FORT ST. JOHN AND AREAEMPLOYMENT GUIDE

TRAINING

LIFESTYLE

RESUME

OIL & GAS

RESOURCES

"Funded in whole or part through the Canada-British Columbia

Labour Market Development Agreement".

Our region’s thriving economy provides abundant

employment opportunities.

Investments from the energy industry for unconventional oil and gas drilling, the planned develop-ment of Site C, alternate green energy opportunities and the advancement of bio-energy will dramati-cally impact the future of the North Peace region.

Fort St. John and area is proud of its solid well diversified workforce with over 1, 000 employers. Major industry sectors include Oil and Gas, Services, Retail and Hospitality, Forestry, Construction, and Agriculture. A wide variety of skills, experience and knowledge are needed to meet the demand.

Nearly half of our workforce is comprised of trades or technical workers. There are many opportuni-ties for professionals and all levels of supervisory and management positions. Labourers represent another quarter of the workforce, creating opportunities for both entry level and skilled workers.

Many of the careers available are high-paying with exceptional benefits and on-the job training. You will be able to experience the whole scope of your occupation. If you are keen and good at what you do, advancement can be rapid.

Occupations most in demand include:

1. Trades and technical: all types of mechanics, machinists, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, cooks, and pipe fitters2. Hospitality: restaurant and food service workers, housekeeping staff3. Retail: sales, retail workers4. Professional and Management5. Clerical6. General labour

There is a great future waiting for you in Fort St. John

See what we have to offer!1

Abundant Lifestyle

LifeStyle & Community

Fort St. John has big city amenities with small community friendliness.There are very good reasons to choose to live and work in Fort St. John.

• Entrepreneurial spirit

• Opportunities for leadership

• Opportunities for advancement

• High standard of living

• Great outdoor recreation and sports activities

• Employment oriented

• Dynamic climate

• Young population

• Family friendly

• Strong Arts community

• Multitude of community events

• Willingness to be a community of choice

Families can enjoy the local parks, numerous walking trails, skateboard park and outdoor spray park.

There are many associations and sports clubs for all age groups including hockey, speed and figure

skating, indoor and outdoor soccer, curling, swimming, gymnastics, archery, dance, yoga, martial

arts, fine arts, music, and theatre. The new Enerplex houses two NHL sized hockey rinks, a walking

track and an indoor long track speed skating oval - one of three in Canada.

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Drop in at the Visitor Centre at the corner of 96th Avenue and 100th Street, year round.Locate what you need on our interactive community map at www.energeticcity.ca

The Fort St. John Community directory will connect you to local government services and not- for- profit organizations and programs. It is available online at www.fortstjohn.ca.Relocation packages can be picked up at the Fort St. John & District Chamber of Commerce or the Visitor Centre.

Other useful websites to find out more about the community and area:

• www.familyfriendlycommunity.ca • www.fsjchamber.com• www.fsjnow.com • www.hellonorth.com• www.prn.bc.ca • www.districtoftaylor.com• www.prrd.bc.ca

There is always something to do in Fort St. John. Check this link to view the community event calendar: http://www.fortstjohn.ca/specialevents

Resource Centres/Libraries

Fort St. John & District Chamber of Commerce, # 202-9325-100 Street, T: 250-785-6037, E-mail: info@fsjchamber.com, www.fsjchamber.com

Fort St. John Library, 10015-100 Avenue, T: 250-785-3731, http://fortstjohn.bclibrary.ca

Northeast Aboriginal Business and Wellness Centre, 10039-100 Street, T: 250-785-1870, Toll Free: 1-888-783-1870, www.neabc.ca

North Peace Economic Development Commission, 206-9325-100 Street, T: 250-785-5969, E-mail: invest@npedc.ca, www.npedc.ca

Sci-Tech North, # 202 -9325-100 Street, T: 250-785-9600, www.scitechnorth.bc.ca

Community Information

LifeStyle & Community3

• Is your resume inviting to read with clearly labelled sections?

• Does it look professional?

• Is the length appropriate given the career level and objective?

• Is the important content highlighted?

• Is the work history listed in reverse chronological order (most recent job first)?

• Is the information accurate and relevant to the hiring employer’s needs?

• Do you have three work related references?

• Is your contact information clearly evident and up-to-date?

