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Oil Sands Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Other operations include oil sands projects in northern Alberta, thermal and conventional crude oil and natural gas projects across Western Canada, crude oil production offshore Newfoundland and ...

Other operations include oil sands projects in northern Alberta, thermal and conventional crude oil and natural gas projects across Western Canada, crude oil production offshore Newfoundland and ...

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Oil Sands information

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$10

$15

$22

How much do oil sands jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for oil sands in the United States is $15.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Oil Sands vs Oil Sands Heavy Equipment Operator?

AspectOil SandsOil Sands Heavy Equipment Operator
Primary RoleExtraction and processing of bitumen from oil sands depositsOperating heavy machinery to extract, move, and load materials in oil sands mining
Required CertificationsGeneral safety training, possibly some technical certificationsHeavy equipment operation licenses, safety certifications
Work EnvironmentMining sites, processing plants, remote locationsMining sites, open-pit environments, heavy machinery operation areas
Industry UsageBroader industry term for oil sands extraction and processingSpecific job role within oil sands industry focused on equipment operation

Oil Sands refers to the overall industry and process of extracting bitumen from deposits, while Oil Sands Heavy Equipment Operator is a specific job role involving operating machinery in these mining operations. Both roles are interconnected but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are oil sands?

Oil sands, also known as tar sands, are a type of unconventional petroleum deposit. They consist of a mixture of sand, clay, water, and bitumen—a heavy, viscous form of crude oil. Oil sands are primarily found in Canada and Venezuela, and extracting oil from them requires specialized techniques such as surface mining or in-situ methods. The bitumen extracted from oil sands can be processed and refined into synthetic crude oil and other petroleum products. Oil sands development is a significant part of the energy industry but is also associated with environmental concerns.

What job makes 10,000 a month without a degree?

In the oil sands industry, roles such as experienced heavy equipment operators or specialized technicians can earn around $10,000 per month without a formal degree, often requiring extensive on-the-job training, certifications, and experience. These positions typically involve working in challenging environments and may require safety training and technical skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Oil Sands Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Oil Sands Operator, you need a background in mechanical or process operations, often supported by a high school diploma and relevant safety certifications. Familiarity with heavy equipment, process control systems like SCADA, and industry-specific safety protocols is crucial. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help operators respond effectively to operational challenges and coordinate with colleagues. These skills and qualifications are essential for maintaining safe, efficient, and environmentally compliant operations in oil sands facilities.

What is the highest paying oilfield job?

In the oil sands industry, the highest paying jobs are typically senior engineering roles such as Petroleum Engineers or Project Managers, especially those with specialized skills or extensive experience. These positions often require advanced certifications, technical expertise, and leadership responsibilities, resulting in higher compensation compared to entry-level roles.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

In the oil sands industry, executive roles such as senior engineers, project managers, and operations directors can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses and profit sharing. These high-paying positions typically require extensive experience, specialized skills, and often involve managing large teams or complex projects in a demanding environment.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in oil sands operations, and how can they prepare for them?

Professionals in oil sands operations often encounter challenges such as working in remote locations, managing strict safety and environmental regulations, and adapting to variable work schedules. These roles typically require collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including engineers, environmental scientists, and equipment operators. To prepare, job seekers should be comfortable with shift work, possess strong problem-solving skills, and be ready to engage in continuous safety training. Being proactive in learning about the latest technologies and sustainability initiatives in the oil sands industry can also provide a competitive edge.

What jobs pay $2000 a day?

In the oil sands industry, high-paying roles such as senior engineers, project managers, and specialized technical experts can earn around $2,000 or more per day, especially with extensive experience, certifications, and working in remote or hazardous environments. These positions often require advanced skills, safety training, and sometimes shift work or long hours to achieve such compensation levels.
More about Oil Sands jobs
What cities are hiring for Oil Sands jobs? Cities with the most Oil Sands job openings:
What states have the most Oil Sands jobs? States with the most job openings for Oil Sands jobs include:
Infographic showing various Oil Sands job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, and 12% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,578 per year, or $15.7 per hour.
Senior Cost Lead

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago


Cenovus Energy rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 74 rated oil and gas companies


Job description

Worker Type: EmployeeJob Post End Date: 07/02/2026

About this opportunity:

Cenovus is seeking a Senior Cost Lead to serve as the functional leader for the Cost Control discipline across Downstream Site Project Execution and Front-End Development (FED), providing strategic leadership, governance, and accountability for cost management performance across a diverse project portfolio. Reporting to the Project Controls Manager, this high-impact leadership role is responsible for the development, continuous improvement, and execution of cost tracking, analysis, forecasting, reporting, and change management processes that deliver accurate, value-added insights to improve project performance, portfolio management, and project-related financial decision-making. The successful candidate will drive cost-efficient, lean, and system-optimized use of cost control resources while fostering predictable and competitive business performance through strong cross-functional integration with Project Management, Engineering, Supply Chain, Construction, contractors, and Finance. Location is flexible between Toledo, OH, Lima, OH, or Superior, WI, with occasional travel to other Cenovus sites, including Lloydminster, Alberta.

What you'll do:

  • Lead the Cost Control function across Front-End Development (FED) and Project Execution, providing governance, strategic direction, and accountability for cost management performance throughout the project lifecycle.

