Lead Operator

Job summary

The Lead Operator provides technical guidance and operational support to operators while troubleshooting complex production issues to maximize efficiency. They are also responsible for mentoring team members, coordinating contractors, and promoting rigorous safety practices across field activities.

Job details

Tundra Oil & Gas is a Manitoba-based oil and gas exploration and production company and a wholly owned subsidiary of Winnipeg-based James Richardson & Sons, Limited. Tundra’s head office is in Winnipeg, with additional offices in Virden, Estevan, and Calgary. At Tundra, we believe that our people are the foundation of our success, and we are dedicated to growing our company in a sustainable and disciplined way. This philosophy has served us well since our inception in 1980. Today, Tundra is a team 400-strong, and a leader in the Manitoba and southeast Saskatchewan oil industry. We take pride in supporting the communities in which we operate and stewarding the resources we manage for today and for the future. We are committed to working together and to getting everyone home safe every day. THE OPPORTUNITY: Tundra is excited to announce an opportunity for a Lead Operator, based in the Estevan, SK area. A Lead Operator is a senior operational role requiring extensive knowledge of production facilities, including battery operations, compressor stations, well performance optimization, storage facilities, and associated field infrastructure and serves as a key resource for troubleshooting complex production issues, driving operational efficiencies, mentoring team members, and coordinating field activities. REPORTS TO : Production Foreman WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING : Operational Support Provide direction and technical guidance to Operators within the assigned operating area Provide relief operational support as required Monitor operator training levels and support employee development Troubleshoot production issues Monitor production performance and investigate variances to maximize production and minimize downtime Provide insights and share recommendations at Operational meetings Review, approve, and process invoices Assist in monitoring and managing controllable costs Identify and implement opportunities to improve operational efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness Contribute to business development team by collaborating with various departments to support operational and corporate objectives Leadership Support Coach, mentor, and support Operators Assist in performance management processes, including performance reviews, goal setting, and addressing performance concerns Oversee Operator scheduling and vacation coverage Coordinate and oversee the activities of contractors, construction crews, maintenance personnel, and turnaround teams toe ensure work is completed safely and efficiently Assist with planning and scheduling facility turnarounds Provide Production Foreman relief as required Safety Support Actively participate and promote Tundra’s safety practices Collaborate with the Safety Department for developing safe work procedures Provide insights and share opinions at Safety meetings WHAT YOU NEED: High School Diploma or equivalent Valid driver’s licence Minimum 5 years’ oilfield operating experience Full working knowledge of battery facilities and water inject/disposal systems Working knowledge of compressors considered an asset Strong safety conscience Strong mechanical aptitude Computer skills are considered an asset Upon being hired, willingness to achieve certification in: H2S Alive Certificate First Aid/ CPR ATV Safety Course WHMIS TDG SAIT Production Field Operator Training Levels A and B WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR: Demonstrate strong leadership in managing employee issues with professionalism, fairness, and discretion in a constructive and timely manner Advanced troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities Comprehensive knowledge of production operations and facility systems Sound decision-making and independent judgement Strong organizational, planning, and prioritization skills Effective communication and interpersonal skills Maintain composure under high-pressure, stressful, or emergency situations Financial awareness and cost management focus Commitment to continuous improvement, operational excellence, and safety leadership OTHER DETAILS: This position is field-based, and the successful candidate will be expected to work in all types of weather Required to reside within a 45-minute drive of the assigned field Must conform to facial hair standards for wearing respiratory protective equipment as required by Enform Required to be on call Required to drive to a variety of work sites using company vehicles including all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, etc. May be required to lift items weighing up to 25 kilograms or more Exposure to potential hazards e.g. toxic chemicals such as hydrogen sulfide Required to work under stress and to handle emergency situations Tundra Oil & Gas Limited is committed to protecting the health and safety of all individuals involved in our business activities, and the communities where we live and work. Given this commitment, Tundra requires pre-employment drug & alcohol testing for all safety sensitive positions, including this one, recognizing the risks associated with the use of drugs and alcohol WHAT WE OFFER: Be part of a proudly Canadian, privately owned energy company and grow your career with Manitoba’s largest oil producer Enjoy competitive total rewards, including salary, annual incentive pay, and employer‑matched RRSP contributions Comprehensive employer-paid benefits, including a $5,000 mental health benefit, Healthy Lifestyle Allowance, maternity top‑up, paid parental leave, and personal leave We recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and excellence. Therefore, we encourage people from all backgrounds to apply for our positions. If you are interested in joining our rapidly growing team, please visit the Careers section of our website at www.tundraoilandgas.com and apply online to submit your cover letter and resume by August 3rd, 2026. We wish to thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those being considered for interviews will be contacted.

What you’ll do

The Lead Operator provides technical guidance and operational support to operators while troubleshooting complex production issues to maximize efficiency. They are also responsible for mentoring team members, coordinating contractors, and promoting rigorous safety practices across field activities.

Requirements

Candidates must have a high school diploma, a valid driver's license, and at least 5 years of oilfield operating experience. Proficiency in battery facilities and water systems is required, with a willingness to obtain various safety and production certifications.

Benefits

• Salary • Annual incentive pay • Employer-matched RRSP contributions • Mental health benefit • Healthy Lifestyle Allowance • Maternity top-up • Paid parental leave • Personal leave

Listed skills

• Production · Preferred
• Technical · Preferred
• Training · Preferred
• Leadership · Preferred
• Health · Preferred
• Planning · Preferred
• safety · Preferred
• management · Preferred
• Development · Preferred
• Troubleshooting · Preferred
• scheduling · Preferred
• Business development · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Production Facility Management
• Battery Operations
• Compressor Stations
• Well Performance Optimization
• Troubleshooting
• Operational Efficiency
• Mentoring
• Contractor Coordination
• Safety Leadership
• Cost Management
• Performance Management
• Planning and Prioritization
• Interpersonal Communication
• Mechanical Aptitude
• Emergency Response
• Financial Awareness

Job areas

• Energy
• Management & Leadership
• Trades
• Manufacturing
• Security & Safety