I am having a hard time getting a job. Can I just come out there and get a job in Fort St. John?Perhaps. It is not recommended. There are a variety of jobs available, but there is a process to follow that may

take a few weeks. You will also need a place to live. Accommodation can be difficult to obtain and may be expen-

sive.

I want to move with my family. Would my other family members be able to find a job there too?Definitely, Fort St. John is a family friendly community with many thriving business and services. There is a wide

range of both full-time and part-time positions. Many employers are willing to adjust work hours around family

responsibilities and/or education commitments.

I am from Nova Scotia. I have been a welder (or electrician or carpenter…) for over 20 years, but I don’t have a ticket. Can I get a job?Employers are interested in hiring skilled labour. If you are not a BC certified or an Interprovincial Red Seal

journeyperson, there are still many opportunities. Expect that your rate of pay may not be as high as that of a

journeyperson. Supports are available for you to obtain the right certification. Check www.itabc.ca

Quick Resume Tips

Resume Tips & F.A.Q.’S

F.A.Q.’s

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RESUMETIPS

I want to be a labourer, make lots of money and I have no experience. Can I get a job?You must do your research. Labourer jobs do generally pay more here than other centres. However, employers are

largely looking for skilled and trained workers. An entry level labour position might be a good way to access a more

skilled and specialized job.

What is a living out allowance? This is money paid to you by your employer to help cover the cost of your meals and accommodation when you are

working away from the community and camp accommodation is not available. LOA is not an industry norm although it is

available in some occupations from some employers. Many employers expect workers to live in or near the communities

they work in.

How do I get a camp job? There are some positions that may require staying in a camp. A lot of factors come

to play: the job position, the proximity to Fort St. John and the nature of the contract with the oil company. You must

discuss this with individual employers. Jobs involving staying in camp cannot be guaranteed.

Are there employers who will fly me in and out of Fort St. John?It is pretty rare except for higher professional positions or skilled and ticketed trades people.

What is spring break up? Spring break up is the time of the year when there is a slowdown in the oil and gas industry due to road bans caused by

warm weather making it difficult to access work sites. During this time, some companies slow their activities and lay off

workers. Break up affects some companies more than others depending on the type of service they provide, the weather,

and location of the work site.

Resume Tips & F.A.Q.’S5

Safety TicketsTo work in any job related to oil and gas, you will need the following tickets: H2S Alive, Occupational First Aid Level 1,

WHMIS, and Petroleum Safety Training (includes WHMIS). Additional tickets may be required depending on the

position, the working environment and associated risks and hazards.

Getting initial tickets and paying for them is your responsibility.

Safety GearMost companies will ask you to provide your own winter and standard safety gear. All of your gear and clothing must be

suitable for severe weather conditions and must conform with work related risks and hazards. For example, you may

need fire retardant insulated coveralls, oil and gas resistant steel-toed work boots and sturdy work gloves. Make sure to

check with your employer for specific company requirements. Local work equipment suppliers will be able to advise you

about what you need and costs.

Working in CampsSome jobs may involve staying in camp or staying in hotel accommodation outside of the community. This will depend

on the nature of the job position, the proximity to Fort St. John and the contract negotiated with the oil company.

A Class 5 driver’s licence and a clean driving record will enhance your chances of employment. A cell phone or pager would also be useful. Expect that pre-employment drug testing may be a require-ment.

Work Requirementsfor Oil and Gas Sector

Work Requirements & Job Hunting

Job Hunting ResourcesTo find local job listings:Check the local job boardsEmployment Connections, Suite 101, 9907-99 Avenue, T: 250-787-0024

F: 250-787-0028, E-mail: justask@employmentconnections.bc.ca

North East Native Advancing Society, 10328-101st Avenue, T: 250-785-0887, F: 250-785-0876, E-mail:

nenas@nenas.org

Northern Lights College, 9820-120th Avenue, T: 250-785-6981, Toll Free: 1-866-463-6652, E-mail:

appinfo@nlc.bc.ca

T.R.A.D.E.S. # 204, 10012 – 97th Avenue, T: 250-263-0042

Toll Free: 1.877.263.0042, F:250.263.0048, E-mail: tradesne@telus.net

Macenna Staffing Services, 10139-101 Avenue, second floor, T: 250-785-8367

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I want to be a labourer, make lots of money and I have no experience. Can I get a job?You must do your research. Labourer jobs do generally pay more here than other centres. However, employers are

largely looking for skilled and trained workers. An entry level labour position might be a good way to access a more

skilled and specialized job.

