Energy Sector
Job Skills & Competencies
Framework
Copyright IBM Company June 2014
Page 1
Energy Sector Jobs Framework
IBM recognizes the dynamic talent and skills management issues across all areas of operation in the Energy
Sector. While these issues may feel tactical to those involved, they can also have wide ranging impact on the
successful and continuing operations of the overall business.
Many times the issues are not shared, preventing HR and Organizational Development from providing a
solution. Through a structured approach to capturing the skills and talent required, you can capture, recognize
and manage risk against such issues as:
 Government Regulation and Compliance
 Communication of standards for executing operational procedures
 Vendor management and compliance to expected service and quality levels
 Industry consolidation, mergers and acquisitions
When poorly applied knowledge or practices are left unchecked, the costs can be measured in billions of
dollars; from missed identification of reserves to catastrophic system failure. In an organization it may be easy
to answer a question such as “How many drill bits do we have?” or “What is our retail sensitivity to price
changes?”, but the same cannot be said when asked of knowledge, skills or people and their organizational
impact in using or making those decisions. Using a Job and Competency Framework, you will be able to lay the
foundation for answering:
 How many people and who and where are the ones with critical skills to support a new
operation?
 What is it that our top people do best? Replicate and recruit to best performance standards.
 Can we prove our compliance and audit our processes?
 What is our mission critical knowledge and where does that institutional memory reside?
 How/who do we integrate following an acquisition, to optimize the resources and investment?
These challenges are not just limited to the operational side of a business, but also include an enterprise-wide
focus. The IBM library includes specific and unique jobs by industry, like the Energy and Oil & Gas industries,
and those shared services such as HR, IT, etc. The IBM models provide complete job and competency data
across the job families commonly found in organizations.
For more than 20 years, the IBM Competency Framework has been deployed in many organizations to help
them - either independently or as part of a larger HR strategy - improve learning, development and
performance of a company’s most critical components. Using the content library is a rapid and robust way to
customize your organizationally aligned competencies and job profiles.
IBM offers Job Skills & Competencies across 18 different industries. This is but one of those libraries. Kenexa
offers complete solutions to support your Talent Management requirements including cloud based software
to manage your workforce Job Skills & Competencies, Employee Self-Assessment, Manager Assessment, Skills
Gap analysis and more.
Page 2
IBM
Energy Sector Job Competencies Framework
1) Skills Architecture & Types of Skills………………………………………………………………….Page 4
2) Overview of all Energy Sector Jobs Framework……………………………………………….Page 5
3) Job Titles in the Framework…………………………………………..………………………………..Page 6
4) Sample Jobs:
a) Nuclear Engineer
 Job Title / Band…………………………………………………………………………………Page 9
 Competencies for this Job…………………………………………………………………Page 10
 Proficiency Levels and Behavioral Indicators by Competency……………Page 11
 Learning Resources by Competency…..……………………………………..........Page 12
 Development Statements (SMART Goals) by Competency…..…………..Page 13
 Coaching Tips and Interview Questions by Competency…………………..Page 14
b) Rig Supervisor (Oil & Gas)
 Job Title / Band……………………………………………………………………………Page 15
 Competencies for this Job……………………………………………………………Page 16
 Proficiency Levels and Behavioral Indicators by Competency………Page 17
 Learning Resources by Competency…..……………………………………....Page 18
 Development Statements (SMART Goals) by Competency….. ……..Page 18
 Coaching Tips and Interview Questions by Competency……………..Page 19
Page 3
IBM
Energy Sector Job Competencies Framework
IBM COMPETENCY ARCHITECTURE
Page 4
IBM
Overview of Energy Sector Jobs Framework
9 Job Families
Job Family Name
90 Jobs
Job Descriptions, Profile, Primary
Responsibilities and expected Proficiency
levels for incumbents in the role
# of Jobs
Energy / Oil & Gas Functions:
Exploration (Oil & Gas)
12

