laborer

boom operator

welder

truck driver

hydrovac operator

DFI is a large company with a small company feel.  Upper management treats everyone with respect and has worked their way up to these positions over many years of service so they have the knowledge to properly run the operation from labor positions upwards.  Because of this work expectations are realistic, and management can often relate to and mentor employees easily.  They have a great culture and tend to keep like minded people employed - honest, steady working people who care about quality and working as a team.

The safety program seemed above average without "getting in the way" with overly sensitive policies.

Working Monday-Thursday provided a fair work life balance for those that enjoy longer weekends.  Flexibility for appointments and life circumstances was exceptional.

The pay for the position was slightly below average, however it was not a stressful or overly demanding position.

The benefits were average compared to what is offered from other employers.

The Pension/RRSP matching is below average compared to other employers I've worked for.

The opportunities for cross training and apprenticeships is great, with a positive push to attain technical training.

Overall a great experience working here. I would recommend it for those looking for work, and I would even return in the the future if life brought me back this way.

The work at DFI is challenging and is the best part of the job. The opportunity to design and build truck mounted equipment and cranes and drills is enjoyable. But the deadlines are usually extreme and usually you are not recognized or rewarded for your work. 
The management is controlled by a single owner who is abusive to them in front of the workers making their job stressful. Their opinion is disregarded if they are in disagreement with the owner. The result of this is that a few of the quality people that were in management positions have resigned. They do have policies against abuse in the workplace but apparently it doesn't apply to the owner. 
Some statutory holidays, like Family Day and Remembrance Day are not given in lieu of the Civic Holiday and Boxing Day. Wages were reduced twice to a total of 7 percent and other incentives were eliminated like bonuses. 
Most times a job will be progressing and the owner will stop it or change its parameters along the way causing cost overruns and frustration among workers. He will also go above his managers and assign jobs directly to the workers who must do them despite what they were doing prior to his involvement.
Generally the morale is low among the workers and the managers. Wages and benefits are low and they abide by a 44 hour work week without overtime paid until you go over that time period.

It was a great workplace, the in house training and your ability to advance in the oilfield is fantastic they take safety pretty seriously which can seem like a pain but when you get to go home with all your fingers and toes every night you will think differently.

I was able to get my Class 1, learned to operate a Hydro vac, learned to lead and train other people, learned Alot about safety culture as well as many many other things the company changed my life.

I thought that they paid me quite well and there always seemed to be overtime available as well.

Now for the pro/con this job is not for the faint of heart, there are pretty extreme working conditions sometimes. As well there is ALOT of work, you are out of town all the time so if you like to be in the city with your wife, friends or family it can be difficult.

I also really enjoyed the people I worked with there are so many stand up women and men at this company it really made coming into work a treat and its nice that the supervisors and safety guys really go to bat for you and actually care about your health and safety the team is is 5 stars. 

I had the pleasure of working with DFI Piling,  and I can't speak highly enough about their professionalism and dedication to excellence. I was hired with no skills or experience but left with lots of skills and experience. From start to finish, the team at DFI Piling demonstrated a great level of expertise and commitment to delivering top results. Every member I had the opportunity to work with expressed a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a genuine passion for what they do. One of the thing that even made me work for DFI is basically their commitment to safety, they can really take the time to insure safety is in place, they always have safety meetings every end of the month, which really helps sometimes. Overall, my experience with DFI Piling was excellent, I would be where I’m at now if it wasn’t for this company. I would highly recommend DFI to anyone. Their dedication to safety, and the way they treat their employees is truly unmatched. Thank you, DFI Piling, for the opportunity to work with such a professional company. For those who may wonder why I left this company, it’s because I don’t like working outside during cold weather (dec-march). I can’t force my body to do something it doesn’t feel comfortable with. Shoutout to all the great employees and the management. Wish you all the best!!