What is a living out allowance? This is money paid to you by your employer to help cover the cost of your meals and accommodation when you are

working away from the community and camp accommodation is not available. LOA is not an industry norm although it is

available in some occupations from some employers. Many employers expect workers to live in or near the communities

they work in.

How do I get a camp job? There are some positions that may require staying in a camp. A lot of factors come

to play: the job position, the proximity to Fort St. John and the nature of the contract with the oil company. You must

discuss this with individual employers. Jobs involving staying in camp cannot be guaranteed.

Are there employers who will fly me in and out of Fort St. John?It is pretty rare except for higher professional positions or skilled and ticketed trades people.

What is spring break up? Spring break up is the time of the year when there is a slowdown in the oil and gas industry due to road bans caused by

warm weather making it difficult to access work sites. During this time, some companies slow their activities and lay off

workers. Break up affects some companies more than others depending on the type of service they provide, the weather,

and location of the work site.

Check the career section of local newspapers One of the employers’ most widely used recruiting practice! Newspapers can be found in most supermarkets, gas stations and convenience stores.•Alaska Highway News (daily)•Northeast News (weekly)•The Northerner (weekly)

These are useful websites that list local job postingswww.employmentconnections.bc.cawww.energyservicesbc.orgwww.fortstjohn.cawww.jobbank.gc.cawww.jobsearchonline.bc.ca

Also check the career section of company specific websites.Visit one of the employment agenciesLooking for places that offer help free of charge! Employment agencies are a resource center that will provide you free access to fax, phone, photocopier, and computers. They will also provide you with employment counsellors, employer contacts, and information about local training providers and potential sources of funding.

Employment Connections, Suite 101, 9907-99 Avenue, T: 250-787-0024 F:250-787-0028, E-mail:

justask@employmentconnections.bc.ca

T.R.A.D.E.S., # 204, 10012 – 97th Avenue, T: 250-263-0042

Toll Free: 1.877.263.0042, F:250.263.0048, E-mail: tradesne@telus.net

Métis BC Nation, 10021-100 Street, T:250-787-1957,Toll Free: 1-888-700-1957, F: 250-787-1939

North East Native Advancing Society, 10328-101st Avenue, T: 250-785-0887, F: 250- 785-0876,

E-mail: nenas@nenas.org

Computers are also available to the general public free of charge in the following locations:Fort St. John Library, 10015-100 Avenue, T: 250-785-3731

BC Government Agent, 10600-100 Street, T:250-787-3350

Northeast Aboriginal Business & Wellness Centre, 10039-100 Street, T: 250-785-1870

Northern Lights College Library, 9820-120 Avenue, T: 250-785-6981

Visitor Centre, 9523-100 Street, T: 250-785-3033

Work Requirements & Job Hunting

www.jobwave.cawww.mnbc.cawww.nenas.orgwww.macenna.comwww.energeticcity.ca

•890 CJDC•87.7 CBC FM•92.5 Sunrise Radio FM

Listen to the local radio Get a feel for the community. Jobs may also be advertised!•100.1 Moose FM•101.5 The Bear FM•98.5 Energy FM

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Alpha Safety, 9803-102 Street, T: 250-787-9315, Toll Free: 1-888-413-3477, F: 250-787-8839, E-Mail: info@alphasafety.net, www.alphasafety.net

Enform, #1240-9600-93 Avenue, T: 250-785-6009, Toll Free: 1-800-667-5557, F: 250-785-6013, www.enform.ca

Piping Industry Apprenticeship Board Training Centre, 7825-100 Avenue, T: 250- 263-9595, E-Mail: misty@piabschool.com, www.piabschool.ca

Northern Lights College, 9820-120 Avenue, T: 250-785-6981, Toll Free: 1-866-463-6652, E-mail: appinfo@nlc.bc.ca, www.nlc.bc.ca

St. John Ambulance, 10066 Tundra Street, T: 250-785-7233, F: 250-785-6127, Toll Free: 1-866-321-2651, E-mail: ftstjohn@bc.fja.ca, www.sja.ca

Trojan Safety, 11116 Tahltan Road, T: 250-785-9557, F: 250-785-9533, www.trojansafety.com

