Chevron Australia is one of the country’s largest energy producers and one of the most prestigious employers in the offshore oil and gas industry. Best known for operating the massive Gorgon and Wheatstone LNG projects off the coast of Western Australia, Chevron has become a benchmark for safety, technology, and global career pathways.
For FIFO and offshore workers, Chevron offers exceptional pay, international training standards, and access to some of the world’s most advanced LNG and subsea facilities. But it also comes with a highly regulated environment, intense compliance, and physical and mental challenges typical of offshore life.
This 2026 guide dives deep into what it’s like to work for Chevron Australia — covering jobs, rosters, training, lifestyle, pay, and how to prepare for one of the most competitive employers in the resources sector.
1. Chevron in Australia: The Overview
Chevron has operated in Australia for over 70 years, with its current focus on the Carnarvon Basin off the northwest coast. The company’s flagship projects — Gorgon LNG and Wheatstone LNG — together represent investments exceeding AUD 80 billion and employ thousands of workers across onshore and offshore facilities.
Major Assets:
- Gorgon Project (Barrow Island): One of the largest LNG plants in the world, producing 15.6 million tonnes per year.
- Wheatstone Project (Ashburton North, near Onslow): Produces 8.9 million tonnes of LNG annually.
- Jansz-Io Gas Field: Connected via subsea infrastructure to the Gorgon processing plant.
- Offshore platforms and subsea systems: Feeding gas through pipelines to onshore facilities.
Chevron’s Australian operations are a critical part of its global energy network, supplying LNG to Asia and domestic gas to Western Australia.
Why workers choose Chevron:
- World-class facilities, training, and safety.
- High pay and strong job stability.
- International opportunities within Chevron’s global network.
- Structured FIFO and offshore rotations with premium support.
- Long project life and low volatility compared to smaller operators.
Challenges to expect:
- Extremely high compliance standards.
- Strict safety and behavioural expectations.
- Limited entry-level openings.
- Long shifts, confined offshore environments, and extensive documentation.
2. Key Project Sites and Work Locations
Gorgon LNG — Barrow Island
- Located about 60 kilometres off the Pilbara coast.
- Consists of three LNG trains, a domestic gas plant, and CO₂ injection systems for carbon capture.
- Workforce includes process operators, instrument techs, electrical and mechanical trades, and environmental specialists.
- FIFO via charter flights from Perth to Barrow Island airstrip.
Wheatstone LNG — Ashburton North (Onslow)
- Major LNG and domestic gas plant supported by offshore Wheatstone and Iago fields.
- Onshore roles include process operations, maintenance, and construction.
- Port facilities and storage operations also require mechanical, electrical, and marine specialists.
- FIFO from Perth or DIDO from Onslow township.
Offshore Fields — Jansz-Io, Wheatstone, Iago
- Offshore production facilities, subsea wells, and control systems.
- Rotations typically managed from Perth, with helicopter or vessel transport to site.
3. Common Job Roles and Disciplines
Chevron employs across a wide range of technical and support disciplines.
Operations and Production
- Process Operators and Technicians (gas compression, LNG processing).
- Control Room Operators and Supervisors.
- Field Operators and Offshore Production Technicians.
- Marine Operations and Cargo Officers on FPSOs or platforms.
Trades and Maintenance
- Mechanical Fitters, Diesel Technicians, and Rotating Equipment Specialists.
- Electricians and Instrumentation Technicians (EEHA certified).
- HVAC Technicians and Refrigeration Mechanics.
- Boilermakers, Pipefitters, and Scaffolders (shutdown and construction support).
- Rope Access Technicians for offshore maintenance.
Technical and Engineering Roles
- Reliability Engineers and Asset Integrity Specialists.
- Process, Mechanical, Electrical, and Instrumentation Engineers.
- Subsea Engineers and Marine Specialists.
- Safety, Environmental, and Risk Engineers.
Support and Services
- HSE Advisors and Emergency Response Officers.
- Planners, Schedulers, and QA/QC Inspectors.
- Camp, Catering, and Logistics roles at Barrow Island and Onslow.
4. Rosters, Rotations, and Lifestyle
Typical Rosters:
- Offshore Operations: 2 weeks on / 4 weeks off (standard for most offshore workers).
- Barrow Island (Onshore LNG): 2 weeks on / 2 weeks off.
- Wheatstone (Onshore LNG): 8 days on / 6 days off, or 14:14 during project shutdowns.
- Perth Office / Technical Roles: 5 days on / 2 off, with periodic site visits.
Flights, transfers, and accommodation are fully covered. Offshore workers travel via helicopter, while onshore FIFO workers fly to Barrow Island or Onslow.
Work Hours:
- 12-hour shifts (day/night rotation).
- Strict fatigue and rest management protocols.
Lifestyle Notes:
- Offshore cabins typically shared (2-person), with high-quality meals and facilities.