Production (Oil & Gas)
10

Refining & Processing
11

Sales & Marketing (Oil & Gas)
10

Fossil & Hydro Power
9

Functional/ Technical
200

Nuclear Power
11

145

Energy Business Services
9
Core/Foundational
(Business, Individual,
Management & Leadership)

Power Supply & Distribution
8

Retail Energy Services
10
Job

345 Competencies
Each Competency with 4 levels of
Proficiency defined by 21 unique behavioral
descriptors:
Level 1: Basic Understanding
Level 2: Working Experience
Level 3: Extensive Experience
Level 4: Subject Matter Depth/Breadth
Mapped to each unique competency, tools
for applying your framework in
operational projects:
Page 5

Learning Resources

Interview Questions

Development Goals

Coaching Tips

Performance Writing Assistance
IBM
Energy Sector Competencies Framework
Job Family and Job Titles
Job Function
Job Title
Exploration
Discovery of oil and gas deposits through geoscientific data and
onshore/offshore exploratory drilling.
Exploration and Production Director
Exploration Manager
Geoscientist Manager
Reservoir Engineer (Exploration)
Completion Engineer
Drilling Engineer (Exploration)
Geologist
Geophysicist
Petrophysicist
Project Engineer (Exploration)
Rig Supervisor
Roughneck
Production
Extraction of oil and gas from their original deposits through
onshore and offshore drilling.
Production Manager (Oil & Gas)
Drilling Operations Manager
Oil Field Manager
Reservoir Engineer (Production)
Drilling Engineer (Production)
Production Engineer (Oil and Gas)
Project Engineer (Production)
Subsea Operation Engineer
Oilwell Pumper
Derrickman
Refining and Processing
Oil refining, petrochemicals, and gas processing.
Refinery Manager
Engineering Support Manager
Refinery Maintenance Manager
Refinery Operations Manager
Environmental Engineer (Refining)
Safety Engineer (Refining)
Chemical Engineer (Refining)
Mechanical Engineer (Refining)
Process Engineer (Refining)
Project Engineer (Refining)
Refinery Operator
Marketing & Sales
Wholesale and retail sales and marketing of crude oil, natural gas
and petroleum products
Marketing Director (Oil and Gas)
Marketing Manager (Retail)
Marketing Manager (Wholesale Oil and Gas)
Account Manager (Wholesale)
Area Manager (Retail)
Page 6
Sales Engineer (Wholesale)
Marketing Specialist (Retail Oil and Gas)
Market Analyst (Oil and Gas)
Gas Station Manager
Sales Representative (Retail)
Fossil and Hydro Power
Jobs related to generation of electricity through fossil fuels or
hydroelectric sources.
Business Development Manager, Hydro and Turbine
Hydroelectric Production Manager
Power Plant Maintenance Manager
Hydro Engineering Supervisor
Fossil and Hydro Project Manager
Fossil Mechanical Engineer
Fossil Power Plant Performance Engineer
Safety Engineer, Hydro
Hydroelectric Plant Technician
Nuclear Power
Jobs that are specific to the generation of electricity by nuclear
power.
Nuclear Waste Project Director
Nuclear Operations Manager
Nuclear Quality Assurance Manager
Senior Nuclear Engineer
Nuclear Engineer
Nuclear Electrical Engineer
Nuclear Facilities Engineer
Nuclear Mechanical Engineer
Nuclear Safety Engineer
Nuclear Test Engineer
Nuclear Monitoring Technician
Energy Business Services
Jobs that are common to all energy industry companies
independent of the type of energy source.
Energy Services Sales Executive
Power Generation Services Director
Energy Business Development Manager
Attorney, Energy
Energy Business Project Manager
Energy Business Analyst, Senior
Energy Business Consultant, Senior
Energy Auditor
Energy Administrator
Power Supply and Distribution
Power Supply Manager
Jobs related to electric power distribution.
Power Supply System Technician
Engineering Services Supervisor
Power Supply and Transmission Services Supervisor
Power Distribution Supervisor
Power Distribution System Designer
Power Supply Technician, Senior
Load Dispatcher
Page 7
Retail Energy Services
Jobs related to the marketing and sales of energy products to
