Environment Operations Lead

The Opportunity:

Canadian Natural has an exciting opportunity for a driven and detail-oriented environmental professional to take the lead on critical environmental management programs at our Horizon Mine. In this dynamic role, you will provide strategic direction, stewardship, and regulatory expertise across wildlife management, surface water requirements, and pre-development land obligations. You will play a key role in implementing the Wildlife Mitigation and Monitoring Plan, supporting the Surface Water Management Plan, and overseeing aquatics programs that enable safe and compliant operations.

Leveraging your strong communication and collaboration skills, you will partner closely with mine operations, dewatering teams, and project groups to provide clear regulatory guidance and practical solutions for activities such as bird deterrence, wildlife sweeps, and nuisance wildlife management. This role offers a balanced blend of office-based planning and field engagement (approximately 85% office / 15% field), requiring initiative, adaptability, and a proactive approach to managing evolving environmental priorities.

• Job location: Fort McMurray, Alberta - Horizon Oil Sands Site
• Shift schedule: 4 x 3, 10-hour shifts (Monday - Thursday)
• Safety sensitive position: Yes
• Application deadline: June 11, 2026

Key Accountabilities:

• Lead interdisciplinary teams and contractors (wildlife, aquatics, water) while fostering a safe, accountable work environment 
• Develop, implement, and oversee wildlife and aquatics management, monitoring, and mitigation programs for mining operations 
• Coordinate with regulatory bodies to ensure compliance, including reporting, permitting, and authorization submissions 
• Manage wildlife research initiatives, support regional stakeholder collaborations, and represent the organization in external engagements 
• Collaborate with reclamation teams to design and enhance wildlife habitat strategies within mine closure and reclamation plans 
• Oversee budgets and contracts, support RFPs, approve expenditures, and mentor junior staff to support professional development

What You Bring to the Role:

• Typically, 15-20 years of experience with a degree in Environmental Science or Biology with relevant work experience, preferably in oil sands
• Experience in writing reports for regulators and management
• Strong statistical and analytical approach with demonstrated problem solving capability
• Registration as a Professional Biologist preferred
• Expertise in relevant environmental regulations and codes including:
  • Alberta Energy Regulator
  • Alberta Environment and Protected Areas
  • Environment and Climate Change Canada; Fisheries and Oceans Canada

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary, stock options, company matched stock savings plan, annual bonuses
• 100% Employer paid extended Health, Dental and Vision Benefits 
• May be eligible for relocation pursuant to Canadian Natural’s Relocation Policy
• May be eligible for additional premiums
• Company Sponsored Fly-In/Fly-Out from Calgary or Edmonton, Alberta 
• First class camp facilities
• Health & Wellness Spending Account
• Multiple volunteer opportunities within the community
• Employee & Family Assistance Program

Check out our COMPENSATION & BENEFITS to learn more about what we have to offer