Contract work has become a popular option in the energy industry, especially for professionals looking to gain experience quickly or stay flexible in their careers. Whether it’s a six-month offshore project or a year-long assignment in renewables, short-term roles are helping companies stay agile and opening new doors for skilled workers. But is contract work the right move for you? Before making the leap, it’s worth looking at both the opportunities and the trade-offs.

What is contract work in the energy sector?

Contract work usually means taking on a role for a fixed period of time, rather than being hired as a permanent employee. In the energy sector, this can include temporary site jobs, project-based assignments, or freelance consulting roles. Some contracts are short, just a few weeks. Others can last a year or more, depending on the project timeline and budget.

This type of work is common in oil and gas, renewables, infrastructure, and offshore operations. It gives companies the flexibility to scale up their workforce for specific projects, while giving professionals a chance to gain experience, explore new locations, and keep their careers moving.

Top benefits of working on a contract basis

For many professionals, contract work brings real advantages. The flexibility can be a huge plus if you want to explore different sectors or locations without a long-term commitment. Contract jobs also tend to move faster, meaning less waiting between interviews and start dates.

Many contract roles offer:

• Higher pay rates, especially for specialized skills

• Variety, allowing you to work on different projects and technologies

• A faster hiring process, with fewer layers of approval

• Opportunities to build your network across companies and regions

If you’re early in your career or looking to stay mobile, contract work can offer the freedom to learn and grow on your terms.

Risks and drawbacks of contract positions

Of course, contract work isn’t without its challenges. The biggest one is job security. When a project ends, so does your contract, meaning you may have gaps between roles unless you line something up early. You may also miss out on traditional benefits like paid leave, health insurance, or pension contributions, depending on how the contract is structured.

Other challenges include:

• Less stability, especially in market downturns

• Limited access to training or career progression within a company

• Navigating different payroll systems, especially across borders

That said, many professionals find ways to work around these gaps by building strong relationships with recruiters and planning ahead.

Which roles in the energy sector are often contract-based?

Contract work is common in roles that are tied to projects or seasonal demand. These include:

• Offshore engineers and technicians, often hired for fixed shifts or rotation schedules

• Project managers and planners, brought in during peak phases of development

• HSE (Health, Safety, Environment) specialists, often needed for audits or shutdowns

• Electrical and mechanical technicians, hired for equipment installation and testing

• Commissioning engineers, who support startups and transitions

Because these roles are hands-on and time-sensitive, contract professionals are valued for their ability to jump in quickly and deliver results.

Next steps for considering contract work

If you’re considering contract work in energy, think about your career goals, lifestyle needs, and ability to adapt to change. Some professionals thrive on variety and fast-paced work environments. Others prefer the structure and benefits of permanent roles. There’s no right or wrong, just what fits your current situation.

Take time to speak with a recruiter who understands the energy sector and can guide you toward contracts that match your goals. Whether you want to build experience or earn more flexibility, contract work can be a strong step forward, if you go in with your eyes open.

That’s exactly what we’re here for at WTS Energy. Speak to one of our recruiters or explore our open roles to find the opportunity that fits you best.