Senior Tailings Geochemist — Closure & Modelling Lead

Canadian Natural Resources Limited; Calgary; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Canadian Natural Resources Limited in Calgary seeks a senior geochemist/biogeochemist to lead geochemistry for tailings management, closure planning, and regulatory compliance. The role combines technical leadership with collaboration across multidisciplinary teams to support mine closure at the Muskeg River and Jackpine Mines.

You will manage geochemical characterization programs, develop models with PHREEQC, GoldSim, and MODFLOW, review reports, supervise consultants, and mentor junior staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Geochemistry or related field required.
• Master's degree in Geochemistry or Hydrogeochemistry is an asset.
• Professional designation (P.Geo. or P.Eng.) registered or eligible with APEGA.
• 10+ years of relevant geochemistry experience in mine water, tailings, reclamation, or closure planning.
• Experience with ARD/ML assessment, water quality prediction, geochemical modelling, and mine waste characterization.
• Experience managing consultants, technical studies, and field programs.
• Knowledge of Alberta's oil sands, tailings management, and closure regulatory environment is a plus.
• Strong communication, project management, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead geochemical characterization and monitoring programs for materials and landforms.
• Support detailed closure landform designs and mine water management strategies.
• Interpret, apply, and report geochemical testing results and field data.
• Develop and review geochemical models using PHREEQC, GoldSim, and MODFLOW.
• Manage consultants, laboratories, budgets, schedules, and deliverables.
• Mentor junior technical staff and support professional development.
• Periodic field presence to support characterization and monitoring programs.

Skills

Geochemistry

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Geochemistry or related

Master's degree asset

Professional designation (P.Geo. or P.Eng.)

Tools

PHREEQC

GoldSim

MODFLOW

Job description

Canadian Natural Resources Limited in Calgary seeks a senior geochemist/biogeochemist to lead geochemistry for tailings management, closure planning, and regulatory compliance. The role combines technical leadership with collaboration across multidisciplinary teams to support mine closure at the Muskeg River and Jackpine Mines.

You will manage geochemical characterization programs, develop models with PHREEQC, GoldSim, and MODFLOW, review reports, supervise consultants, and mentor junior staff.