Senior Geotechnical Engineer - Kearl

At Imperial, we work every day to responsibly develop Canada’s energy resources – applying technology and innovation to supply affordable, accessible and reliable energy while reducing emissions. Imperial recognizes the important role we can play by advancing climate solutions within our operations and by providing lower life-cycle emission products to our customers. This effort is powered by a unique and diverse workforce fueled by a pride in what we do and what we stand for. 

The success of our upstream, downstream and chemical, and corporate divisions is the result of the talent, curiosity and drive of our people. They bring solutions every day to optimize our strategy in energy, chemicals, lubricants and lower-emissions technologies. 

Imperial honours diverse backgrounds so we can be a place where people can bring their full selves to work, no matter their identity, race, gender, sexual orientation, age, or ability.

At Imperial, we want you to come for the position and stay for the career. As an integrated company, we are uniquely positioned to offer you a wide range of career prospects and growth opportunities through the course of your career with us. We invite you to bring your ideas and help create sustainable solutions that improve quality of life and meet society’s evolving needs. 

About Imperial’s Kearl operation

Come be part of the Kearl Technical Department at Imperial. Imperial has more than 140 years of history in Canada and a workforce of 5,000+ total employees. Our offices are located in Calgary, Alberta.

The technical team supports the Kearl mine site which has been in operation since 2012, and is located roughly 70 km north of Fort McMurray, Alberta. Oil sand ore is mined using electric and hydraulic shovels, hauled, crushed and mixed with water prior to sending the slurry through hydrotransport lines for processing to our plants. Kearl is a fly in fly out operation with transportation hubs located in Edmonton and Calgary.

Kearl is one of Canada’s highest quality oil sands deposits and represents the next generation of oil sands mining. Innovative technology is at the heart of Kearl. We’ve developed innovative approaches that enhance performance and reduce cost. The site is currently operating 81 fully autonomous 797 haul trucks using Caterpillar’s minestar system, making it one of the largest autonomous fleets in the world. 

What Role You Will Play in Our Team

As an Senior Geotechnical Engineer supporting Kearl’s Dam Safety program, you will be responsible for preparing scopes and overseeing geotechnical investigations, design, construction, and maintenance of dam and earthen structures at Imperial’s Kearl site. Your role will involve mentoring, ensuring compliance with industry standards and applicable regulatory requirements, conducting construction and performance reviews, safety assessments, and implementing and overseeing application of best available industry construction and operation practices.

What You Will Do

• Support the design, construction, and operation of mine tailings dams and earthen structures in an operating Oil Sands Mine, ensuring adherence to safety and environmental regulations
• Prepare and review scope of work documentation for geotechnical investigations and instrumentation programs
• Data interpretation, site characterization, and developing geotechnical parameters for design development in accordance with applicable industry standards and guidelines, regulatory requirements, and operational needs
• Development of construction design and specifications with associated Quality Control and Quality Assurance requirements
• Prepare and review technical reports, documentation, and regulatory submissions
• Develop, update, and/or implement dam safety documentation, including: Operation, Maintenance and Surveillance (OMS) Manuals, Emergency Response Plans (ERP) and Emergency Preparedness Plans (EPP) and other Dam Safety Management Programs, as required
• Conduct regular site inspections and perform risk assessments of dam and earthen structures
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure integration of design and safety measures in all phases of tailings and mining operations related to major earth structures
• Perform routine construction, performance and dam safety reviews
• Provide technical guidance and support to engineering teams and site personnel
• Stay abreast with industry trends, advancements, and regulatory changes related to mining/tailings dams design and safe operation

About You

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or a related field; advanced degree in Geotechnical Engineering preferred
• Professional Engineer (P.Eng) designation in Alberta, or eligible for APEGA registration
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in mining dams and earthen structure design, construction and performance reviews and assessments

Preferred Knowledge/Skills/ Experience

• Strong knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry best practices related to dam construction, operation and dam safety.
• Proven track record in the design, construction, and maintenance of tailings dams, specifically in oil sands mining operations.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Effective communication, leadership and mentorship abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
• Understands and manages environmental and cultural sensitivities
• Consistently demonstrates integrity and ethical conduct

Your Benefits

An Imperial career is one designed to last. Our commitment to you runs deep: our employees grow personally and professionally, with benefits built on our core categories of health, security, finance, and life. Imperial Oil has been recognized as one of Canada’s top employers for young people (2024), in addition to one of Canada’s and Alberta’s top employers (2024) as recognized by Mediacorp Canada Inc.’s 24th annual competition.

We offer you:

• Competitive salary
• Training and mentorship
• Relocation assistance as required
• Flexible work hours

Please note benefits may be changed, suspended or terminated from time to time without notice, subject to applicable law.

Functional Skills

Tailings Planning, Scheduling, Design, & Surveillance

Mineral Extraction

Geotechnical Engineering for Mining

Tailings Fines Treatment & Processing

Mine Reclamation & Closure

Imperial is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Imperial is committed to providing equitable treatment and equal opportunity to all individuals and encourages all eligible applicants to apply.

Imperial conducts business in a manner that respects the land, environment, rights and cultures of Indigenous communities. In the areas where we explore, develop and operate, Imperial engages Indigenous communities in open and forthright consultation and strives to establish meaningful relationships built on mutual trust and respect. Please see here for more information on Imperial’s Indigenous Relations Guiding Principles and Guidelines.

Imperial is committed to supporting persons with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. We will work with qualified applicants to provide reasonable accommodation upon request at View email address on jobs.exxonmobil.com .

Eligibility to work in Canada: All applicants who receive an offer of employment must be eligible to work in Canada on a regular full-time basis without restrictions on their start date. Proof of eligibility shall be in the form of a Canadian birth certificate, Canadian passport, Canadian citizenship certificate, Canadian certificate of permanent residence, Canadian open work permit or receipt from Immigration Canada of an application for a post-graduate work permit. 

Proof of eligibility must be current and valid (not expired, cancelled or voided). Proof of eligibility will be required if an offer of employment is made. Failure to provide proof of eligibility at least six (6) weeks prior to the start date may result in the offer of employment being rescinded.

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