My guide to getting a job in the Alberta Oil Sands

It never fails that any time I am heading to work in the infamous Oil Sands of northern Alberta, someone asks, 'how do you get work there, I want to go'. I have explained the process that I go through to more people than Clark has beans. So what I am going to do is try to explain the process here in hopes that it will help someone out.

First of all please note that I am a union carpenter. This means that I belong to the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiner of America. This is key for the process that I have to deal with. If you are not union then this may not help you. I am writing this for my brothers in the union, but some of it will still apply to anyone else and I will point those details out as they come.

Step 1. *This step is for union carpenters*

Call your local union office (mine is Local 18) and tell them that you are interested in working in Alberta and that you would like them to send your information to the dispatch of Local 1325 in Edmonton. *It is worth noting here that having your scaffold ticket will greatly improve your chances of getting a call back, so if you don't have it get yourself registered and take the course! Now this does not mean that you have no chance of getting work in Alberta, so don't get discouraged and give up.

Step 2. *This step is for union carpenters*

Go to the website of the Alberta Carpenters and check the job list. Look over the jobs and see if there is anything that appeals to you. You can always call the dispatch at Local 1325 (1-800-272-7905) and check to see if they received your information, as well as letting them know what jobs you may be interested in. But don't be pushy, this will not help you.

Step 3. *This step is for union carpenters*

Wait. Don't drive the dispatch crazy calling every day, once they have your info and an opening they will call you. Once all the criteria are met and there is an opening suitable for you they will call and offer you a job. At this point if it is not the job you were hoping for then politely ask them if you would be able to take the job that you were hoping for, the worst that they will do is say no. At this point of the game it is in your best interest to know what is available on the job list (check it daily). It will help you make a quick decision if you are already aware of job conditions ahead of the call. I print the list out and have it in front of me so that I can see what they are proposing.

It may be worth noting that if you require flight you should tell them that. Not all jobs have flights! Some jobs are local hire only, and some only fly from certain areas. If you are from anywhere but the local area then you want the jobs to have flights from all hubs. Many jobs have flights that are charter and you pay nothing out of pocket. Some jobs reimburse you part or all of your commercial flight, make sure you ask and understand the flight conditions.

Step 4.

Now that you have secured employment you will most likely have to get an A&D test before proceeding. A&D stands for Alcohol and Drugs. Yes this is the obligatory piss test. The dispatch that you get if you are a union carpenter will have the necessary information. Either the company will call you or the dispatch will give you a number to call. Make sure you read it carefully and follow any instruction. No matter which way it comes about odds are you will have to pee in a cup before they will book your flight or let you on site. Once you sort out your A&D test requirements book your test and have it done.

Step 5.

Wait. Yes, more waiting. This all does not happen over night. It may take a week or more to get yourself out there. At some point, usually within 48 hours you will get a result from the testing company. Once you have a Negative result you can move on to the next step.

Step 6.

Getting to site. If you are like me and are using the charter flight system that is available for some jobs then you will probably have to call the 'flight coordinator' for that site. For a union carpenter the number will be on your dispatch. Find the number and call them up to see what their procedure is from this point. More than likely they already have your clearance and are working on booking you. This may take a couple of days, as they may be taking care of thousands of flights. Just let the process play out. They will contact you when they have your itinerary.

If you are staying in camp they will have all that information for you with your flight information. If you are not staying in camp then the odds are that you are booking your own flight and you will need a negative result before they let you on site.

Step 7.

Go. Once you have the information then it is pretty obvious from here.

NOTES

• If you are going to work in Alberta you will need to have your CSTS card. This stands for Construction Safety Training System. You are able to do an online course to get this for$65. Check out http://www.acsa-safety.org/page.php?s=3&p=14# for more information. 
• None of your construction safety tickets will be valid if they are not from Alberta. You will need to redo all of your training, such as fall arrest. There are several places online where you can get the necessary training such as http://simplesafety.ca/ Just remember to only get the training that is required to get you on the job as some of the courses can be costly.