Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Ft McMurray?

Fort McMurray is located in North Eastern Alberta, approximately 280 miles/451 kilometres north of Edmonton. 4.5 hours drive up Highway 63.

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Can I come to Fort McMurray and seek out employment opportunities?

Yes, you can.

However, we would discourage you from taking this approach. The City of Fort McMurray is extremely busy and many corporate head offices are not located here. If you plan to investigate employment opportunities locally you must first ensure that you have confirmed accommodation arrangements. Generally, Hotel and Motel room rates are expensive and often there is no availability. Misty River Open Camp is an affordable option. If you have family or friends who reside in Fort McMurray who can provide you with accommodations during your job search this would be preferable. Please ensure that you have talked to DTL Recruitment Personnel prior to coming to Fort McMurray to ensure you have an interview time and date.

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What is the population of the City?

The population is approximately 67,800 and the population of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo is approximately 89,167 (2009 Census)

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Who is Diversified Transportation Ltd.?

Diversified Transportation Ltd. commenced operations in Fort McMurray in 1966 and has become one of Canada's largest leading "People Transportation" companies.

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What type of jobs does Diversified Transportation offer?

We offer a wide range of career opportunities, which include driving, mechanical, apprenticeships and corporate services positions.

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How many people are employed by Diversified Transportation in Fort McMurray?

Our team consists of over 800 men and women. Many have relocated to Fort McMurray from throughout Canada and around the world.

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What is the process once I apply for a "driving position"?

Once we receive your Application and/or Resume (you can apply Online) we will first review your credentials. Should your Skills and Qualifications meet our requirements we will then contact you by telephone or email. We will arrange to conduct a pre-screening interview with you by telephone. Based on the outcome of the interview, we will set up a date for a Check Ride (road test) in Fort McMurray. Upon passing the Check Ride you will be sent for a Drug and Alcohol Test in Fort McMurray, or closest to where you live. Diversified Transportation will pay for the costs of the Testing. Further a Background/Criminal Record Check will also be initiated and you are required to submit an up-to-date Drivers Abstract and a digital copy of your valid Drivers Licence. Once all requirements and documentation have been completed and received you will be given a date to start training in Fort McMurray.

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Diversified Transportation offers an Allowance - what is that?

Note: The Allowance is not paid to drivers residing in a "Worksite Camp Accommodation".

Diversified Transportation Ltd. recognizes that costs in Fort McMurray are significant. To assist our employees we offer an Allowance.

All new "employees" are eligible in their first full calendar month of full time employment.

We currently provide a $1,100.00 allowance, which is paid monthly, directly to the employee over and above your earned income. The allowance is taxed and an average payout of $645.00-$700.00.

Please note that the Allowance is available to all Administration, Maintenance, Coach and Site Services (Yellow Bus) drivers.

When accepting the Allowance you are required to "arrange your own housing".

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Are accommodations available in Fort McMurray?

Yes, accommodations are available in Fort McMurray. For a list of places to search for please follow the links or phone the numbers provided below:

Local Property Management Phone numbers to call:

Wood Buffalo Housing and Development Corporation

1-800-799-4050

Shelter Canadian Properties Ltd DT

780-790-0384
780-748-7519
780-748-7126
780-748-8368

Northern Property 780-790-0806

River Valley Manor 780-743-4478

Ravine Park 780-743-0067

Wildwood Estates 780-743-0126

Franklin Place Apartments 780-791-6379

Clearwater Court 780-743-3776

Boardwalk Properties 780-790-2970

Continental Saxon 780-743-0393

Emma Manor 780-743-5776

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Are temporary housing accommodations provided for new driver trainees?

If you are relocating to Fort McMurray temporary camp accommodations are available for the duration of your training period only. Diversified will cover the full cost of the camp accommodations while you are attending training. You will be booked in camp from Sunday afternoon prior to your Monday start date and check out on the second Friday when training is completed. You will be responsible for your own "Incidental Charges". Once you have completed training you must have made alternative living arrangements as your camp privileges cannot be extended. If for any reason your employment ends, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, you are also responsible to vacate camp immediately. Failure to vacate camp when instructed to do so will result in any further charges being the responsibility of the individual.

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How much does a house cost?

Condominiums and mobile-homes range from approximately $350,000+ while the average 3 bedroom homes will generally start at $500,000.

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I have a Class 1(AZ) or 2Q(BZ) license, how long is the training period?

Training typically lasts for 10-12 days.

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Do you provide training? What type of Bus would I drive?

Our fleet consists of Motor Coaches and Busses of various types and model ranging from brand-new to 15 years old. You will be trained on the various models and routes.

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Do I get paid while training?

Yes. A typical training day consists of a (6hrs - 8hrs) per day and the rate of pay is $20 per hour for Coach training and $18 for Site Services (Yellow Bus) training.

