Engineering Student - Field Operations

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Canadian Natural’s Field Operations student role yields hands-on experience across light oil, heavy oil, gas, and thermal facilities, partnering with experienced operators to learn production operations, equipment maintenance, and field safety. A 4-month term starting May 2027, based in Alberta, Northern BC, or Saskatchewan, offers exposure to inspections, production monitoring, well testing, and continuous improvement while building practical field engineering skills and leadership. To apply, tailor your resume to highlight mechanical aptitude, any field experience, and problem solving; emphasize relevant coursework and driving on rural roads, and readiness for a pre-employment drug screen. Ensure you’re eligible to work in Canada and hold a Class 5 Alberta license. Include resume, cover letter, unofficial transcripts, and be prepared for relocation and PPE training.

The Opportunity:

Looking to gain firsthand experience in the energy industry while working directly in the field? Join Canadian Natural's Field Operations team and develop practical skills supporting the safe and reliable operation of our Conventional assets.

As a field operations engineering student, you'll work alongside experienced operators and field personnel to gain a strong understanding of production operations, facility equipment, and day-to-day field activities. Through hands-on experience and mentorship, you'll develop practical knowledge of oil and gas operations while contributing to the safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible performance of our assets.

During your work term, you'll gain exposure to a variety of facilities and production systems, including light oil, heavy oil, gas, and thermal operations. You'll have opportunities to support equipment inspections, production monitoring, well testing, reporting activities, troubleshooting efforts, and continuous improvement initiatives.

This role provides a unique opportunity to connect engineering concepts with real-world operations, helping you build a strong foundation in production processes, equipment reliability, operational decision-making, and field safety.

If you enjoy problem-solving, working outdoors, and learning how energy assets operate firsthand, this opportunity is for you.

• Job location: One of our various field locations throughout Alberta, Northern BC, or Saskatchewan
• Shift schedule: TBD
• Term length: 4 months
• Term start: May 2027
• Safety sensitive position: Yes

Key Accountabilities:

• Contribute to a strong safety culture by completing hazard assessments, participating in worksite safety observations, and identifying opportunities to improve safe operations.
• Develop a practical understanding of production operations, equipment maintenance, and field engineering principles
• Support the safe and efficient operation of conventional oil and gas facilities, including light oil, heavy oil, gas, gas plant, thermal, and battery operations
• Monitor, inspect, and troubleshoot production equipment and systems to support operational reliability and performance
• Gain experience with production and recovery methods, including water floods, Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR), pump jacks, and progressive cavity (PC) pumps
• Perform well testing, production reporting, field inspections, and operational data collection activities
• Collaborate with Operations and Engineering teams to identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities
• Apply safe work practices and corporate standards in all aspects of field operations

What You Bring to The Role:

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's degree program in Engineering or an Engineering Technology diploma program from an accredited post-secondary institution.
• Motivated and positive attitude
• Strong Mechanical aptitude
• Previous field experience is considered an asset
• Experience operating a pickup truck and comfort driving on highways, rural roads, and lease roads in varying weather conditions are considered assets.
• Required to be physically and mentally fit for work.
• Responsible attitude towards safety, demonstrate leadership and enjoy problem solving
• Possess a valid Class 5 Alberta driver’s license or an equivalent out of province license
• A pre-employment drug screening test must be successfully completed

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary
• 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)
• Safety boot allowance
• Safety training certifications and PPE covered
• Multiple volunteer opportunities within the community

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

Note: This may be BC based position; the hourly range is estimated to be between $28.61 - $33.65

If you are interested in this exciting student work term opportunity, please include your resume, cover letter 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!