Lead Geoscientist, Oil Sands Stratigraphy and Reservoir Characterization – Imperial, Edmonton, AB
Location: Edmonton, AB | Company: ExxonMobil
Imperial is hiring a Lead Geoscientist specializing in oil sands stratigraphy and reservoir characterization in Edmonton, Alberta. This senior technical position supports the Kearl operation by developing detailed geological interpretations that influence mine planning, drilling programs, reservoir evaluation, resource estimates, and long-term development decisions.
The role is suited to an experienced geoscience professional with advanced knowledge of the McMurray Formation, depositional systems, sequence stratigraphy, geological modelling, and integrated subsurface analysis. The successful candidate will combine technical leadership with hands-on interpretation, multidisciplinary collaboration, mentoring, and strategic guidance across Imperial’s subsurface and operational teams.
Supporting Geological Strategy at Kearl
The Lead Geoscientist will help Imperial improve its understanding of the geological complexity surrounding the Kearl oil sands asset. The position involves interpreting stratigraphic relationships, reservoir continuity, depositional architecture, overburden conditions, and geological uncertainty across regional and local scales.
Geological findings produced in this position will support mine planning, drilling decisions, resource evaluation, operational performance, and development strategies. The Lead Geoscientist must be able to convert large volumes of geological, geophysical, engineering, and operational information into clear recommendations that can be used by technical and business stakeholders.
Key Areas of Responsibility
The position combines advanced stratigraphic interpretation, geological modelling, multidisciplinary data integration, resource assessment, drilling support, and technical leadership within Imperial’s Kearl Technical Department.
Stratigraphic Interpretation
Lead regional and local stratigraphic correlations using core, well logs, seismic information, outcrop analogues, sedimentological observations, facies architecture, and depositional stacking patterns.
Geological Modelling
Develop and refine high-resolution three-dimensional geological models that represent reservoir geometry, facies distribution, net-to-gross variation, reservoir quality, continuity, and geological heterogeneity.
Subsurface Data Integration
Combine core descriptions, wireline logs, seismic interpretations, engineering information, and analogue datasets into consistent geological frameworks that reduce uncertainty and support defensible technical conclusions.
Resource and Reserves Support
Provide geological input for resource assessments, volumetric calculations, classification decisions, recoverability analysis, reserves evaluation, and communication of geological risks affecting development scenarios.
Drilling and Operational Guidance
Support drilling programs through well planning, placement recommendations, real-time geological interpretation, integration of LWD, MWD, and wireline data, and guidance intended to reduce execution risk.
Technical Leadership
Provide mentoring, quality control, interpretation standards, workflow guidance, and technical assurance while helping geoscientists and multidisciplinary stakeholders reach consistent geological conclusions.
Education and Professional Qualifications
Applicants must hold at least a bachelor’s degree in geology or geoscience. Imperial lists a master’s degree or PhD with a focus on stratigraphy as preferred. A professional geoscience designation, or eligibility to obtain one, is also preferred for this senior technical position.
The posting requires more than ten years of oil sands experience, including demonstrated expertise in stratigraphic analysis. Candidates should have advanced knowledge of McMurray Formation stratigraphy, depositional environments, reservoir architecture, core description, facies analysis, sequence stratigraphic frameworks, and overburden geology, including Quaternary hydrostratigraphy.
Skills That May Help Candidates Succeed
The Lead Geoscientist will need to combine advanced technical knowledge with sound judgement, clear communication, strategic thinking, and the ability to influence complex development and operational decisions.
Advanced understanding of depositional systems, facies relationships, stacking patterns, sequence stratigraphy, reservoir architecture, and the geological controls affecting oil sands deposits.
Experience building, maintaining, and evaluating detailed geological models using industry-standard software such as Petrel and integrating interpretations into development workflows.
The ability to identify geological uncertainty, evaluate its effect on resources and operational plans, communicate associated risks, and recommend practical mitigation strategies.
Strong presentation and communication skills are required to explain complex geological findings clearly to geoscientists, engineers, mine planners, operations teams, and non-technical stakeholders.
Experience mentoring junior geoscientists and working across geoscience, reservoir engineering, mine planning, drilling, reliability, and operations can support success in this leadership role.
Work Environment and Professional Impact
The position is associated with Imperial’s Kearl Technical Department and is listed in Edmonton. Kearl is a fly-in/fly-out mining operation north of Fort McMurray, supported by transportation hubs in Edmonton and Calgary. The technical team works with geological and operational information connected to a large-scale oil sands mining environment.
Imperial states that the position includes competitive salary, training and mentorship, flexible work hours, relocation assistance when required, employee resource groups, and access to on-campus facilities such as a gym, café, and marketplace. Specific benefits remain subject to eligibility and may be changed in accordance with applicable requirements.
How to Apply
Candidates should apply through the official ExxonMobil careers platform and provide application materials that clearly demonstrate their education, oil sands experience, stratigraphic expertise, geological modelling capabilities, and knowledge of the McMurray Formation.
Applicants who receive an employment offer must be eligible to work in Canada on a regular full-time basis without restrictions affecting their start date. Imperial may request current and valid documentation confirming Canadian work eligibility before employment begins.