- Onshore camps at Gorgon and Wheatstone feature single ensuite rooms, gyms, cinemas, and recreation areas.
- Limited personal internet offshore but reliable access onshore.
5. Pay and Benefits (2026)
Chevron remains at the top end of pay scales in the energy sector.
Estimated Annual Salaries:
- Utility / Camp Support: $90,000 – $110,000
- Onshore Process Operators: $160,000 – $200,000
- Offshore Production Technicians: $190,000 – $250,000
- Electricians / Instrumentation Techs: $170,000 – $230,000
- Mechanical / Rotating Equipment Specialists: $180,000 – $240,000
- Control Room Supervisors: $200,000 – $280,000
- Engineers (Process, Mechanical, Electrical): $190,000 – $300,000+
Additional Benefits:
- Flights, meals, accommodation, and laundry included.
- Performance and safety bonuses.
- Health and life insurance.
- Paid travel time and additional leave for offshore workers.
- Career mobility across global Chevron operations.
6. Training, Inductions, and Safety Requirements
Chevron maintains some of the strictest safety and environmental protocols in the world. Workers must complete a range of company-specific and industry-standard courses before mobilisation.
Mandatory Requirements:
- White Card (Construction Induction).
- Working at Heights.
- Confined Space Entry.
- Gas Test Atmospheres.
- First Aid and CPR.
- Permit to Work and Isolation training.
- BOSIET or FOET (Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training).
- OGUK or AMSA Medical and Drug/Alcohol Screening.
- MSIC (Maritime Security Identification Card).
- EEHA (Hazardous Areas) certification for electrical roles.
Preferred Extras:
- High Risk Work Licences (EWP, Crane, Rigging, Dogging).
- Rope Access or NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) certification.
- Advanced firefighting or confined space rescue.
- Experience with DCS systems (Honeywell, Emerson, Yokogawa).
- Subsea and marine operations training.
Chevron’s induction programs are comprehensive, including environmental management, cultural heritage, emergency response, and company ethics compliance.
7. Life on Site and Offshore
Barrow Island (Gorgon):
A Class A nature reserve with strict quarantine and environmental rules. Workers live in one of Australia’s most advanced FIFO villages. Facilities include private ensuite rooms, gym, pool, cinema, and café. The company enforces zero alcohol and zero smoking policies due to environmental restrictions.
Wheatstone (Onslow):
Modern onshore LNG village near Ashburton North. Similar facilities with tavern, recreation areas, and reliable connectivity. DIDO available for Onslow residents.
Offshore Facilities:
- Shared cabins, with high safety and hygiene standards.
- 24-hour catering and cleaning services.
- Gym and small recreation areas.
- Crew rotations managed tightly to maintain safety and performance.
8. Advantages and Drawbacks
Advantages:
- Premier employer with global recognition.
- Outstanding pay, training, and accommodation.
- Long-term operational stability.
- Career pathways across multiple countries.
- World-class environmental and safety culture.
Drawbacks:
- Stringent compliance and safety systems can feel restrictive.
- Long swings offshore or on Barrow Island.
- Limited personal freedom (no alcohol, smoking, or unsanctioned recreation).
- High medical and fitness standards.
- Competitive recruitment and limited entry-level access.
9. Career Development and Global Opportunities
Chevron’s scale and international footprint create global mobility for employees. Australian-based workers often transition to roles in the U.S., Asia, or the Middle East.
Typical Progression Pathways:
- Technician → Senior Technician → Supervisor → Superintendent.
- Fitter / Electrician → Reliability Technician → Maintenance Supervisor → Asset Engineer.
- Operator → Control Room Operator → Shift Lead → Operations Superintendent.
- HSE Officer → Senior Advisor → Site Safety Lead → Regional Manager.
Training and Development Programs:
- Apprenticeships for trades and traineeships for process operations.
- Graduate programs for engineers and scientists.
- Leadership and management training accredited through Chevron University.
- Cross-functional rotation programs for high performers.
10. Future Outlook (2026–2030)
Chevron is entering a decade of steady operations and moderate expansion. Key projects shaping future employment include:
- Gorgon Stage 2: Ongoing offshore development and CO₂ injection expansion.
- Wheatstone Expansion and Maintenance Programs: Continuous mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation demand.
- Hydrogen and Carbon Capture Initiatives: Early-stage projects diversifying workforce needs.
As older LNG assets mature, the focus will shift toward reliability engineering, automation, and environmental performance — creating high demand for skilled trades and technical professionals.
11. Final Thoughts
Working FIFO or offshore for Chevron Australia represents the peak of professionalism in the energy industry. It’s not an easy environment — precision, discipline, and resilience are mandatory — but the rewards are unmatched.
For workers who thrive in structured, high-performance settings and value global mobility, Chevron offers one of the most respected and lucrative career paths available in 2026.
If you bring strong trade skills, an unblemished safety record, and a commitment to excellence, Chevron isn’t just a job — it’s a world-class career platform.