commercial and residential consumers.
Energy Retail General Manager
Energy Retail Account Manager
Energy Retail Customer Service Manager
Energy Retail Marketing Manager
Energy Retail Product Manager
Energy Retail Sales Manager
Energy Retail Customer Service Representative, Senior
Energy Engineer
Energy Retail Project Engineer
Energy Retail Sales Representative, Senior
Page 8
IBM
Energy Sector Job Competencies Framework
Nuclear Engineer- Sample Job profile
Job Function Name: Nuclear Power
Job Title
Nuclear Engineer
Job Description
Designs and constructs nuclear reactors and power plants;
monitors the operations of nuclear power plants to ensure
efficiency and safety.
Job Responsibility 1
Designs and constructs nuclear reactors, power plants and
associated systems (e.g. transport systems), according to
research and upon complete evaluation of systems.
Job Responsibility 2
Ensures proper calculations and analyses of nuclear criticality,
shielding, source term and containment.
Job Responsibility 3
Monitors the operation of nuclear power plants to ensure
compliance with safety standards and regulations.
Job Responsibility 4
Completes other administrative duties, including nuclear
project budget preparation, traceable documentation
development, etc.
Job Band
Page 9
Nuclear Engineer - Skills & Competencies
Competency
Code
B0300
B0750
B1030
Let’s explore
this Skill
(Details on
next pages)
Importance
3 - Extensive experience
2 - Working experience
Medium
Medium
3 - Extensive experience
2 - Working experience
3 - Extensive experience
3 - Extensive experience
3 - Extensive experience
3 - Extensive
experience
3 - Extensive experience
2 - Working experience
High
High
Medium
Medium
Medium
I1020
I1060
Quality Management
Process Management
Effectiveness Measurement
Employee Health and Safety
Problem Solving
Accuracy and Attention to
Detail
Analytical Thinking
Technical Excellence
I1070
Technology Advising
2 - Working experience
Medium
M0250
Project Management
2 - Working experience
Medium
TEN1105
Nuclear Power Plant Construction
3 - Extensive experience
High
TEN1110
Nuclear Power Plant Operations
and Management
2 - Working experience
Medium
TEN1115
Nuclear Safety and Security
3 - Extensive experience
High
TEN1120
Nuclear Facilities Management
3 - Extensive experience
High
Electrical Engineering - Nuclear
Power
2 - Working experience
Medium
TEN1130
Mechanical Engineering - Nuclear
Power
2 - Working experience
Medium
TEN1135
Testing - Nuclear Power
2 - Working experience
Medium
2 - Working experience
High
2 - Working experience
High
B1050
B1060
B1070
I0350
TEN1125
Let’s explore
this Skill
Proficiency
Core Application Systems
Budgeting
I0960
(Details on
next pages)
Competency Name
TEN1140
TEN1145
Nuclear Monitoring and
Evaluation
Nuclear Fuel Cycle
High
High
Medium
TEN1150
Nuclear Reactor Operations and
Management
3 - Extensive experience
High
TEN1155
Nuclear Reactor Research and
Development
2 - Working experience
High
TEN1160
Nuclear Shielding and
Radioactive Decontamination
3 - Extensive experience
High
TEN1165
Nuclear Materials Transportation
and Storage
2 - Working experience
Medium
TEN1170
Nuclear Wastes Disposal and
Management
2 - Working experience
Medium
TEN1175
Nuclear Accident and Crisis
Management
2 - Working experience
Medium
Page 10
Testing – Nuclear Power: Competency
Proficiency Levels and Behavioral Indicators
Consistent
Codes
Competency Code
Competency Name
Competency
Description
Level 1 - Basic
understanding
Level 2 - Working
experience
Recommended
Proficiency
Levels
I0960
TEN1135
Accuracy and Attention to Detail
Testing - Nuclear Power
Understanding of the necessity and value of
accuracy and attention to detail; ability to
process information with high levels of accuracy.
Knowledge of techniques used to test and evaluate the efficiency and
effectiveness of a nuclear power plant's facility systems; ability to
utilize these to make recommendations for adjustments or
