CNRL Careers 2025: Oil Sands Jobs in Canada

Introduction

Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNRL) stands as one of the largest and most successful independent crude oil and natural gas producers in the world. With a diversified portfolio of assets, including extensive operations in the Athabasca Oil Sands, CNRL is a cornerstone of the Canadian energy sector. A career with CNRL offers stability, competitive compensation, and the opportunity to work on some of the most significant and long-life asset projects in the industry. Joining CNRL in 2025 means becoming part of a company with a proven track record of responsible development and a clear, long-term vision for the future.

About CNRL

Canadian Natural is a senior crude oil and natural gas exploration, development and production company. Its operations are focused in North America, predominantly in Western Canada; the UK portion of the North Sea; and Offshore Africa. In Canada, its core operations include the Horizon Oil Sands mining and upgrading facility, the Athabasca Oil Sands (AOSP), and a vast portfolio of thermal in-situ and conventional oil and gas assets. With a head office in Calgary and major operational sites in Fort McMurray and other parts of Alberta, CNRL is known for its operational excellence, financial discipline, and commitment to environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles.

Why Work at CNRL

Choosing a career with CNRL means investing in long-term stability and professional growth. As a company with a large, defined asset base, CNRL can offer career-long project opportunities and job security. Employees benefit from top-tier compensation, including industry-leading salaries, outstanding bonuses, and a share savings plan. The company fosters a culture of safety, integrity, and teamwork, and is deeply committed to the professional development of its staff through continuous learning and advancement opportunities. CNRL’s size and diversity also allow for varied career paths across different asset types and technical disciplines.

Key Job Categories and Roles

CNRL’s diversified operations create a wide range of career paths. Engineering and Technical roles include Plant Engineer, Production Engineer, Process Engineer, Reliability Engineer, and Geologist. Field and Trades positions encompass Heavy Duty Mechanic, Industrial Mechanic (Millwright), Instrumentation Technician, Power Engineer, and Field Operator. Head Office and Corporate functions feature opportunities in Finance, IT, Supply Chain, HR, and Environmental, Regulatory, and Aboriginal Affairs.

Current Job Openings – Apply Online

CNRL is continuously seeking skilled individuals to support its long-life asset base. The company values candidates with a strong safety mindset and relevant experience. For professionals seeking a stable and rewarding career in the Canadian energy sector, the following table highlights current openings:

Latest Openings

New positions are created regularly to support ongoing operations and optimization projects. CNRL is actively seeking experts in areas like asset integrity, digital transformation, and environmental performance. Current high-priority openings include:

Salaries – Average Salary Comparison

CNRL is known for offering highly competitive, industry-leading compensation packages in Canada. The following table provides approximate annual base salary ranges for key positions:

How to Apply

The application process for CNRL careers is managed through its official online portal. Candidates should begin by visiting the CNRL careers website. Use the search function to filter by location, keyword, or job category. After identifying a suitable role, read the description and requirements thoroughly. You will be prompted to create a candidate profile, where you can upload your resume, cover letter, and other documents. You can track the status of your application through your profile dashboard.

Requirements & Qualifications

Typical requirements for CNRL positions include relevant post-secondary education (Engineering, Geoscience, Business, Trades Certification) or a High School Diploma for operator roles. For technical and field positions, relevant experience in oil and gas, mining, or heavy industry is highly valued. Specific certifications are often required, such as ABSA certifications for Power Engineers, a valid trade ticket for Journeymen, or eligibility for APEGA registration for engineers. A commitment to safety and a clean driver’s abstract are standard requirements for all roles.

Recruitment Process

The CNRL recruitment process is thorough and designed to identify the most qualified and safety-conscious candidates. It begins with the online application. Suitable candidates are then contacted for a phone screening with an HR recruiter. This is typically followed by one or more interviews with the hiring manager and team members, which may include behavioral and technical questions. For many roles, a pre-employment medical and drug & alcohol test is required. The process concludes with a formal job offer to the successful candidate.

Work Locations

CNRL’s operations are primarily concentrated in Alberta, Canada. Key locations include:

• Calgary, AB: Corporate head office (Stephen Avenue Place), housing finance, marketing, engineering, and executive functions.
• Fort McMurray, AB: Home to the Athabasca Oil Sands Project (AOSP) and other regional operations.
• Horizon Oil Sands Site: North of Fort McMurray, a massive mining and upgrading operation requiring camp-based or fly-in/fly-out schedules.
• Other Alberta Sites: Operations in the Primrose, Kirby, and Wolf Lake areas, often with camp accommodations.

Employee Benefits

CNRL provides a top-tier benefits package that is highly regarded in the industry. Key components include a competitive base salary and a lucrative annual performance bonus, a company-matched share savings plan, comprehensive health and dental coverage, and a defined contribution pension plan. Employees also receive generous vacation and time-off allowances, wellness and employee assistance programs, and support for professional dues and continuing education.

Internships & Graduate Programs

CNRL is committed to developing new talent through its robust student and new graduate programs. The company offers 4, 8, 12, or 16-month internship opportunities across various disciplines. The Engineer-in-Training (EIT) Program provides recent engineering graduates with rotational assignments, mentorship, and targeted training to gain their P.Eng. designation. Similar structured programs exist for Geoscientists and IT professionals.

Company Reviews & Ratings

CNRL is consistently rated as one of Canada’s top employers, particularly in the energy sector. Employees frequently cite the company’s financial strength and job security, industry-leading compensation and benefits, and the technical challenge of working on world-class assets as major advantages. The company’s strong safety culture and commitment to long-term, responsible development are also key points of praise.

FAQs

Q: What is the work schedule at a remote site like Horizon?
A: Remote site operations typically operate on a rotation schedule. A common pattern is 7 days on / 7 days off or 14 days on / 14 days off, with company-provided flights from designated hubs and full camp accommodations.

Q: Does CNRL sponsor visas for international applicants?
A: CNRL primarily hires individuals who are already legally entitled to work in Canada. In some rare cases for highly specialized roles, they may consider supporting a work permit application.

Q: What is the difference between mining and in-situ (SAGD) roles at CNRL?
A: Mining involves large-scale excavation at the Horizon site, while in-situ (Steam-Assisted Gravity Drainage) involves drilling and steaming to extract bitumen from deeper underground. The work environments and specific operational challenges differ.

Q: How does the bonus program work?
A: CNRL has a strong performance-based culture. Eligible employees receive an annual bonus that is tied to both company performance and individual performance against set objectives.

Q: Are there opportunities for tradespeople?
A: Absolutely. CNRL is a major employer of skilled trades, including Electricians, Instrumentation Technicians, Heavy Duty Mechanics, and Millwrights, for both maintenance and construction projects.

Conclusion

A career with Canadian Natural Resources Limited represents a premier opportunity to build a stable, rewarding, and long-term future within the Canadian energy industry. From operating and optimizing the massive Horizon mining facility to managing sophisticated in-situ SAGD operations, CNRL employees play a vital role in powering the nation. With its unmatched asset base, commitment to its people, and industry-leading compensation, CNRL stands as an employer of choice. Exploring CNRL career opportunities in 2025 is a strategic step for any professional seeking to make a significant and lasting impact close to home.

Notice: oilandgascareersearch.com are not recruiters, we are just sharing available jobs worldwide, once you click on the apply button, it will redirect you to the career page of the concerned job provider,  oilandgascareersearch.com is not involved in any stage of recruitment directly or indirectly, we are not collecting any personal information of job seekers. Don’t pay any amount for the job application and recruitment process.