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Is there a dress code?

Once you have completed training you will be provided with a company issued uniform.

Personal Appearance and Dress Code for Training

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What is the rate of pay for a Coach driver?

Coach Drivers are paid by a trip rate. The rate currently is $91.31 for a Three Hour Trip, plus $13.95 towards your vested pension. The rate currently for a Four Hour Trip $121.74 per trip, plus $18.60 towards your vested pension. For every hour on the road over and above trip rate is $25.74 per hour and $4.65 vested towards your pension.

The Coach Driver estimated annual income is approximately $75,000, plus paid vacation and a full benefits package! This includes the Monthly Living Allowance of $1,100.00 per month.

Coach Driver Information Sheet
Driver Benefits

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What is the rate of pay for a Site Services (Yellow Bus) driver?

Site Service drivers are paid by a trip rate. The rate is currently $76.67 per trip, plus $6.30 towards your vested pension. For every hour on the road over and above trip rate is $25.56 per hour and $2.10 vested towards your pension.

The estimated annual income is approximately $60,000.00, plus paid vacation and a full benefits package! This includes the monthly living allowance of $1,100.00 per month.

Site Services (Yellow Bus) Driver Information Sheet
Driver Benefits

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What is the difference between a Coach driver and a Site Services (Yellow Bus) Driver?

Coach Drivers drive workers from homes in Fort McMurray to site and back from site to their homes in Fort McMurray.

Site Services (Yellow Bus) driver drives a Yellow Bus and picks up and drops off workers from various camps to plant site and back to camp, also they drive workers around the different areas on the plant sites.

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What are the work shifts?

Work shifts vary for each "Plant Site" we operate at. Generally, the work day is a split shift starting at 4:00am and finishing at 9:00am. In the afternoon you could start at 4:00pm and be finished by 7:00pm. These times can vary depending on your assigned route and which division you are driving for.

If you were doing a shift run, your morning could look like this:
Report time: 05:30hrs
Pickup Passengers: 06:15hrs
Transport to Site
Return Passengers from Site: 07:40hrs
Finish: approx. 08:45hrs

If you were doing a staff run, your morning could look like this:
Report Time: 06:10hrs
Pickup passengers: 06:50hrs
Transport to site
Return passengers from site: 08:10hrs
Finish: approx. 09:00hrs

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What are the shift schedules?

The shift schedules are currently 24 days on and 4 days off for Coach drivers. Site Services (Yellow Bus) drivers work either 5 days on 2 days off, 10 days on 4 days off or 21 days on and 7 days off rotation. However, schedules can vary and are dependant on "Plant Sites" and location.

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What if I require more than 4 days off to go home?

Depending on where you are travelling to on your 4 days off, you may have to schedule additional personal day approximately every 3 months. You would not be able to travel home every month. Also, if you commence employment with Diversified Transportation Ltd. in October or November you will probably not qualify for Christmas vacation.

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Is there any vacation time?

Yes, after 1 year of service you qualify for 2 weeks vacation. Diversified Transportation Ltd. contributes (8% Full-Time, 4% Part-Time Casual, 4% Training) of your gross earnings to your vacation pay which is paid out on your bi-monthly paycheck. Vacation pay banking is made available to employees.

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Is there a probation period?

Yes, it is 90 calendar days which begins after you have completed the required training and are on the board as a full time driver. Once you have completed 90 days of employment you are a permanent full time driver.

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Is there a Union?

Yes, it is The Prairie Teamsters, Local 362. There is a one time initial membership sign-up fee of $100.00. There is a monthly due of $68.00 per month. Both the sign-up fee and dues will be deducted directly from your pay.

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What benefits do employees receive?

Employees in driving positions will come under The Prairie Teamsters Health and Welfare Plan which includes medical, dental and pension plan. You will receive your package of information from the Union within your 90 day probationary period.

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How do I get paid?

All employees receive their "Pay" by Direct Deposit to your bank account. Pay periods are established annually and consist of a two week period. Earnings are dependant on your start date within the two week period. There is an option for a Payroll Advance, which will be a separate cheque that you can have on your last day of training.

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Do you pay for my travel to Fort McMurray?

Yes we do. When you have successfully completed training you are eligible for reimbursement of your fuel expenses only. Please keep your receipts and proof of payment. We will pay up to a maximum of $350.00. Check with your home provincial government as they may have programs to assist you with relocation funds. We can assist you with providing a letter of employment if required.

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Does Diversified Transportation provide fly-in and fly-out privileges?

Diversified Transportation does not offer this service.

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Where can I find out more information about Fort McMurray?

Here are some suggested sites with information on Fort McMurray.
www.woodbuffalo.net
www.fortmcmurrayonline.com
mymcmurray.com
Wikipedia - Fort McMurray

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