What is the best part of working at the company?
This company truly values work–life balance, creating an environment where employees can thrive both professionally and personally. There are strong opportunities for growth, with clear support and encouragement for career advancement. Management recognizes and appreciates employee contributions, which makes a big difference in morale. On top of that, the benefits and perks are excellent, adding even more value to being part of the team. Overall, it’s a supportive and rewarding place to work.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
The most stressful part of the job is meeting certain time-sensitive deadlines, which can occasionally create pressure. However, the supportive team environment helps make those busy periods manageable. Overall, it’s a positive and rewarding place to work.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
The work environment is supportive, professional, and team-oriented. Employees are encouraged to maintain a healthy work–life balance while still being productive and goal-focused. Management promotes growth and provides opportunities for advancement, which creates a culture of continuous learning and development.

my day was always very demanding on a day to day basic ....  on a giving day we had to get between 10 to 18 ,52 foot trailers, low boys, drop decks tippy decks, anything that was a trailers we load and get  ready for the tractors to hit the high way always on a time demanding know matter the year, and load them with pipe or many other things like machines and cranes and etc ,, inspection, paper work, get manager to sing off on are loads, safety inspection on the load from the supervisor . there was never a change to the dispatch list most days...

the culture in are work area was very fun out going great people and always positive to me .. I would show each day ready fit and happy to be working just how we Newfoundlanders are....

 the hardest part of my job was the demanding times frame and not having enough people todo the job,, we use to run a 16 man crew and they down size it to 8 and cut the hours back, but know matter what happen we got  the job done on time... it was kinda fun being that way but some days was stressful

i looked the people where all form down home and just good people to be around with... the supervisor was always happy positive and good with saying thanks and good job...  management was very good with us so i had nothing but the best time there... 8 years of i was there..

These guys really screwed me and it hurt. Lowkey backstabbing hush hush type of culture here. There are cameras in every corner watching your every move. Once you're perceived as a threat they turn thier back on you and start working thier way to fire you. Managment puts too much trust into employees.... moreover, most employees are lazy and slow union type of work ethic is the best way I can describe it. Management tolerates bad a berate employees and you get to put up and shut up or get fired... thier wages are very low for industry average in the area and I believe this is due to corporate greed. Best thing for this company is to clean house of long standing employees as they all have the "my way or the hiway mentality". There's no flexibility here, If they have a problem they won't come forward to try and rectify it they simply provide you with a termination letter. During my short time at DFI I learned that they look good on the outside but cult like culture on the inside. There is literally zero job security at DFI from the lowest on the totem pole to the highest. If you're desperate give it a shot maybe you'll fit right in. 

I started at DFI with very little experience in the construction industry.  They were willing to give me a chance and I took it head on.  I was quickly given the mentorship, training and tools to be successful at my job.    The greatest part of DFI?  Hands down, the people.  There is a phenomenal core group of people from the field level, all the way up to senior management.  It is common to celebrate 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 year milestones at DFI.  Everyone is willing to help and take the time to properly train people coming into the company.  Great work atmosphere and a very experienced team backing it up.

DFI is a great company to work for if you are looking for a fast pace environment with long hours and steady work.  You are given everything you need to be successful and your time at DFI is what you make of it.  I have worked for a few larger companies and a few smaller companies over the years.  Every company has pro's and con's, but DFI is by far the best company I have worked for.    

a typical day for me is being challenged on many levels, people, equipment, time management.

i have learned many things working here to be patience and understanding and have grown my knowledge of trade skills by being able to troubleshoot and repair our one off equipment.

the management in my opinion has done a 180 degree turn something changed but change has been good.

as management has changed the culture is changing for the better keep moving forward guys your doing a good job.

the hardest part is part of the challenge look at my typical day.

the most enjoyable part of the job is that i have been given the opportunity to achieve a big goal to lead a team of great people proving there is a different way of doing things and making the Company as a hole look better and be better at what we do.

having the opportunity to talk with the operators and supervisors lots of good fun always makes my day better.

Fast paced yet comfortable working environment with caring people at all levels of the organization.  A privately held multi-national company providing opportunities for advancement and growth. DFI does it all and does it well - from its in-house designed, engineered and built pipemill and specialized pile driving equipment to its professional and skilled employees. As a management team, we work hard every day to drive meaningful change and ensure employees are valued and recognized.    

Top Job Titles	Average salary
Laborer 4 salaries reported	$26.50 per hour
Boom operator 2 salaries reported	$45.75 per hour
Welder 4 salaries reported	$39.44 per hour
Truck driver 2 salaries reported	$34.00 per hour
Hydrovac operator 1 salary reported	$35.00 per hour

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