Environmental Student - Water

Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNRL); Fort McMurray; On-site; CAD 24,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Camp facilities

Fly-In/Fly-Out from Calgary/Edmonton

Relocation assistance

Volunteer opportunities

Intern Social Committee

Job summary

Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNRL) invites students to join the Albian Oil Sands Site in Fort McMurray for hands-on field sampling, data collection, and environmental field work under supervision of the Environment team.

The role runs 8 months with a 4-on/3-off schedule, starts January or May 2027, and includes safety focus, potential relocation support, and opportunities to contribute to regulatory reporting and environmental projects.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in 3rd/4th year or master's in relevant field.
• Valid Class 5 driver’s license.
• Physically capable of field work and lifting 40–50 lbs.
• Experience in environmental field work is an asset.
• UTV/ATV or watercraft experience is an asset.
• Oil sands or environmental experience is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Collect surface water samples and purge and collect groundwater samples in QA/QC compliance.
• Conduct field measurements and water quality tests (pH, temperature, conductivity, DO, turbidity).
• Prepare sample bottles and document chain of custody for proper identification and transport.
• Conduct wetland monitoring and environmental inspections.
• Perform data entry, validation, and reporting tasks.
• Promote safety and ensure compliance with safety requirements on site.
• Assist in preparing supporting data and documentation for regulatory reports.
• Carry out assigned environmental project and present findings to Environment team.
• Assist other environment team members with field work.

Skills

Field sampling

Data entry

Safety conscious

Teamwork

Education

Undergraduate or master's in Biology/Natural Sciences/Environmental Studies/Earth Sciences (water resources)

Tools

Class 5 driver's license

Database experience

Job description

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? As the successful candidate, your position will focus on surface and groundwater sampling and data collection. You will also have the opportunity to assist other environment team members with their portfolios.

The Opportunity

Canadian Natural’s Albian Oil Sands Site is a world class operation offering countless opportunities to advance your environmental career in an atmosphere where teamwork, innovation, and your expertise are valued. You can contribute to the success of Oil Sands operations using industry leading techniques.

• Job location: Fort McMurray, AB – Albian Oil Sands Site
• Shift schedule: 4 days on, 3 days off, 10 hours/day (Monday – Thursday)
• Term length: 8 months
• Term starts: January or May 2027
• Safety sensitive position: Yes
• Application deadline: This posting will close once the successful candidate(s) have been selected.

Key Accountabilities

• Collect surface water samples and purge and collect groundwater samples in compliance with QA/QC protocols
• Conduct field measurements and water quality testing, including pH, temperature, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity
• Prepare sample bottles and complete Chain of Custody documentation to ensure proper sample identification and transportation
• Conduct wetland monitoring activities and environmental inspections
• Perform data entry, validation, and reporting tasks
• Ensure compliance with all safety requirements and promote safe work practices among team members
• Assist in the preparation of supporting data, and documentation for regulatory reports
• Carry out an assigned environmental project and present findings and recommendations to the Environment team
• Assist other environment team members with field work

What You Bring To The Role

• Currently enrolled in the 3rd or 4th year of an undergraduate program, or a master's program, in Biology, Natural Sciences, Environmental Studies, or Earth Sciences, with a focus on water resources (Hydrology and/or Hydrogeology)
• Valid Class 5 driver’s license with clean drivers abstract
• Physically able to handle the rigors of field work (able to carry coolers and water samples weighing more than 40 lbs. to up to 50 lbs. or 22 kilos) and work outside on difficult, uneven terrain and in all weather conditions
• Database experience is an asset
• Previous experience in completing environmental field work is an asset
• Previous UTV/ATV and/or watercraft experience considered an asset
• Previous environmental or oil sands experience considered an asset

What We Offer

• Competitive salary
• Quality camp facilities with multiple amenities available
• Company Sponsored Fly-In/Fly-Out from Calgary or Edmonton, Alberta
• 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 learn more about what we have to offer!

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 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!

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.