  • Provide functional leadership, coaching, and oversight for internal Cost Engineers, contract resources, and third-party service providers, ensuring consistent application of standards, high-quality deliverables, and strong individual and team performance.

  • Own and continuously improve project cost management processes, including budgeting, commitments, actual costs, forecasting, cash flow, change management, variance analysis and performance reporting to support disciplined capital stewardship.

  • Ensure project budgets and forecasts accurately reflect approved scope, schedule performance, contractor progress, changes, risks, and opportunities, while integrating risk assessments into project and portfolio financial outlooks.

  • Deliver timely, accurate, and decision-focused reporting and analytics that provide actionable insights into project performance, portfolio health, cost trends, risks, and opportunities, enabling informed leadership and decision making.

  • Partner with Project Managers, Front-End Development, Engineering, Estimating, Scheduling, Supply Chain, Construction, and Finance and external contractors to drive integrated project controls alignment, challenge cost performance, and advance cost competitiveness through benchmarking, lessons learned, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Who you are:

  • Legally authorized to work in the US.

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Finance, or a related discipline.

  • 8+ years of related experience, including progressive experience in project cost engineering, project controls, or project management.

  • Working knowledge of project controls systems such as SAP, EcoSys, Maximo, Primavera P6, and advanced Excel reporting tools.

We acknowledge the value of transferrable skills and may consider equivalent combinations of experience and education should you not meet a specific requirement.

Note: The application deadline for this position is 11:59 PM MT JULY 1, 2026.

Cenovus was ranked one of Canada's Best Employers in 2025. We're committed to being an employer of choice in our industry by offering a competitive total rewards package and employee programs and rewarding career development opportunities. Learn more.

#LI-MG1

If you require accessibility assistance to complete the on-line application or otherwise apply for an open position with Cenovus, its subsidiaries and affiliates, please email careeropportunities@cenovus.com.

Who we are:

Cenovus is an integrated energy company headquartered in Calgary. We're committed to maximizing value by developing our assets in a safe, responsible and cost-efficient manner.

We operate in Canada, the United States and the Asia Pacific region. Our downstream operations include upgrading, refining and marketing operations in Canada and the United States. We are currently the largest refiner in Ohio and transport products from our refineries in Lima and Toledo, Ohio and Superior, Wisconsin via pipelines, rail cars and trucks to customers throughout the United States.

Other operations include oil sands projects in northern Alberta, thermal and conventional crude oil and natural gas projects across Western Canada, crude oil production offshore Newfoundland and Labrador and natural gas and liquids production offshore China and Indonesia.

Find Cenovus on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

The Cenovus experience

Total rewards

We're committed to being an employer of choice through competitive compensation and our comprehensive total rewards package, including:

  • Generous paid vacation

  • Annual bonus

  • Retirement savings plan matching

  • Long-term incentives*

  • Medical & dental coverage

  • Life insurance

  • Disability benefits

  • Employee assistance program

  • Virtual healthcare coverage

  • Generous leave of absence programs

  • Fitness membership reimbursement

*Eligibility for Total Rewards varies by position. This role may not be eligible for all Total Rewards offerings.

Our development philosophy

We foster a culture of continuous learning and development to support employees as they build meaningful careers. We offer a variety of employee development initiatives, including:

  • Internal course offerings

  • Education assistance for additional development

  • Opportunities to work on special projects

  • Leadership development programs for emerging and established leaders

We actively promote internal job movement, recognizing the value of gaining new perspectives, building connections across teams, and applying expertise in new ways. As a fully integrated energy company, we believe that sharing knowledge across our business and operations creates stronger outcomes-for employees and for the company as a whole.

Our culture

  • Our purpose: We energize the world to make people's lives better.

  • Our values:

    • Protect what matters

    • Do it right

    • Make it better

    • Do it together

  • Cenovus Cares: We believe in the power of purpose-driven work. Our Employee Giving and Volunteering Program, Cenovus Cares, connects our people to our purpose, inspiring action and elevating impact year-round.

    • Support causes you care about with volunteer opportunities in and outside of work.

    • Earn donation grants while volunteering (up to $1,000 per event).

    • Receive donation matching up to $25,000 annually.

  • Staff resource groups: We have various staff resource groups to help ensure our people feel a sense of belonging and can grow and do their best work. These voluntary groups are employee-led and all groups are open to all staff in all locations.

Equal opportunity employer

We believe a workplace where everyone has merit-based opportunities to grow, achieve career aspirations and feel a sense of belonging benefits our people, our company and the regions where we live and work. We embrace and encourage different perspectives and approaches, which help us make better business decisions. We believe that through this approach, we can solve challenges, seize opportunities and unlock innovative solutions.

To achieve an unbiased and respectful workplace, individuals are evaluated based on qualifications, merit and abilities, and we encourage applications from all qualified candidates. We also acknowledge the value of transferrable skills and may consider equivalent combinations of experience and education should you not meet a specific requirement.

For more information about working at Cenovus, visit cenovus.com.

The requirements of this posting may be modified to support business needs. Title and compensation administration will be based on the skills and capabilities of the successful incumbent.

Interested in this opportunity? Click the Apply link.

If you are a CURRENT EMPLOYEE, please apply by going to our Internal Career Site.


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