Life on the North Slope: slope work provides adventuresome jobs, with great pay and decent accommodations.

• Author: Liles, Patricia

Since its start more than 33 years ago, Alaska's North Slope oil and gas industry has created a new and unique type of employment opportunity for individuals with the skills and desire to work long days in a harsh and remote environment.

The North Slope worker subset within Alaska's oil and gas industry has translated into a lifelong career choice and a preferred employment location for hundreds of individuals who are willing to adjust their personal lifestyle to the unique schedule, work location and demands of the job.

For people like Rick Dufek, who began working on the North Slope for drilling contractors in 1980, the changing schedule, long-distance commute and the frequently harsh work environment all have become a preferred way of life and a good method to support his family.

"I'm very proud to be part of it all--I have pride in what I do," said Dufek, who now typically works a two-week-on, two-week-off schedule as the North Slope safety coordinator for Nabors Drilling. "We've done very well the last 23 years and now my son has started working up here this year."

Following his father's footsteps, the younger Dufek has found a crew he enjoys working with, a schedule he likes and a job he looks forward to returning to. "For many of us, it becomes a way of life, and when you're away from it, you actually miss it," Rick Dufek said.

THE GOOD LIFE

Some characteristics of North Slope employment remain the same today as in the early days of the oil field development, such as quality food, accommodations and transportation provided to workers while on the job.

Workers are transported from Anchorage to Deadhorse via 737 jets operated by the producers' shared services operation, aircraft that are typically full and do not offer a first-class seating section, nor an alcoholic beverage service for northbound flights. After arriving on the Slope, workers are transported to their work or camp site via shuttle van or other types of ground transportation.

Sleeping accommodations are in dormitory-style camp buildings, complete with cleaning service, workout rooms and, in some areas, satellite television and Internet service. Full-time employees may bring personal items and leave them, as well as their work clothing, in their rooms while off the Slope.

Workers dine in cafeterias that offer a wide variety of entrees, side dishes, desserts and take-out snacks, and Slope workers are offered healthy food choices. And some workers are even provided, free of...