University of Northern British Columbia, 9820-120 Avenue, T: 787-6220, Toll Free: 1-800-935-2270, E-mail: prl-info@unbc.ca, www.unbc.ca

Western Fireguard Safety Services Ltd, T: 785-3473, E-mail: sales@westernfireguard.com, www.westernfireguard.com

School District No. 60 is recognized for its innovative approach to education. The Wireless Writing program equips all grade 6 and 7 students with laptops. Northern Opportunities allows high school students to combine high school, college studies and work-based training and to simultaneously earn a high school diploma and advanced credit in post second-ary and industry certification. A total of 20 schools house a whole range of programs from early learning, French immer-sion, Fine Arts, band, to apprenticeship, and offer extensive student supports. Northern Lights College works closely with industry partners to offer programs which fit the unique needs of the people of northern BC. This helps students to find a better career or reach a new educational goal from trades to technology and from basic education to university.

Education and Training

Training & Accommodation

AccommodationRental costs vary greatly depending on the size, location and condition of the units. It is best to check with property management companies to find out more about rates, availability, and what might be required for rental applications, references and credit checks. Check local newspapers for private rental listings.

Property Management Companies• Li-Car Management Group, 9908-96 Avenue, 250-785-2662, www.licarmanagement.com• Sterling Management Services,10151-100 Street, 250-785-2829, www.sterlingmgmt.ca• Ridgeview Village, #100-8503-86 Avenue, 250-787-5229• Huntington Place Co-op, #77-8303-92 Avenue, 250-785-7557• Northern Properties, 8916-100 Avenue, 250-785-3155, www.npreit.com• Woodsmere Park, #105-8511-86 Street, 250-787-7272

Real Estate Agencies• Century 21 Energy Realty Ltd,10756-100 Street, 250-785-8057, Toll Free: 1-877-575-2121, www.realestatefsj.com• Re/Max Action Realty, #101, 9711-100 Avenue. 250-785-5520, Toll Free: 1-888-785-5520, www.remaxaction.ca• Royal LePage Gold Realty, 9629-100 Avenue, 250-785-6601, Toll Free: 1-800-215-6933 www.royallepagegold.com• Property Guys, 1-866-962-0249, www.propertyguys.com• Gary Reeder Real Estate Services, T: 250-262-0812, www.garyreeder.ca

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Hotels and Motels

9500 Alaska Road250-785-7588

9223 - 100th Street250-785-8364

9830 - 100th Avenue 250-787-0521

11308 Alaska Road250-262-3233

9304 Alaska Road250-262-3030

10627 Alaska Road250-787-1616

10103 - 98th Avenue250-787-0779

10707 - 102nd Street250-787-0411

Super 8

Stonebridge Hotel

Quality Inn NorthernGrand Hotel

The Roost

Pomeroy Hotel

Pomeroy Inn & Suites

Northwoods Inn

Lakeview Inns & Suites

Fort St. John Motor Inn

Four Seasons Motor Inn

Econo Lodge

Cedar Lodge Motor Inn

Caravan Motel

Blue Belle Motel

Coachman Inn

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9207 Alaska road250-785-2906

9810 - 100th Street1-800-523-6677

10419 Alaska Road1-800-4CHOICE

9824 - 99th Avenue1-800-661-2210

9711 Alaska Road250-787-1191

9795 Alaska Road1-866-833-2121

8540 Alaska Road1-888-388-9408

$ = $65 -$90 $$ = $91-110 $$$ = $111-$150 $$$$ = $151+

Training & Accommodation

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Our region’s thriving economy provides abundant

employment opportunities.

Investments from the energy industry for unconventional oil and gas drilling, the planned develop-ment of Site C, alternate green energy opportunities and the advancement of bio-energy will dramati-cally impact the future of the North Peace region.

Fort St. John and area is proud of its solid well diversified workforce with over 1, 000 employers. Major industry sectors include Oil and Gas, Services, Retail and Hospitality, Forestry, Construction, and Agriculture. A wide variety of skills, experience and knowledge are needed to meet the demand.

Nearly half of our workforce is comprised of trades or technical workers. There are many opportuni-ties for professionals and all levels of supervisory and management positions. Labourers represent another quarter of the workforce, creating opportunities for both entry level and skilled workers.

Many of the careers available are high-paying with exceptional benefits and on-the job training. You will be able to experience the whole scope of your occupation. If you are keen and good at what you do, advancement can be rapid.

