Thermal Operations Specialist
About this role
The Opportunity:
At Canadian Natural, we are proud to be a leader in Canada’s energy industry. Join us and help drive innovation and long-term value through integrity, teamwork, and a passion for doing things right
Make your mark while you grow your career! As the Operations Specialist, you will be in a pivotal position to mentor and coach a team responsible for steam generation, oil production, water treatment and field operations. You will have the chance to gain exposure to a variety of stakeholders by working both in the field and in the office. Your guidance, expertise, and drive for continuous improvement will contribute to the optimization of safe and reliable production and will assist you and your team in troubleshooting day-to-day operational problems or emergencies.
- Job location: Jackfish Operations - Lac la Biche, Alberta
- Shift schedule: 4 x 3, 10-hour shifts
- Safety sensitive position: Yes
- Application deadline: August 19, 2026
Key Accountabilities:
- Working with the operations team, driving initiatives and projects that support facility RAM, safety, energy efficiency and operating cost reduction
- Understand facility downtime drivers and pursue improvements with operations and maintenance staff. Provide support, troubleshoot problems and implement solutions
- Define the scope and execution plans for MOC’s, major projects and facility turnarounds
- Work with third party vendors managing facility chemistry, trials, fluid disposal and handling
- Through coaching & mentoring, promote a facts and data driven culture through utilization of the Field Improvement Techniques (FIT)
- Liaise with production and facility engineering staff on a regular basis while providing input into development, scope and project design as necessary
What You Bring to the Role:
- Minimum 5 years of production or field related experience
- 1st Class Power Engineering certificate with ABSA; consideration may be made for 2nd Class Power Engineers showing significant progress toward their 1st Class
- Certification in Yellow Belt training
- Familiar with ABB distributed control system and fluent in Pi vision, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote
- Knowledge and experience with plant or production processes such as high-pressure steam generation, oil treating, water treatment, pipelines, pad facilities and downhole pumps is considered an asset
- A hands-on management style that promotes our Lean Six Sigma/4DX culture, ability to communicate clearing within a dynamic workplace and deliver solutions to problems
What We Offer:
- Competitive salary, stock options, company matched stock savings plan, annual bonuses
- 100% Employer paid extended Health, Dental and Vision Benefits
- May be eligible for relocation pursuant to Canadian Natural’s Relocation Policy
- Health & Wellness Spending Account
- Multiple volunteer opportunities within the community
- Employee & Family Assistance Program
Check out our COMPENSATION & BENEFITS to learn more about what we have to offer!
We are proud to be ranked as one of Forbes' Canada's Best Employers in 2025 and 2026.
We invest in your career through offering a culture that focuses on developing people, working together and doing it right, with fun and integrity.
Industry Leader: We commenced business in 1989 with a handful of employees and modest production, but today we employ more than 10,000 people and produce over 1 million BOE/d.
Community Investment: Social responsibility is a critical element of our commitment to responsible operations and part of our success and pride as a Company. We are committed to investing in the communities where we live and work, creating shared value along the way.
Compensation and Benefits: We strive to share Company success with all employees through a comprehensive total compensation package.
Our People, Our Stories: Our stories demonstrate the strong culture that exists at Canadian Natural – one that focuses on developing people, working together and doing it right, with fun and integrity.
Check out some of our Employee Testimonials!
All candidates applying to Canadian Natural must have legal authorization to work in Canada with no restrictions.
While we appreciate all applications we receive, kindly note only candidates under consideration will be contacted.
Company at a glance
MAKE YOUR MARK WHILE YOU GROW YOUR CAREER
At Canadian Natural we believe our employees are the key to unlocking asset potential. As one of the largest independent crude oil and natural gas producers in the world, our balanced mix of natural gas, light oil, heavy oil, in situ oil sands production and oil sands mining creates opportunity for people who want to be part of a challenging and competitive industry. Join our team as we continue to create value through innovation by “doing it right” with fun and integrity in North America, the North Sea, and Offshore Africa.
Health and Safety
At Canadian Natural, safety is a core value. We conduct all of our operations in a way that identifies, minimizes and mitigates harm to the health and safety of employees, contractors, the public and the environment.
To learn more or to view our exciting career opportunities, visit: https://www.cnrl.com/careers/careers-with-canadian-natural/
Top Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Stock options
- Company matched stock savings plan
- Annual bonuses
- Extended health benefits
- Dental benefits
- Vision benefits
- Relocation assistance
- Fly-in/fly-out travel
- Health & wellness spending account
- Employee & family assistance program
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