improvements.
Explains the importance of accuracy in own
function or unit.
Explains main testing techniques, methods and systems used in a
nuclear power plant.
Identifies tasks or outputs that require accuracy
and detail-level attention.
Describes consequences of errors within own
unit or function.
Identifies main testing areas, items and considerations in a nuclear
power plant.
Explains the important testing issues and activities prior to running a
nuclear power plant.
Identifies the procedures for making sure that
results are mistake-free.
Describes testing agencies and required resources for carrying out
testing activities within a nuclear power plant.
Processes limited amounts of detailed
information with good accuracy.
Utilizes specific approaches and tools for
checking and cross-checking outputs.
Develops and uses checklists to insure that
information goes out error-free.
Accurately gauges the impact and cost of errors,
omissions, and oversights.
Learns from mistakes and applies lessons
learned.
Processes large quantities of detailed
information with high levels of accuracy.
Performs routine pre-test tasks for facilities and systems in nuclear
power generation.
Examines the capability of automatic testing techniques and systems
within a nuclear power plant.
Conducts mechanical, electrical and electronic testing for a nuclear
power plant.
Reports on problems or malfunctions related to the control board
within a nuclear reactor control room.
Participates in commissioning testing for a nuclear power plant in
order to evaluate the capability of electricity generation.
Oversees testing within a nuclear power plant; ensures that
standards, regulations and requirements are upheld.
Tests advanced systems to examine the reliability of the instrument
board within nuclear power testing.
Designs testing criteria and indexes of nuclear power related facilities
and systems for evaluation purposes.
Supervises stress testing and computer simulation processes to
ensure the nuclear reactor's ability to withstand damage when
disaster strikes.
Recommends improvements for the accuracy and efficiency of testing
processes by using various testing techniques and methods; solves
complex problems when they arise.
Coordinates risk evaluations with external experts and authoritative
agencies.
Productively balances speed and accuracy.
Implements a variety of cross-checking
approaches and mechanisms.
Level 3 - Extensive
experience
Evaluates and makes contributions to best
practices.
Demonstrates expertise in quality assurance
tools, techniques, and standards.
Employs techniques for motivating personnel to
meet or exceed accuracy goals.
Level 4 - Subject
matter depth and
breadth
Supports and communicates the organization's
quality management process.
Leads testing projects and staff in a nuclear power plant.
Discusses the value and associated costs of
formal walkthroughs.
Creates testing plans to assess the reliability and accuracy of facilities
and systems in a nuclear power plant.
Designs techniques for measuring the cost and
impact of errors.
Establishes best practices within the nuclear power facility.
Evaluates manual and electronic tools and
techniques for enhancing accuracy.
Develops testing related training programs to improve the skills and
abilities of staff members.
Coaches others in methods of identifying and
correcting errors, oversights and omissions.
Builds and manages relationships with testing agencies and auditing
organizations to remain up to date on the latest testing requirements
and standards.
Monitors the industry for new tools and
techniques in assuring accuracy.
Predicts development trends in nuclear power plant related testing
activities and considerations.
Page 11
Testing – Nuclear Power: Competency
Learning Materials (Competency Specific)
Consistent
Codes
Competency Code
I0960
TEN1135
Competency Name
Accuracy and Attention to Detail
Testing - Nuclear Power
Competency Type