Occupations most in demand include:

1. Trades and technical: all types of mechanics, machinists, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, cooks, and pipe fitters2. Hospitality: restaurant and food service workers, housekeeping staff3. Retail: sales, retail workers4. Professional and Management5. Clerical6. General labour

TransportationThe following airlines provide regular flights at the North Peace Airport: Air Canada Jazz -T: 1-888-247-2262, www.aircanada.ca Central Mountain Air -T: 1-888-865-8585, www.flycma.ca Swanberg Air -T: 1-877-637-8997, www.swanbergair.com

Bus passes and tickets for City Transit/handiDART can be purchased and schedules picked up at the Visitor Centre and City Hall. www.busonline.ca

The Greyhound station is located at 10355-101 Avenue. - T: 250-785-6695, www.greyhound.ca

Taxi Service• After Hours Limousine Service, 250-262-8045 • Energetic Fort St. John Cabs Ltd, 250-785-3342• HD Cab Co., 250-261-8888 • Town Taxi, 250-785-8294• Teco Taxi , 250-787-0641

Vehicle Rentals• Avis Car & Truck, T: 250-785-5515, Toll Free: 1-800-879-2847, www.avis.ca• Driving Force, T: 250-787-0634, Toll Free: 1-800-936-9353, www.drivingforce.ca• Enterprise Rent-a-Car, T: 250-787-7655, Toll Free: 1-800-261-7331, www.enterpriserentacar.com• National, T: 250-785-5590, Toll Free: 1-800-227-7368, www.nationalcar.ca• Visa Truck Rentals, T: 250-785-1841, Toll Free: 1-800-361-7727, www.visatrucks.com Health• Fort St. John Hospital and Health Care Centre, 9636-100 Avenue, T: 250-262-5200, www.northernhealth.ca• The Medical Clinic, 10011-96 Street, T: 250-785-6677• North Peace Medical Clinic, 9820-101 Avenue, T: 250-787-1123• ABC Medical Clinic, 9842-101 Avenue, T: 250-785-1220• Fort St. John Physiotherapy Clinic, 10127-102 Avenue, T: 250-785-1175• North Peace Chiropractic, 100-9711-100 Avenue, T: 250-785-2830• Kientz Chiropractic, 8603-92A Street, T: 250-787-0380• Mangel Chiropractic, #2-8712-100 Avenue, T: 250-263-9770• Peace Clinic of Naturopathic Medicine, #204- 9730-101 Avenue, T: 250-787-6020

ChildcareThe Child Care Resource and Referral Program provides support, resources, and referral services for child care provid-ers and parents in the Fort St. John area. For information, call 250-785-5701 or E-mail: hmcbryan@spcrs.ca

Support for diversityFort St. John welcomes people from all cultural backgrounds. We have a rich aboriginal history and culture. There are families from various places across the world such as the Philippines, India, China, Russia, Romania, Africa, and Mexico established in the community.

ESL training and support are available through the Fort St. John Literacy Society and Northern Lights College.

S.U.C.C.E.S.S. offers services to connect employers to skilled immigrant workers and to help immigrants integrate into the community.

Fort St. John Literacy Society T: 250-785-2110, F: 250-785-2127, E-mail: info@fsjliteracy.ca, www.fsjliteracy.caNorthern Lights College T: 250-785-6881, Toll Free: 1-866-463-6652, E-mail appinfo@nlc.bc.ca, www.nlc.bc.caS.U.C.C.E.S.S. T: 250-785-5323, F: 250-785-5687, www.successbc.ca

MapsTo help you with your search, a map of the area can be picked up at the Visitor Centre, 9523-100 Street, or at any of the local Employment Agencies.

Helpful Services

A brand new state of the art 55-bed hospital is under construction.

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Photography by Sandy Busche and Blair Higgs. Designed By Chris Windsor and Blair Higgs of Eagle Vision

OIL & GAS

This guide has been produced through the Fort St. John

Employment Information Source, a labour market partnership

project funded through Ministry of Housing and Social

Development, Employment and Labour Market Services Division.

"Funded in whole or part through the Canada-British Columbia

Labour Market Development Agreement".

THIS IS AN INITIATIVE OF COMMUNITY FUTURES PEACE LIARD AND

THE NORTHEAST WORKFORCE INNOVATION COUNCIL.