The Water Operations Engineer is accountable for the planning, execution, optimization, and fiscal management of frac water operations supporting Whitecap's annual completion program.
This role will support the Kaybob asset and be based out of Whitecap's Grande Prairie, Whitecourt or Calgary office, with occasional travel to field locations to support the water operations team. The position level will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications and experience.
Key Responsibilities- Own the frac water demand forecast, operations planning, and execution strategy to support annual and long-range development plans.
- Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary asset team to develop strategies for water sourcing and infrastructure to ensure alignment with drilling and completion schedules; identify constraints and opportunities to optimize water use, infrastructure utilization, and operating costs.
- Develop a frac water operations execution plan and job package for each well completion pad, including:
- Water balance and volume requirements
- Source/supply strategy, water licencing, tracking, and usage reporting
- Transfer design and routing via temporary surface pipelines for water conveyance (TSPW) or permanent pipelines; coordination of permitting requirements with surface land and environmental teams
- Auxiliary requirements such as AWSS storage and heating
- Operational risks and contingency plans
- Cost estimate (AFE), execution schedule, cost tracking, change management
- Work closely with Whitecap's field-based water operations team and service providers to ensure frac water operations are planned and executed in accordance with Whitecap's HSE standards. This includes design reviews, field kick-off meetings, post-job assessments, and participation in hazard assessments, field safety reviews, and incident investigations, as required.
- Manage water service providers and contractors including assignment of work, performance reviews, and invoice approvals.
- Maintain accurate water volume, cost, infrastructure, and compliance data and provide regular reporting and performance metrics to the asset team and leadership.
- Coordinate inspections and maintenance programs associated with water infrastructure and dam safety obligations.
- Liaise with the AER regarding water-related applications, approvals and compliance matters.
- Represent Whitecap at industry water committees, operator groups, and technical forums.
Qualifications & Experience- Bachelor's degree in engineering or technical diploma in a related discipline.
- Consideration will be given to experienced candidates without post-secondary education for the Water Operations Coordinator level.
- 5+ years of upstream oil and gas experience, with direct exposure to completions, water management, or operations.
- Experience with Alberta water licensing, AER requirements, and regulatory compliance is an asset.
- Strong Excel, analytical, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across engineering, completions, operations, land, environmental, and regulatory teams
- Valid Class 5 driver's licence and willingness to travel to field locations, as required
- Self-starter capable of working independently with minimal supervision
