Tester to Halliburton: Hire Montanans for new Bakken positions

Senator pushes energy giant to ‘look no further than the Big Sky State’ in filling open positions

(U.S. SENATE) – U.S. Senator Jon Tester is pushing Halliburton to hire Montanans as the energy industry giant pursues energy exploration projects along the Bakken oil shale formation in eastern Montana.

Halliburton recently announced plans to hire 11,000 people to work on oil development projects in Montana and North Dakota. 

Tester, in a letter to Halliburton Chairman and CEO David J. Lesar, says that Halliburton should “look no further than the Big Sky State to find the right folks” to fill open positions.

“Montanans have a tireless work ethic,” Tester wrote. “Montanans in the eastern part of the state near the Bakken Shale are ready to work at a moment’s notice. Montanans elsewhere in the state are also ready to get to work and have all the skills necessary for the projects Halliburton is undertaking.”

Tester also provided Halliburton with a list of individuals who can connect the company with ready-to-work Montanans, including career counselors at Montana colleges and representatives from trade unions.

“We truly have a first-rate talent pool, comprised of some of the smartest, best educated, and most capable workers in every trade and at all levels of the workforce,” Tester wrote.

“Creating jobs in Montana and breaking our dependence on foreign oil are two important goals,” Tester said. “If Halliburton is going to come in here and develop the Bakken, they ought to be hiring Montanans. Our hard-working citizens have proven time after time that they can handle any job thrown at them.”

Tester encourages greater development of the Bakken formation as a way to responsibly increase domestic oil production and move the United States toward energy independence.

Tester’s letter appears below.

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September 7, 2011

David J. Lesar
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
Halliburton Company
3000 North Sam Houston Parkway East
Houston, Texas 77032

Dear David:
           
Halliburton recently announced plans to hire 11,000 people for energy exploration projects along the Bakken Shale formation in Montana and North Dakota. Projects like these are necessary to break our dependence on foreign oil, and the jobs that can come with these efforts are critical for the people of Montana. I urge Halliburton to look no further than the Big Sky State to find the right folks to fill these openings.

As I’m sure you’re aware, Montanans have a tireless work ethic, and right now thousands of my state’s residents are seeking ways to demonstrate their drive and determination. Many of these Montanans already live in the eastern part of the state near the Bakken Shale and are ready to work at a moment’s notice. Montanans elsewhere in the state are also ready to get to work and have all the skills necessary for the projects you’re undertaking.

Again, I urge you to harness the power of Montana’s greatest resource – its people –as you work to harness the important energy resources in the Bakken Shale. We truly have a first-rate talent pool, comprised of some of the smartest, best educated, and most capable workers in every trade and at all levels of the workforce. 

I’ve included with this letter a list of individuals who can connect you directly to Montanans eager to join your team. And please feel free to contact my office if I can be of any further help in putting Montanans to work.

Sincerely,
(s)
Jon Tester
United States Senator

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