Drilling Monitor

Fort McMurray, AB
On-site
Posted Oct 1, 2026
1 position

Opens an external site

Employment type: Full-time
Experience level: Mid-level · 2+ years
Minimum education: Professional degree
Posting language: English
Working hours: 40 hours per week

Job summary

The Drilling Monitor will oversee sonic drilling operations, ensuring accurate documentation and logging of geological conditions. They are responsible for collecting soil and core samples while maintaining detailed field records and communicating effectively with project teams.

Job details

Why Choose Terracon? We know you have choices when it comes to your career. At Terracon, we focus on building a culture where employees feel supported, challenged, and empowered to grow. Our core values guide everything we do: * A collaborative, inclusive, and safety-focused work environment * A comprehensive, cost-shared benefits program supporting physical and mental well-being * Innovative savings and investment programs to help you reach your financial goals About the Role Terracon Geotechnique Ltd. is seeking experienced Drilling Monitors to support exploration drilling programs in the Fort McMurray region. This is a contract term position with an anticipated start in October 2026 and continuing through approximately December 2026, subject to project requirements. The role is primarily field-based and will support geological drilling programs in and around active mining environments. Successful candidates will have demonstrated experience describing and logging Quaternary sediments and Cretaceous formations commonly encountered throughout the Athabasca Oil Sands region and be capable of independently documenting geological conditions encountered during sonic drilling operations. This is a Fly-In/Fly-Out (FIFO) opportunity with travel provided from Calgary and Edmonton for the duration of the project. The anticipated schedule is approximately 14 days on / 7 days off, although rotations may vary depending on operational and project requirements. At Terracon, we are committed to our core values of Safety, Integrity, Teamwork, and Entrepreneurism (S.I.T.E.) and seek individuals who share these values while contributing to a positive project team culture. Location & Work Environment * Fly-In/Fly-Out opportunity from Calgary and Edmonton. * Work based at active mining and industrial sites within the Fort McMurray region. * Anticipated rotation of approximately 14 days on / 7 days off; schedules may vary based on operational requirements. * 12-hour day and night shifts may be required. * Camp accommodations and flights provided. * Work is conducted in a dynamic field environment with exposure to varying weather, terrain, and operating conditions. Key Responsibilities Drilling Monitoring * Monitor sonic drilling operations and ensure accurate documentation of drilling activities. * Log and describe material encountered during drilling. * Independently describe, classify, and document soil, overburden, and bedrock units with minimal supervision. * Collect, label, and document soil and core samples. * Monitor drilling productivity, recovery, and sample quality. * Record groundwater observations and drilling conditions. * Maintain detailed field notes, logs, and photographic records. * Communicate effectively with drilling contractors, project managers, and technical staff. * Ensure field activities are completed safely and in accordance with project procedures. What We Look For We are seeking individuals with: * A degree, diploma, or technical training in Geology, Geoscience, Earth Science, Geological Technology, or a related discipline. * Previous experience conducting geological logging and/or drill monitoring programs in the Athabasca Oil Sands region. * Strong knowledge of the regional geology and sediment classification. * Legal authorization to work in Canada. * A valid driver's license. * Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and field conditions. * Ability to meet site-specific fitness-for-work requirements. * Ability to work in safety-sensitive environments and meet client drug and alcohol testing requirements. * Strong attention to detail and commitment to data quality. * Excellent communication and organizational skills. Preferred Experience * Minimum 2 to 5 years of Athabasca Oil Sands geological logging and/or drilling monitor experience. Additional Assets * Previous oil sands drilling monitor experience. * Experience with sonic drilling programs. * Familiarity with geotechnical site investigation programs. * Experience working on oil sands mining operations. * Current OSSA/BSO, CSO, CSTS, First Aid, H2S Alive, and Ground Disturbance certifications. * Membership or eligibility for registration with APEGA or ASET.

What you’ll do

Requirements

Candidates must hold a degree, diploma, or technical training in a geological discipline and possess experience in the Athabasca Oil Sands region. A valid driver's license and the ability to work in safety-sensitive, remote field environments are mandatory.