Interpersonal Competencies
Technical – Energy Industry
LR Count
LR1
15
7
Learning
References
LR2
ACT-004: 10-Minute Staff Updates
ACT-011: Request Review of Your Written
Material
ACT-00043: Attend Risk Assessment Conferences
BK-01018: Maintenance of Process Instrumentation
in Nuclear Power Plants
BK-01020: Nuclear Power and Safety: Electric
Power Generation and Control
BK-01019: Power Plant Surveillance and
Diagnostics: Applied Research with Artificial
Intelligence
BK-01021: Power Quality in Power Systems and
Electrical Machines
ORG-11145: World Association of Nuclear
Operators (WANO)
ORG-11144: World Nuclear Association(WNA)
LR3
ACT-015: Solicit Feedback
LR4
ACT-031: Visit Local Library or Bookstore
LR5
ACT-051: Solicit Advice from Others
LR6
ACT-054: Measure the Quality of Your Writing
LR7
ACT-099: Consult with Subject-Matter Expert
LR8
LR9
BK-3050: Skillbuilding
BK-3052: Powerful Proofreading Skills
LR10
BK-0887: Proof It!
LR11
LR15
BK-0360: Editing Today
BK-3023: Managing Time and Space in the
Modern Warehouse...
BK-3024: How to Quickly Learn Typing and
Easily Improve Your Speed and Accuracy
BK-3025: Cortez Peters' Championship
Keyboarding Drills
BK-3051: Handbook for Proofreading
Learning
Reference
Code
Learning
Reference
Type
Learning
Reference
Name
Learning Reference
Description
Author
Publisher
or Vendor
Publish
Year
Provider
Web Address
or ISBN/ASIN
BK-3023
Books
Managing Time and
Space in the
Modern
Warehouse...
"Subtitle: With Ready-To-Use Forms,
Checklists & Documentation."
Bolten,
Ernst
AMACOM
1997
Amazon
ISBN-13: 9780814479568
ACT-00043
Activities On &
Off the job
Attend Risk
Assessment
Conferences
"Attend national conferences
discussing risk assessment
methodologies, processes, current
dilemmas and further development
trends."
LR12
LR13
LR14
Page 12
Testing – Nuclear Power: Competency
SMART Goals (Competency Specific)
Consistent
Codes
Competency Code
I0960
Competency Name
Accuracy and Attention to Detail
Development
Statement
Group
Development
Statement Name
Quantitative
Error and
Omission
Reduction
Qualitative
Quantitative
SMART
Goals
TEN1135
Development
Statement
Name
Development Statement
Description
Qualitative
Nuclear Power
Plant Testing
Plan
"Within 3 months,
develop a testing plan
designed to evaluate the
capability and stability of
the nuclear power plant's
facilities and capabilities."
Qualitative
Nuclear Power
Plant Testing
Processes and
Standards
"Within 6 months,
establish testing
processes and standards
for technical staff to
ensure operations are
performed smoothly."
Documenting
Common Errors
Increase Accuracy
Increase work
accuracy by 5% in the
next year by checking
and cross-checking
work.
Quantitative
Evaluation
Indexes for
Nuclear Power
Plant Testing
Quality Assurance
Spend 10% of your
time each month
performing quality
assurance on work
using appropriate
tools and techniques.
Quantitative
Resolving
Facility Testing
Problems
Rely on Multiple
Reviewers
"By the end of the
year, implement a
"two-reviewer"
system to check for
accuracy in the final
work product."
Qualitative
Training
Program
Testing
Practices
( SMART Goals )
Qualitative
Testing - Nuclear Power
Development
Statement
Group
"Create an FAQ
detailing common
accuracy errors or
oversights, and
update quarterly."
Development
Statements
Quantitative
Development
Statement
Description
Reduce errors and
omissions in group
work by 5% in the
next year by
coaching others in
how to properly
identify and correct
the errors and
omissions.
Page 13
"In 6 months, design 5
evaluation indexes to test
the safety and capability
of a nuclear power plant's
facilities and systems."
"On a quarterly basis,
review and update
testing requirements;
based on this review
resolve 95% of the
problems related to
facility testing in the
nuclear power plant."
"Develop a training
program that focuses on
standard testing practices
within a nuclear power
plant, within the next 6
months."
Testing – Nuclear Power: Competency
