Tailings Geochemist

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

The Opportunity:

At Canadian Natural, we are proud to be a leader in Canada's energy industry. Join our team and help shape sustainable mine closure solutions through technical excellence, innovation, and collaboration.

We are looking for a geochemist or biogeochemist to support tailings management, closure planning, closure designs, and regulatory compliance at our Albian oil sands asset. This role serves as the technical lead for geochemistry, providing expertise in geochemical characterization, acid rock drainage (ARD), metal leaching (ML), and geochemical modelling while ensuring technical work is risk-informed, and is aligned with business and regulatory objectives.

• Job location: Calgary, Alberta *

• Shift schedule: 5 x 2, 8-hour shifts

• Safety sensitive position: Yes

• Application deadline: September 9, 2026

*Please note, this position will require regular travel to site

Key Accountabilities:

• Work together with multidisciplinary technical teams supporting planning, design, operations, and closure of the Muskeg River and Jackpine Mines

• Lead geochemical characterization and monitoring programs for various materials and landforms.

• Support detailed closure landform designs, long range closure plans, and mine water management strategies

• Interpret, apply, and report on geochemical testing results and field monitoring data (ABA, NAG, humidity cells, column tests, leach tests, mineralogical analyses, water quality analyses)

• Develop and review geochemical models using tools such as PHREEQC, GoldSim, and MODFLOW

• Develop and review technical reports and regulatory content pertaining to geochemistry

• Manage consultants, laboratories, budgets, schedules, and associated technical deliverables

• Mentor junior technical staff and support professional development

• A periodic field presence is required to support characterization and monitoring programs

What You Bring to the Role:

• Bachelor's degree in Geochemistry, Biogeochemistry, Geology, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline

• Master's degree in Geochemistry, Hydrogeochemistry, Environmental Geochemistry, or a related field is considered an asset

• Professional designation (P.Geo. or P.Eng.) registered or eligible for registration with APEGA, if applicable

• 10+ years of relevant experience in geochemistry, mine water, tailings, reclamation, or closure planning

• Demonstrated experience in 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 considered an asset

• Strong communication, project management, and stakeholder engagement skills