About Us
Empire Oilfield Solutions Inc. is proudly, a Canadian-owned staffing agency based in Alberta, specializing in supplying high-performing labour to the oil and gas industry. We provide reliable, safety-driven field personnel for short-term, seasonal, shutdown, construction, and long-term operations throughout Alberta and British Columbia.
Founded by industry veterans Nick McDonald, Kurt Hivon, and Shawn Dunbar, Empire was built by people who know the field—because they’ve worked in it. What began as a service provider in facility maintenance and completions support has evolved into a leading oilfield staffing partner trusted by operators across Western Canada.
Empire is deeply committed to hiring local. The vast majority of our workforce comes from the communities we serve, ensuring crews that are not only skilled and certified, but also familiar with the terrain, conditions, and expectations of oilfield operations in the region.
All of our employees undergo ongoing training and certification to meet or exceed the industry's safety and performance standards. From greasing valves and supporting coil operations to managing accumulators and handling logistics, our crews work with efficiency, pride, and a safety-first mindset.
Empire works hands-on with our clients to deliver tailored staffing solutions aligned with operational goals, project timelines, and safety requirements. We are not just a vendor—we’re an embedded partner focused on helping you succeed in the field.
At Empire, we take pride in our people. We treat our team with respect and appreciation, creating a culture of accountability and excellence. That commitment translates into a loyal workforce that’s ready to deliver—day in, day out.
We provide:
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Field Workers
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Frac Support Hands
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General Labourers
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Shutdown & Construction Crews
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Coil Support Staff
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Short-Term and Temp Labour
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Shop Workers
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Reliable Relief & Coverage Crews
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On-Site Support Services
Meet Our Founders
Nick McDonald
Chief Executive Officer
With over 26 years in the oil and gas industry, Nick has experience in various roles, from operator to executive. He focuses on strategic growth, operational forecasting, and labor development programs. He is known for his integrity, accountability, and operational discipline.
Kurt Hivon
Vice President of Operations
With over 18 years of experience, Kurt is an operations leader and technical specialist focusing on bolting systems, calibration, and field execution. He is involved in quality system advancement, technician training, and industry reform. He has a strong focus on execution, technical excellence, and regulatory advancement.
Shawn Dunbar
Vice President, Business Development & Sales
With over 22 years of global experience, Shawn focuses on international project management, technical equipment manufacturing, and strategic bidding. He leads client relations and partnership development, bringing international insights to local field performance.
Project Highlights
With over 8,000 jobs completed and partnerships spanning from local operators to international energy companies, Empire brings unmatched field experience to every project
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Nexen Long Lake Drilling and Service Rig Rental Package Setup and Removal
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COSL Abandonment Project Fort Liard
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MSA Liberty
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MSA Schlumberger
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Shell Groundbirch Completions Snubbing MSA
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Almansoori Lead Advisor Concept Snubbing Unit
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MSA Shell Institute Peace River
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Seven Generations Completions Service Rig hydraulic catwalk and handling gear MSA
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Talisman MSA Snubbing
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Tallahassee Energy Turnaround Northwest Territories
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Versa Rig Acceptance Test for Libya National Oil Company
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CEEM Lead Manufacturing team supervising 150+ employees, liaising with all equipment end users
Building Strong Communities
At Empire Oilfield Solutions, we believe that strong communities build strong businesses. Over the past five years, we've proudly donated over $200,000 to local charities and community initiatives. Our signature annual charity golf tournament benefits the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital Foundation, and we've been active supporters of STARS Air Ambulance, contributing to life-saving emergency medical services across Alberta.
We hire local because we believe in local. The vast majority of our workforce comes from the communities we serve, creating employment opportunities that keep families together and economies strong. Our community involvement isn't just about giving back—it's about building the kind of place where our employees want to live, work, and raise their families.
101-11511 95th AveGrande Prairie, AB
T8V 5P7 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Sitemap
