually not. Only 22% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: College or CEGEP program.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03