Oil Companies Struggle To Find Qualified Employees, Housing
By: Mycah Glover
Updated: June 22, 2012
MIDLAND -- Gas stations and restaurants aren't the only ones posting help wanted signs in the Permian Basin. Oil businesses are also in dire need of help. In fact, one service company says they're having to move their headquarters to find it.
Basic Energy Services got it's start in Midland in 1992. They've since grown their revenue to $1.2 billion. Now, they're packing up their corporate headquarters and moving to Fort Worth.
"We have, as of late, with the boom in the energy sector in the Permian Basin, have experienced problems hiring additional people such in accounting, finance, it, human resources," said Alan Krenek, Sr. VP of Basic Energy Services.
While that's the main reason, he also says now that Basic has 6,000 employees operating in 13 states, they needed a more centralized location. "Fort Worth fit that bill," said Krenek.
While companies like Basic say it's in their best interest to leave, other companies say they're working hard to find ways to stay.
"It's been a real challenge obviously," said Roger Alexander, Cimarex regional manager.
One of the biggest challenges is housing. "We have three company apartments that we rent to allow people from our different offices to come into town, give them time to find housing and so forth," said Alexander.
Whether it's a housing problem or an employee shortage, Alexander said Cimerex is one company that has no plans to leave. "You have to do what you have to do to keep your people running and keep the drilling activity going," he said.
Although Basic's headquarters is moving, their operations, which includes over 30 service points and 2,300 employees, will stay intact. They currently have about 100 employees in their corporate office. They expect roughly 35 will make the move to Fort Worth. Either way, Krenek said they offer a very generous severance and retention package. He also says Basic will continue to financially support the Midland community.
Basic Energy Services got it's start in Midland in 1992. They've since grown their revenue to $1.2 billion. Now, they're packing up their corporate headquarters and moving to Fort Worth.
"We have, as of late, with the boom in the energy sector in the Permian Basin, have experienced problems hiring additional people such in accounting, finance, it, human resources," said Alan Krenek, Sr. VP of Basic Energy Services.
While that's the main reason, he also says now that Basic has 6,000 employees operating in 13 states, they needed a more centralized location. "Fort Worth fit that bill," said Krenek.
While companies like Basic say it's in their best interest to leave, other companies say they're working hard to find ways to stay.
"It's been a real challenge obviously," said Roger Alexander, Cimarex regional manager.
One of the biggest challenges is housing. "We have three company apartments that we rent to allow people from our different offices to come into town, give them time to find housing and so forth," said Alexander.
Whether it's a housing problem or an employee shortage, Alexander said Cimerex is one company that has no plans to leave. "You have to do what you have to do to keep your people running and keep the drilling activity going," he said.
Although Basic's headquarters is moving, their operations, which includes over 30 service points and 2,300 employees, will stay intact. They currently have about 100 employees in their corporate office. They expect roughly 35 will make the move to Fort Worth. Either way, Krenek said they offer a very generous severance and retention package. He also says Basic will continue to financially support the Midland community.
