The Role
We are seeking a highly motivated Commissioning Lead / Project Manager to join our team at Kearl Oilsands. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in commissioning management within complex industrial or oil sands projects and will take a leadership role in driving safe, efficient, and compliant project delivery.
Shift: 14/14, 12.5 hrs/day
Flights from Edmonton and/or Calgary
Compensation/Benefits
- Competitive base salary, negotiable, based on experience
- Can hire as a direct employee or as a *Direct Service Provider/Subcontractor.
- Eligible for annual bonus based on company performance
- 100% employer-paid drugs, travel, life & dependent life insurance, and AD&D
- Long-term disability
- $7000 flex credit account per year (can roll into and health care spending account and/or RRSP)
- Paid vacation
- Cell phone allowance or company-provided cell phone
- Company-provided IT assets
- The company paid professional membership fees and/or dues (e.g., P. Eng)
*DSPs - hourly wage only plus vehicle and insurance allowance; no overtime, benefits, vacation, or stat holiday pay
Key Duties / Responsibilities
- Develop commissioning plans and strategies for projects.
- Coordinate and oversee the commissioning process.
- Collaborate with project teams and stakeholders.
- Ensure compliance with regulations and standards.
- Conduct inspections and tests to verify system performance.
- Identify and resolve deficiencies or issues.
- Document and report commissioning activities.
- Manage commissioning schedules and resources.
- Review and approve commissioning documentation.
- Conduct training and handover activities.
- Collaborate with contractors and vendors.
- Monitor progress and address project risks.
- Manage relationships with clients and stakeholders.
- Conduct post-commissioning evaluations and follow-ups.
- Ensure project completion within specified quality standards.
Key Skills
- Commissioning planning & execution: Ability to develop, manage, and execute commissioning plans across all project phases
- Project Coordination: Skilled in aligning schedules, disciplines, and contractors toward common milestones
- Site Support: Overseeing mechanical, piping and E&I construction, pre-commissioning, commissioning, and turnover to operations.
- Technical Skills: Candidates with prior experience in Aconex and Hexagon updates are strongly preferred.
- Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of systems integration, instrumentation, controls, and power systems
- Leadership: Proven capability to lead teams, delegate responsibilities, and manage performance in high-pressure environments
- Problem-solving: Able to quickly identify, assess, and resolve issues impacting safety, quality, or schedule
- Communication: Clear and effective communicator across all levels-field crews, vendors, engineering teams, and client stakeholders
- Documentation & reporting: Detail-oriented with strong documentation skills for system completions, punch lists, test results, and turnover packages
- Safety focus: Commitment to safe work practices and fostering a zero-incident culture
- Adaptability: Comfortable working in dynamic, fast-paced site conditions with shifting priorities
Education/Work Experience/Qualifications- Minimum 5-10 years of experience in commissioning roles within the oil & gas, energy, or heavy industrial sectors
- Engineering or Technical diploma/degree in a relevant discipline
- 5+ years of experience in commissioning in industrial environments
- Strong understanding of multi-disciplinary construction and commissioning processes
- Proven leadership, communication, and coordination skills
- Familiarity with oil sands safety, regulatory, and operational standards is a strong asset
- Valid safety certifications (e.g., First Aid, OSSA, CSTS, WHMIS, H2S Alive)
- Ability to work in a remote camp-based environment and adapt to changing site conditions
- Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills with the ability to lead cross-functional teams
- Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test
- Must be able to pass a criminal background check
