Tailings Geochemist

Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNRL); Calgary; On-site; CAD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNRL) in Calgary seeks a geochemist or biogeochemist to support tailings management, closure planning and regulatory compliance. You will serve as the technical lead for geochemistry, guiding ARD/ML assessments, water quality prediction, and geochemical modelling while aligning with safety, regulatory, and business objectives.

With 10+ years of relevant experience and a relevant professional designation, you will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Geochemistry or related discipline
• Master's degree in Geochemistry or related field is an asset
• Professional designation (P.Geo. or P.Eng.) registered or eligible with APEGA
• 10+ years of relevant geochemistry experience
• Experience with ARD/ML assessment and water quality prediction
• Experience managing consultants and field programs
• Knowledge of Alberta oil sands regulatory environment is a plus
• Strong communication and project management skills

Responsibilities

• Lead geochemical characterization and monitoring programs for materials and landforms
• Support closure landform designs and long-range closure plans
• Interpret and report geochemical testing results and field data
• Develop and review geochemical models using PHREEQC, GoldSim and MODFLOW
• Prepare technical reports and regulatory content
• Manage consultants, laboratories, budgets, and schedules
• Mentor junior technical staff and support professional development
• Periodic field presence to support characterization and monitoring

Skills

Geochemistry

Biogeochemistry

Mine water

Tailings

Regulatory

Education

Bachelor's degree in Geochemistry

Master's degree in Geochemistry

P.Geo. or P.Eng.

Tools

PHREEQC

GoldSim

MODFLOW

Job description

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.

The Opportunity

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

About Us

We are proud to be ranked as one of Forbes' Canada's Best Employers in 2025 and 2026.

We invest in your career through offering a culture that focuses on developing people, working together and doing it right, with fun and integrity.

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 Employee Testimonials !

All candidates applying to Canadian Natural must have legal authorization to work in Canada with no restrictions.

While we appreciate all applications we receive, kindly note only candidates under consideration will be contacted.