Turnaround Planning Student

Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNRL); Fort McMurray; On-site; CAD 52,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Quality camp facilities with multiple

Company Sponsored Fly-In/Fly-Out from/

Relocation potential under policy

Volunteer opportunities

Job summary

Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNRL) invites students to join the Horizon Oil Sands site in Fort McMurray, Alberta for an 8- or 16-month term starting January or May 2027. This safety-sensitive internship offers exposure to Turnaround Planning, database work, and advanced Excel/VBA projects.

You will collaborate with Upgrading and Utilities Engineering, develop MS Access databases, optimize SQL queries, and build dashboards using Power Query.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program, or within one year of graduation, in Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science or Data Science.
• Strong programming fundamentals with the ability to learn and adapt quickly.
• Solid understanding of SQL for writing, modifying, and troubleshooting queries.

Responsibilities

• Assist engineering team with Turnaround Planning support.
• Understand Turnaround Scope Management Processes using the Scope Management Module.
• Develop and optimize MS Access databases, forms, and queries.
• Create dashboards in Excel and Power Query and automate tasks with VBA.

Skills

SQL

Programming fundamentals

Analytical thinking

Independent work

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or Data Science

Tools

MS Access

SQL

Excel

Power Query

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? 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!

THE OPPORTUNITY

Our Horizon Oil Sands site is a world-class asset offering countless opportunities to advance your career. Comprised of surface oil sands mining and bitumen processing and upgrading facilities, this vast project offers challenging opportunities in an environment where teamwork, innovation, and your expertise are valued. Apply your abilities using industry-leading technologies and contribute to the success of the Horizon and Albian Oil Sands operations.

• Job location: Fort McMurray, Alberta – Horizon Oil Sands Site
• Shift schedule: 4 days on, 3 days off, 10 hours per day (Monday - Thursday)
• Term length: 8 and 16 months
• Term start: January and May 2027
• Safety sensitive position: Yes

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Assist the Upgrading and Utilities Engineering Team in activities relating to Turnaround Planning support
• Understand Turnaround Scope Management Processes utilizing the Scope Management Module (Access Database)
• MS Access Skills
  • Database Design & Development – Structure databases, define relationships and implement normalization for efficiency
  • Advanced Access Development – Build forms, queries, reports, and macros to enhance database functionality
  • VBA Programming – Automate processes, develop user-friendly interfaces, and ensure smooth execution with error handling
  • SQL Query Optimization – Write, optimize, and troubleshoot SQL queries for data manipulation and reporting
  • Database Troubleshooting & Optimization – Identify and resolve performance issues, debug errors, and maintain data integrity
  • Collaboration & Documentation – Work with stakeholders, document processes, and provide training for efficient database use
• MS Excel Skills
  • Data Management & Reporting – Organize, analyze, and visualize data using advanced formulas, PivotTables, and dashboards
  • VBA & Macro Automation – Automate repetitive tasks, improve workflows, and enhance efficiency with custom scripts
  • Power Query & Data Modeling – Perform Extract, Transform, Load processing, create data models with Power Pivot, and use DAX for advanced analysis
  • Optimization & Troubleshooting – Resolve formula errors, optimize large datasets, and improve workbook performance

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE ROLE

• Currently enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program, or within one year of graduation, in Mechanical Engineering or Computer Science or Data Science
• Previous engineering experience is considered an asset
• Strong programming fundamentals with the ability to learn and adapt to new tools and environments quickly
• Solid understanding of SQL for writing, modifying, and troubleshooting complex queries
• Strong mindset with an attention to detail, logical problem-solving, ability to work independently, and a willingness to learn

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive salary
• Quality camp facilities with multiple amenities available
• Company Sponsored Fly-In/Fly-Out from Calgary or Edmonton, Alberta
• May be eligible for relocation to Calgary, Edmonton or Fort McMurray pursuant to Canadian Natural’s Relocation Policy (students will be responsible for finding their own accommodations during the work term)
• Multiple volunteer opportunities within the community

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.