Fort McMurray - Alberta Labour Market Information

Contacting employers
Before you apply for a job, find out how employers prefer to be contacted. Some companies dont accept employment-related telephone calls. Most major employers want applications to be submitted online, or via email. For help building your electronic resume, visit one of the region's economic service providers (see Career and Employment Services for locations)

Jobs in the petroleum industry are some of the most sought after positions in Fort McMurray and the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.

This issue of the Labour Market News looks at jobs in the upstream sector of the petroleum industry. This includes exploration, production, and various scientific, technical, service and supply companies. (See FAQ for info on other kinds of oil sands jobs.)

Who are local employers hiring?
Most people working in the oil sands are employed either by oil sands mining companies or by contractors, often in construction.

Your education, skills and experience will determine what kind of job you might qualify for.

Oil sands companies typically hire skilled workers such as engineers and technologists, as well as management and business/administration staff. They also employ certified tradespeople, such as welders and pipefitters, process operators and heavy equipment operators. Major oil sands companies in the region include Suncor, Syncrude, Shell Albian Sands and Canadian Natural Resources Limited.

Contractors often work for the oil sands companies doing construction and maintenance work. They also work outside the oil sands, in areas such as residential or commercial construction. Labourers, building tradespeople, heavy equipment operators and project managers are some of the workers hired by contractors. Major contractors in the region include Flint Energy, Kiewit, Ledcor and Canonbie, but there are many others.

Online job search
Most employers list job openings on their websites. Look on their website home pages for headers such as Careers, Employment, Join Our Team or Working With Us. See woodbuffalo.net for a list of employer websites.

Housing

Part of the job hunt in Wood Buffalo involves finding housing. Due to demand, housing is expensive and very limited in Fort McMurray. A bachelor suite, for example, rented for $1,448 per month in June 2009.

Jobs may include housing, but it depends on the company and the position being filled.

Work camps and LOA
Some oil sands companies and contractors provide housing at work camps, which are much like hotels. Suncor, for example, provides camp housing to process operators at its Firebag site, but not at its main oil sands mining site.

Other companies may provide a living-out allowance (LOA) or housing allowance to offset the high cost of living in Fort McMurray. Housing allowances may only be temporary until workers are settled.

Don’t get left without a place to stay. Remember to research local housing options as part of your job search.

Oil sands companies vs. contractors
If you are trying to decide whether to work for a large oil sands company or a contractor, go back to the basics.

Research the company you are interested in. Find out what skills you need to work there. Find out if the job you’re interested in is permanent or temporary, then decide what is best for you.

A contractor may only be able to hire a worker for the length of a contract. Contractors may provide housing, while major oil sands companies usually want their employees to move to Fort McMurray.

For more employment information in Fort McMurray and Wood Buffalo, call the Wood Buffalo Labour Market Information Line at 780-715-0222, email info@woodbuffalo.net or visit woodbuffalo.net.

The information in this issue of Labour Market News was current as of the date shown. Employment outlook, salaries and educational programs may change. Please verify the information with additional sources before making career or business investment decisions. Contact us for more information.