Coaching Tips and Interview Questions (Competency Specific)
Consistent
Codes
Competency
Code
Competency
Name
Coaching Tip
Group
Improving
Operations
I0960
TEN1135
Accuracy and Attention to Detail
Testing - Nuclear Power
Coaching Tip
Name
Improve
Accuracy
Through
Automation
Vigilance
Work Checklist
Vigilance
Review Quality
Processes
Coaching Tips
Coaching Tip Description
Look for ways to automate
complex calculations or
recurrent processes in
order to reduce
opportunity for errors.
Create a checklist for
yourself and others to use
when checking work.
Make sure to check off
each step to ensure
completeness and
accuracy.
Review quality processes
to ensure they address all
of the common errors
made in deliverables.
Coaching
Tips
Coaching Tip
Group
Coaching Tip
Name
Coaching Tip Description
Professional
Development
Learn from
Nuclear Power
Testing Engineers
Communicate with testing
engineers on the main
considerations and skills of
facility and system testing in
a nuclear power plant.
Relationship
Building
Latest
Requirements in
Nuclear Power
Plant Auditing
Connect with nuclear power
plant auditing agencies to
familiarize yourself with the
latest testing requirements
and quality standards.
Career Building
Participate in
Safety Systems
Evaluation
Participate in evaluating risk
control practices within your
nuclear power plant.
Exploring
Explore Solutions
for Related
Testing Issues
Explore better solutions for
nuclear power plant testing;
make a list of tentative
solutions.
Testing Projects
Analyze the feasibility of
prospective nuclear power
plant projects to ensure that
all aspects and objectives
are considered before
carrying out these projects.
Vigilance
Interview
Question
Group
Interview
Questions
Interview
Question Name
Interview Question
Description
Results
Past Experience
Effective
Attention to
Detail
Give me an example of a
time you paid close
attention to detail and
how it helped you avoid a
mistake.
Solution
Past Experience
Ineffective
Attention to
Detail
Solution
Interview
Question
Group
Interview
Question Name
Fit
Nuclear Power
Plant Testing
Experience
Tell me about a time when
paying too close attention
to details has hindered
you and how you resolved
it.
Problem
Nuclear
Instrument Board
Testing
Describe
Project Detail
Process
What process do you use
to make sure you don't
miss any details before a
project is completed?
Knowledge
Nuclear
Equipment Safety
Issues
Fit
Acceptable
Accuracy Levels
Do you think that less than
100% accuracy is
acceptable? In what
situation?
Results
Vulnerability
Assessment
Experience
Results
Improving the
Accuracy of
Others' Work
Tell me about something
you did that helped others
improve the accuracy of
their own work.
Trends
Nuclear Power
Trends
Interview
Questions
Page 14
Interview Question
Description
Describe your system
testing experience within a
nuclear power plant.
Describe your biggest
challenge in testing the
stability and reliability of the
instrument board within the
nuclear reactor control
room?
What safety issues should
you be aware of when
working with nuclear
equipment?
Describe any vulnerability
assessments you
participated in; what were
the results of these
assessments?
"What trends do you
foresee in nuclear power
plant testing, within the
next 5 years?"
IBM
Energy Sector Competencies Framework
Oil Rig Supervisor- Sample Job profile
Rig Supervisor- Job Band
Page 15
Rig Supervisor Job - Skills & Competencies
Let’s explore
this Skill
(Details on
next pages)
Page 16
Drilling Rig Operations: Competency
Proficiency Levels and Behavioral Indicators
Consistent
Code
Recommended
Proficiency
Level
Page 17
Drilling Rig Operations: Competency
Learning Materials and SMART Goals (Competency Specific)
Consistent
Code
Learning
References
SMART
Goals
( SMART Goals )
Page 18
Drilling Rig Operations: Competency
Coaching Tips and Interview Questions (Competency Specific)
Consistent
Code
Coaching
Tips
Interview
Questions
Page 19