Operations Geologist – Imperial, Edmonton, AB
Location: Edmonton, AB | Company: ExxonMobil
Imperial is hiring an Operations Geologist for a full-time position based in Edmonton, Alberta. This opportunity supports the Cold Lake Oil Sands Asset, where the successful candidate will help plan and execute heavy oil drilling programs while contributing to reservoir development and production optimization.
Working within the Cold Lake Geoscience Team, the Operations Geologist will collaborate with drilling, reservoir, completions and production specialists to provide geological interpretation, well placement recommendations and technical support throughout the drilling process. The role is designed for early-career geoscientists looking to develop hands-on experience in operations geology within one of Canada’s largest in-situ oil sands developments.
About This Operations Geologist Position
The Operations Geologist plays an important role in supporting safe and efficient drilling activities while helping maximize reservoir performance. By combining geological interpretation with operational data, the successful candidate will assist in identifying drilling opportunities and improving field development strategies.
The role offers exposure to drilling operations, geosteering, reservoir characterization and post-drill evaluations while working closely with multidisciplinary engineering and geoscience teams responsible for the continued development of the Cold Lake asset.
Key Areas of Responsibility
The successful candidate will support drilling programs by interpreting geological information, assisting with well planning and helping optimize reservoir development activities throughout the life of each project.
Subsurface Interpretation
Interpret well logs, core samples, drilling information, production data and other geological datasets to improve reservoir understanding.
Well Planning
Assist with geological prognoses, target selection, offset well reviews and hazard identification during drilling program planning.
Drilling Support
Provide geological guidance during active drilling operations by monitoring well progress, interpreting incoming data and communicating technical recommendations.
Development Opportunities
Integrate geological and reservoir information to identify infill drilling opportunities and support future development planning.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with reservoir, drilling, completions and production teams to optimize field performance and support operational objectives.
Continuous Improvement
Participate in initiatives that improve drilling performance, reservoir understanding and overall development efficiency while maintaining company safety standards.
Education and Technical Qualifications
Candidates should hold a bachelor’s degree in Geology, Geoscience, Earth Sciences or a related discipline. Imperial welcomes applicants with zero to five years of industry experience who are eligible for registration or already registered as a Geoscientist-in-Training (G.I.T.) or Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo.) with APEGA or an equivalent organization.
Knowledge of sedimentary geology, stratigraphy and reservoir characterization principles is required. Experience with geological interpretation software such as Accumap, Petrel or StarSteer, together with familiarity with heavy oil or oil sands operations, is considered an asset.
Skills That May Help Candidates Succeed
This role combines geological interpretation with operational decision-making in a dynamic drilling environment. Successful candidates should be analytical, collaborative and comfortable working with technical information that directly supports field operations.
Ability to interpret well logs, geological models, core samples and drilling information to support reservoir development decisions.
Knowledge of sedimentary geology, stratigraphy and reservoir characterization to improve drilling targets and production performance.
Experience using geological mapping, interpretation and drilling applications such as Petrel, Accumap, StarSteer or similar platforms.
Strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with drilling, reservoir, completions and production teams throughout development projects.
The ability to evaluate multiple technical datasets, manage competing priorities and provide practical recommendations within an operational environment.
Career Development and Employee Benefits
Imperial provides competitive compensation together with structured training, mentorship and relocation assistance where required. Employees also have opportunities to participate in Employee Resource Groups that support inclusion, networking and professional development across the organization.
The company encourages long-term career growth by offering technical learning opportunities, exposure to multidisciplinary projects and the chance to contribute to one of Canada’s leading oil sands operations while supporting responsible energy development.
How to Apply
Candidates interested in joining Imperial should submit their application through the company’s official careers website. Applicants should highlight relevant geological education, software experience, drilling support activities and any previous exposure to heavy oil or oil sands operations.
Successful applicants must be legally eligible to work in Canada on a full-time basis without restrictions before their employment start date. Imperial may require proof of work eligibility before employment begins and offers reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. Joblyz does not receive applications or participate in hiring decisions.