Field Operator

Whitecap Resources Inc. is a leading Canadian energy company committed to delivering reliable returns to shareholders through the responsible development of oil and natural gas assets in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin. With a strong track record of profitable growth and a sustainable dividend, Whitecap delivers long-term value to investors, supported by investment-grade financial strength.

Since September 2009, Whitecap has experienced remarkable growth, increasing production from 850 boe/d to over 365,000 boe/d. We have unconventional and conventional assets exclusively focused in Western Canada and the asset base includes the Weyburn EOR Project. As a majority owner and operator of the Weyburn EOR Project, annually we safely sequester approximately 1.5 million tonnes of CO2 making it a unique project within our portfolio. We currently employ 1,200 people, including our valued contract staff.

At Whitecap, our corporate culture is entrepreneurial. We strive to create a culture of purpose and integrity where initiative and innovation are encouraged and valued. Our corporate philosophy allows us to develop skills, collaborate alongside our teammates, and ultimately have a fulfilling career.

Position Summary

The Field Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of oil and gas production facilities, wells, pipelines, and associated equipment. The Field Operator performs routine inspections, monitors operating conditions, identifies and responds to equipment issues, and ensures production activities are conducted in accordance with company procedures, regulatory requirements, and health, safety, and environmental standards.

The position requires strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, sound decision-making, and the ability to work independently in a field environment while maintaining effective communication with operations, maintenance, engineering, and other support teams.
 

Key Roles & Responsibilities

1. Production Operations

• Operate and monitor oil and gas wells, batteries, compressors, pumps, separators, tanks, pipelines, and related production equipment.

• Monitor pressures, temperatures, flow rates, levels, and other operating parameters.

• Optimize equipment and production processes to maintain safe and efficient production.

• Perform routine start-up, shutdown, and changeover procedures.

• Identify abnormal operating conditions and take appropriate corrective action.

• Maintain production within established operating limits and targets.

• Monitor and manage fluid levels, tank inventories, chemical systems, and produced-water handling.

2. Field Inspections & Equipment Monitoring

• Conduct scheduled field rounds and inspections of wells, facilities, equipment, and pipelines.

• Identify leaks, equipment damage, abnormal noises, vibration, corrosion, or other potential failures.

• Verify equipment is operating correctly and report deficiencies to the appropriate personnel.

• Perform routine housekeeping and maintain a clean and organized work area.

• Check safety systems, alarms, emergency shutdown systems, fire protection equipment, and other critical equipment.

3. Troubleshooting & Maintenance Support

• Troubleshoot operating problems and make adjustments within the scope of the position.

• Assist maintenance personnel with equipment isolation, lockout/tagout, and preparation for maintenance activities.

• Provide accurate information to maintenance and technical personnel regarding equipment condition and operating history.

• Perform minor maintenance activities and equipment adjustments where authorized.

• Monitor equipment following maintenance to ensure it is returned to normal operating condition.

4. Safety & Environmental Responsibilities

• Follow all company safety policies, operating procedures, and regulatory requirements.

• Participate in hazard assessments, toolbox meetings, safety meetings, and job safety analyses.

• Maintain awareness of potential hazards including H₂S, hydrocarbons, pressure, confined spaces, electrical hazards, and rotating equipment.

• Follow proper Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), isolation, and energy-control procedures.

• Respond appropriately to alarms, emergencies, spills, releases, and other abnormal situations.

• Report incidents, near misses, unsafe conditions, and environmental concerns.

• Maintain compliance with environmental requirements and spill-prevention procedures.

• Use required personal protective equipment (PPE).

5. Process & Production Monitoring

• Record and verify production volumes and operating data.

• Monitor SCADA, PLC, control systems, gauges, meters, and local instrumentation as applicable.

• Identify trends that may indicate declining production, equipment problems, or process upsets.

• Collect samples and perform routine checks as required.

• Verify meters, gauges, and instrumentation are functioning properly and report discrepancies.

6. Well & Facility Operations

• Monitor producing wells and associated wellhead equipment.

• Perform routine well checks and adjustments within approved operating procedures.

• Monitor artificial-lift equipment such as pumps, compressors, or other lift systems where applicable.

• Operate valves and process equipment according to established procedures.

• Assist with well servicing, workovers, commissioning, and facility shutdown/start-up activities.

• Maintain proper equipment lineups and verify valve positions.

7. Documentation & Communication

• Complete daily field logs, inspection reports, production reports, and equipment records.

• Document operating abnormalities, maintenance requirements, and corrective actions.

• Communicate effectively with control room operators, supervisors, maintenance personnel, engineers, contractors, and other field staff.

• Provide shift handovers containing accurate and relevant operational information.

• Maintain accurate records of production, equipment status, chemical usage, and field activities.

8. Emergency Response

• Respond to emergency situations in accordance with company emergency response procedures.

• Recognize and respond to hydrocarbon releases, fires, H₂S alarms, equipment failures, pressure-related events, and other hazards.

• Activate emergency shutdown systems when required.

• Assist with site evacuation, muster, spill response, and emergency communication procedures.

• Participate in emergency response drills and training.

Required Qualifications

• Previous experience in oil and gas production, field operations, or a related industrial environment.

• Strong mechanical aptitude and understanding of oil and gas production equipment.

• Ability to read and understand P&IDs, equipment manuals, operating procedures, and site drawings.

• Knowledge of production processes, valves, pumps, compressors, separators, tanks, pipelines, and instrumentation.

• Strong understanding of workplace health and safety requirements.

• Ability to identify hazards and work safely around pressurized equipment and hydrocarbons.

• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to remote field locations.

• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Oil and gas field operator certification or technical training.

• Previous experience with SCADA and computerized control systems.

• Experience with artificial lift systems.

• H₂S Alive or equivalent certification.

• First Aid/CPR certification.

• TDG/WHMIS training.

• Confined Space and Fall Protection training.

• Experience with LOTO and energy-isolation procedures.

• Previous experience operating heavy equipment or mobile equipment, where applicable.

Core Competencies

• Safety-focused mindset

• Strong mechanical aptitude

• Troubleshooting and problem-solving

• Attention to detail

• Situational awareness

• Effective communication

• Ability to work independently

• Teamwork and collaboration

• Sound judgment and decision-making

• Ability to prioritize competing operational requirements

• Strong documentation and reporting skills

• Reliability and accountability
   

Working Conditions

The Field Operator works primarily in outdoor and industrial environments and may be required to work in remote locations, adverse weather conditions, and around operating oil and gas equipment.

This position is based in a remote operating area and is designated as either a camp-based position or requires the successful candidate to reside in Grande Cache, Alberta. The position follows an 8 days on / 6 days off rotation, with 12-hour shifts, and includes on-call responsibilities as required.

The position may involve shift work, overtime, on-call responsibilities, driving between field locations, climbing stairs/ladders, lifting equipment or materials, and exposure to noise, hydrocarbons, chemicals, pressurized systems, and other industrial hazards.

Primary Objective

To safely operate and monitor oil and gas production assets while maintaining reliable production, protecting personnel and the environment, identifying equipment issues early, and ensuring field operations are conducted efficiently and in accordance with company and regulatory requirements.