Turnaround Planning Student

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Canadian Natural Resources invites applications for a Turnaround Planning Student role at Horizon Oil Sands in Fort McMurray, for 8 or 16 month terms beginning January or May 2027, with a 4 on 3 off schedule and a safety sensitive designation. You will support the Upgrading and Utilities Engineering Team on Turnaround Scope Management, work with the Scope Management Module in Access, and use Excel, VBA, Power Query, and SQL to organize data and automate reporting. Ideal candidates are enrolled in Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or Data Science, with strong programming fundamentals and SQL, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight database design and data projects, include unofficial transcripts, confirm eligibility to work in Canada, and apply early.

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 Canadian Natural, where we strive to provide opportunities based on your abilities, helping you to contribute in a meaningful way and apply your academic experience to challenging and rewarding projects!

Our Horizon Oil Sands site is a world-class asset offering countless opportunities to advance your career. Comprised of surface oil sands mining and bitumen processing and upgrading facilities, this vast project offers challenging opportunities in an environment where teamwork, innovation, and your expertise are valued. Apply your abilities using industry-leading technologies and contribute to the success of the Horizon and Albian Oil Sands operations.

• Job location: Fort McMurray, Alberta – Horizon Oil Sands Site 
• Shift schedule: 4 days on, 3 days off, 10 hours per day (Monday – Thursday)
• Term length: 8 and 16 months
• Term start: January and May 2027
• Safety sensitive position: Yes

Key Accountabilities:

• Assist the Upgrading and Utilities Engineering Team in activities relating to Turnaround Planning support
• Understand Turnaround Scope Management Processes utilizing the Scope Management Module (Access Database)
• MS Access Skills
  • Database Design & Development – Structure databases, define relationships and implement normalization for efficiency
  • Advanced Access Development – Build forms, queries, reports, and macros to enhance database functionality
  • VBA Programming – Automate processes, develop user-friendly interfaces, and ensure smooth execution with error handling
  • SQL Query Optimization – Write, optimize, and troubleshoot SQL queries for data manipulation and reporting
  • Database Troubleshooting & Optimization – Identify and resolve performance issues, debug errors, and maintain data integrity
  • Collaboration & Documentation – Work with stakeholders, document processes, and provide training for efficient database use
• MS Excel Skills
  • Data Management & Reporting – Organize, analyze, and visualize data using advanced formulas, PivotTables, and dashboards
  • VBA & Macro Automation – Automate repetitive tasks, improve workflows, and enhance efficiency with custom scripts
  • Power Query & Data Modeling – Perform Extract, Transform, Load processing, create data models with Power Pivot, and use DAX for advanced analysis
  • Optimization & Troubleshooting – Resolve formula errors, optimize large datasets, and improve workbook performance

What You Bring to The Role:

• Currently enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program, or within one year of graduation, in Mechanical Engineering or Computer Science or Data Science 
• Previous engineering experience is considered an asset
• Strong programming fundamentals with the ability to learn and adapt to new tools and environments quickly
• Solid understanding of SQL for writing, modifying, and troubleshooting complex queries 
• Strong mindset with an attention to detail, logical problem-solving, ability to work independently, and a willingness to learn

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary
• Quality camp facilities with multiple amenities available 
• Company Sponsored Fly-In/Fly-Out from Calgary or Edmonton, Alberta
• May be eligible for relocation to Calgary, Edmonton or Fort McMurray pursuant to Canadian Natural’s Relocation Policy (students will be responsible for finding their own accommodations during the work term)
• Multiple volunteer opportunities within the community

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 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!