Drilling Monitor

Terracon Geotechnique Ltd; Fort McMurray; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 90,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Camp accommodations

Flights provided

FIFO from Calgary/Edmonton

Job summary

Terracon Geotechnique Ltd. is seeking experienced Drilling Monitors to support exploration drilling in the Fort McMurray region. This contract term position includes FIFO from Calgary/Edmonton, with a 14 days on / 7 days off rotation and camp accommodations provided.

Role focuses on sonic drilling monitoring, logging sediment and bedrock, and documenting conditions. Start in Oct 2026 through Dec 2026, safety-focused operations in mining environments.

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in Geology or related Earth sciences.
• Experience logging geological data or monitoring drilling.
• Legal authorization to work in Canada and a valid driver's license.
• Ability to work outdoors in variable weather and field conditions.
• Meet site fitness-for-work requirements and safety testing.

Responsibilities

• Monitor sonic drilling operations and document activities.
• Log and describe materials encountered during drilling.
• Describe and classify soil, overburden, and bedrock units with minimal supervision.
• Collect, label, and document soil and core samples.
• Monitor drilling productivity, recovery, and sample quality.
• Record groundwater observations and drilling conditions.
• Maintain field notes, logs, and photographic records.
• Communicate with drilling contractors, project managers, and technical staff.
• Ensure field activities are completed safely and in accordance with procedures.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Data quality

Education

Geology degree or diploma

Job description

We know you have choices when it comes to your career. At Terracon, we focus on building a culture where employees feel supported, challenged, and empowered to grow. Our core values guide everything we do:

• A collaborative, inclusive, and safety-focused work environment
• A comprehensive, cost-shared benefits program supporting physical and mental well-being
• Innovative savings and investment programs to help you reach your financial goals

About the Role

Terracon Geotechnique Ltd. is seeking experienced Drilling Monitors to support exploration drilling programs in the Fort McMurray region.

This is a contract term position with an anticipated start in October 2026 and continuing through approximately December 2026, subject to project requirements. The role is primarily field-based and will support geological drilling programs in and around active mining environments.

Successful candidates will have demonstrated experience describing and logging Quaternary sediments and Cretaceous formations commonly encountered throughout the Athabasca Oil Sands region and be capable of independently documenting geological conditions encountered during sonic drilling operations.

This is a Fly-In/Fly-Out (FIFO) opportunity with travel provided from Calgary and Edmonton for the duration of the project. The anticipated schedule is approximately 14 days on / 7 days off, although rotations may vary depending on operational and project requirements.

At Terracon, we are committed to our core values of Safety, Integrity, Teamwork, and Entrepreneurism (S.I.T.E.) and seek individuals who share these values while contributing to a positive project team culture.

• Fly-In/Fly-Out opportunity from Calgary and Edmonton.
• Work based at active mining and industrial sites within the Fort McMurray region.
• Anticipated rotation of approximately 14 days on / 7 days off; schedules may vary based on operational requirements.
• 12-hour day and night shifts may be required.
• Camp accommodations and flights provided.
• Work is conducted in a dynamic field environment with exposure to varying weather, terrain, and operating conditions.

Key Responsibilities

Drilling Monitoring

• Monitor sonic drilling operations and ensure accurate documentation of drilling activities.
• Log and describe material encountered during drilling.
• Independently describe, classify, and document soil, overburden, and bedrock units with minimal supervision.
• Collect, label, and document soil and core samples.
• Monitor drilling productivity, recovery, and sample quality.
• Record groundwater observations and drilling conditions.
• Maintain detailed field notes, logs, and photographic records.
• Communicate effectively with drilling contractors, project managers, and technical staff.
• Ensure field activities are completed safely and in accordance with project procedures.

What We Look For

We are seeking individuals with:

• A degree, diploma, or technical training in Geology, Geoscience, Earth Science, Geological Technology, or a related discipline.
• Previous experience conducting geological logging and/or drill monitoring programs in the Athabasca Oil Sands region.
• Strong knowledge of the regional geology and sediment classification.
• Legal authorization to work in Canada.
• A valid driver's license.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and field conditions.
• Ability to meet site-specific fitness-for-work requirements.
• Ability to work in safety-sensitive environments and meet client drug and alcohol testing requirements.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data quality.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.

Preferred Experience

• Minimum 2 to 5 years of Athabasca Oil Sands geological logging and/or drilling monitor experience.

Additional Assets

• Previous oil sands drilling monitor experience.
• Experience with sonic drilling programs.
• Familiarity with geotechnical site investigation programs.
• Experience working on oil sands mining operations.
• Current OSSA/BSO, CSO, CSTS, First Aid, H2S Alive, and Ground Disturbance certifications.
• Membership or eligibility for registration with APEGA or ASET.