Atigun Awards 2026 Technician of the Year: Michael Oates
Like most TAPS technicians, Michael “Mike” Oates doesn’t hesitate to go above and beyond – for his teammates, on a job, or when taking on a task outside his core responsibilities. In fact, that’s what Mike, a Maintenance North Electrical Technician at Pump Station 1, is best known for, as well as being a reliable communicator and a proactive problem-solver. He’s now also known for being Alyeska’s 2026 Atigun Awards President’s Choice Technician of the Year.
Mike demonstrated his dedication, skillset and leadership during the PS1 crude oil tank cleaning and inspection project in 2025, when he stepped in as the critical single point of contact between the station and contractor work groups. Mike’s technical expertise and effective project coordination – while still fulfilling his regular duties – demonstrated dedication, flexibility, and composure under pressure. Station teammates say his contributions were a key factor in the project’s safe and timely completion.
In this Atigun Awards Q&A, Mike shares how it felt to land his dream job and then receive the Technician of the Year honor almost seven years later, as well as what he loves about that job, his teammates, and more.
How long have you worked at Alyeska/on TAPS?
(About) seven years. I believe I got my offer letter on April 1 and my onboarding started in August (2019).
How do you feel about receiving the Technician of the Year honor? What does that mean to you, especially on a pipeline and at a pump station with so many talented techs?
Totally unexpected, but full of gratitude. I’m surrounded by some of the sharpest individuals I’ve ever had the pleasure of being around, all who deserve recognition. Because this job is a full and complete team effort.
Tell us about your job and what is your favorite part of your role?
I absolutely love what I do and the team/family that I’m surrounded by. I love that my job gives me the freedom to work in so many different areas and with people from electrical, mechanical and rotating equipment.
Do you have a favorite/most memorable time or day on TAPS?
I would have to say it was the day I got my hire letter, because that was the beginning of a career that I was working towards and a company that I always wanted to be a part of. Then I would have to say the onboarding process, because that’s when I began friendships, with people not only at work but as well as outside of work, that I will have for a lifetime.
Is there anyone you’d like to recognize who has helped you along the way or supports your work?
First, I would have to say my (Pump Station 1) leadership, Nancy Lea, is always there supporting us as individuals and our goals, but also trusts and supports her team to always come together to accomplish anything put in front of us. And that starts with her amazing leadership! It’s been amazing working for her.
I also need to mention and thank (fellow PS1 technicians) Sailor Williams and Jason Werner for taking me under their wing and taking time to mentor me in the rotating equipment and automation world – they have been amazing.
Also, Ben Prax/Randolph Jacobsen for all things mechanical; Joe Diemienteff/Eric Greiner/Tom Peterson for all things electrical; and Jesse Shepherd for all things Instrumentation.
Sorry if this is longwinded, but I wouldn’t be where I am today without all of these individuals dedicating endless amounts of time to help me Get Better Every Day!