The Opportunity:
Are you a geoscience student seeking an exciting opportunity that offers a mix of lab work and field experience? Join a company culture that fosters a fun working environment, developing meaningful relationships, and continuous learning!
This opportunity provides a unique chance to spend 4 months in the core lab and 4 months on our mine site. You'll analyze rock formations in the lab and then apply your knowledge in a mine site setting. This hands-on approach ensures a well-rounded learning experience, combining theoretical understanding with practical skills development. In addition, you will work alongside experienced geologists who can mentor you along the way while gaining valuable on-the-job training such as working with 3D modeling software, field tours in the active mining area and learning to communicate geological concepts to a diverse audience.
If you are passionate about rocks, like the outdoors, and do not mind getting your hands dirty, this opportunity is perfect for you!
- Job location: Calgary, AB or Fort McMurray, AB – Horizon or Albian Sands
- Shift schedule: TBD
- Term lengths: 4 or 8 months
- Term starts: January or May 2026
- Safety sensitive position: Yes
Key Accountabilities:
- Work as an integral member of the production geology and hydrogeology group involved with the day-to-day operations of the active mine
- Spend time in the field investigating the changing excavation faces, validating the geological model, and reviewing the mine plan in action
- Get hands-on experience with the core-drilling program by working with the drilling department to gather all the information required to characterize the deposit, plan and execute
- Learn the detailed stratigraphy of the McMurray Formation by describing and sampling core from the winter drilling program; skills acquired will include geophysical log interpretation, depositional environments and sampling techniques used to support a mining operation
- Advance your technical development while contributing to the goals of the team by learning about mine planning, reserves reconciliation, mining operations, geotechnical and hydrogeological considerations
What You Bring to The Role:
- Currently enrolled in a bachelor's degree program in Geology
- Required to be physically and mentally fit for work
- Motivated self-starter who can thrive as an independent worker and in team settings
- A sense of ownership and responsibility for project outcomes, and the ability to work effectively in collaborative, interdisciplinary teams
- Passionate about rocks and enjoy the outdoors
- 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
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 by Canada's Future Workforce and also one of Forbes' Canada's Best Employers in 2025.
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!