Engineering Student - Relief Field Operator - May Start - 4 Months

Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNRL); Grande Prairie; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Canadian energy company is offering a 4-month Relief Operator Summer Student position, starting in May 2026. This role includes responsibilities such as operating oil and gas systems, performing safety assessments, and solving mechanical problems. Engineering students from various disciplines are encouraged to apply. The position promises a competitive salary, safety training, and the chance to work alongside industry professionals in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Relocation assistance

Safety boot allowance

PPE covered

Volunteer opportunities

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in your 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year of an engineering degree program (Chemical, Mechanical, Energy, Petroleum/Oil & Gas preferred).
• Valid Class 5 Alberta driver’s license or equivalent and comfortable driving a work truck.
• Strong mechanical aptitude is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Complete hazard assessments and worksite safety observations.
• Utilize mechanical aptitude to solve daily problems.
• Be responsible for oil, gas, and production systems.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Problem-solving

Safety culture involvement

Education

Enrolled in an engineering degree program

Tools

Half-ton work truck

Job description

The Opportunity

JOB DESCRIPTION

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!

Build and expand your practical knowledge through working in a live environment at one of Canada’s largest independent oil and gas producers! You will have the opportunity to ask questions, develop meaningful relationships, and add value. This student opportunity is a 4-month term from May to August, located at one of Canadian Natural’s Western Canadian Operations.

As a Relief Operator Summer Student (ROSS), you will gain a fantastic learning experience and exposure to a wide range of oil and gas operating systems. Work outdoors for the summer alongside experienced industry professionals on light oil, heavy oil, gas plants, oil batteries, water floods, and/or pump jacks and join a company culture that fosters a fun working environment!

• Job location: One of our various field locations throughout Alberta, Northern BC, or Saskatchewan
• Shift schedule: Must be prepared to remain on-call during off-hours (selected fields only)
  • 8 days on, 6 days off, 10 hours per shift
  • 7 days on, 7 days off, 12 hours per shift
  • 9 days on, 5 days off, etc.
• Term length: 4 Months
• Term start: May 2026 (Mandatory Safety Training Week: May 4-8, 2026)
• Safety sensitive position: Yes

Key Accountabilities

• Be a part of front-line driven safety culture by completing hazard assessments, worksite safety observations, and identifying and correcting hazards and opportunities
• Utilize your hands-on mechanical aptitude and experience to solve daily problems to increase and maintain production volumes
• Be responsible for light oil, heavy oil, gas, gas plants, and/or oil batteries
• Work with water floods, EOR, pump jacks, and PC pumps
• Perform well testing techniques and production reporting
• Be a part of front-line driven safety culture by completing hazard assessments, worksite safety observations, and identifying and correcting hazards and opportunities

What You Bring To The Role

• Currently enrolled in your 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year of an engineering degree program (Chemical, Mechanical, Energy, and Petroleum/Oil & Gas disciplines preferred)
• Possess a valid Class 5 Alberta driver’s license or equivalent out of province license and feel comfortable driving a half ton work truck in a safe manner
• Strong mechanical aptitude is an asset

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.

About Us

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!