Student Operator Jobs in Alberta (NOW HIRING)

The Opportunity:

Are you a student looking for an exciting opportunity that is full of meaningful, diverse, and ambitious assignments working alongside industry leading professionals? Join a company culture that fosters a fun working environment, developing meaningful relationships, and continuous learning! 

Geotechnical engineers are responsible for the design, construction, operation, monitoring, reclamation and closure of mining earth structures such as tailings dams, pit walls and dumps. They look after the instrumentation monitoring equipment and data, inspect construction, and support operations to make sure the structures are being constructed, operated and maintained safely and effectively. They also liaise with consultants and other professionals that are involved with their facilities.

As a Geotechnical Engineering Student, you will have the opportunity to support the Geotechnical team who are responsible for the in-house design, analyses and surveillance of the mining structures including fluid retaining structures (tailings dams), earth fill waste dumps, reclamation stockpiles, roads, and mine pit walls. You may also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in our dynamic tailings closure and reclamation team. Gain valuable hands-on experience in geotechnical engineering, honing your skills while making a real impact.

If you are curious about the behavior of soil, fluids, tailings and reclamation material, and how they interact with each other and the environment, and like the outdoors, then this opportunity is for you! There may also be the opportunity to work with automation and robotics processes and apply your computer coding skills for those with the aptitude and programming experience.

• Job location: Calgary, AB - Head Office or Fort McMurray, AB - Horizon or Albian Sands
• Shift schedule: Various
• Term length: 12 months
• Term starts: May or September 2027
• Safety sensitive position: Yes

Key Accountabilities

• Collate, process and manage geotechnical instrumentation data including quality control
• Complete the daily instrument monitoring reports 
• Assist in the preparation and presentation of monthly performance monitoring reports
• Apply engineering principles to assess and solve geotechnical issues related to mine earth structures
• Perform design calculations and modelling under the direction of an engineer
• Manage communication with stakeholders 
• Assist engineers in producing technical deliverables, reports, and drawings (drafting and proof reading)
• Contribute to work standards, procedures, and guidelines

What You Bring to The Role:

• Currently enrolled in bachelor's degree program in Civil or Geological engineering preferred
• Highly motivated individual with good communication/networking skills
• Experience in computer programming/coding such as Python, VBA or SQL is considered an asset
• Geotechnical Engineering courses and projects, previous engineering experience is considered an asset 
• Possess a valid Class 5 Alberta driver's license or equivalent out of province license with a reasonably clean driver abstract
• A pre-employment drug screening test must be successfully completed

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary
• Paid time off during Christmas week and summer Fridays in July and August (Calgary only)
• Students may be eligible for relocation assistance pursuant to Canadian Natural's Student Relocation Policy (Students will be responsible for finding their own accommodations during the work term) 
• Multiple volunteer opportunities within the community
• Opportunities to partake in initiatives such as the Intern Social Committee
• Quality camp facilities with multiple amenities available (Oil Sands only)
• Company Sponsored Fly-In/Fly-Out from Calgary or Edmonton, Alberta (Oil Sands only) 

Check out our COMPENSATION & BENEFITS overview to see what we have to offer!

If you are interested in this exciting student work term opportunity, please include your resume, cover letter (optional) and unofficial transcripts as part of your online application.

All candidates applying to Canadian Natural must have legal authorization to work in Canada with no restrictions.

We wish to thank all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for the position; however, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. This posting will close once a successful candidate has been selected.

Canadian Natural operates one of the largest Campus Recruitment programs in the country, hiring over 400 students every year. Students hired on with us are made to feel a part of the team, gaining high level experience, knowledge, and training that introduces and prepares them for full-time employment. 

We are proud to share that Canadian Natural has been ranked as a Top Employer for 2023, 2024 and 2025 by Canada's Future Workforce and also one of Forbes' Canada's Best Employers in 2025 and 2026.

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 Student Testimonials!