Production Lead
Cardinal Energy Ltd.
Position Overview
As the Production Lead, you will play a key role in the successful operation of the Reford Thermal 1 Project in Saskatchewan. Reporting to the Plant Foreman, you will be responsible for overseeing the oil treatment side of the facility and wells, ensuring efficient and reliable operations. You will help develop a strong safety culture, monitor spending to ensure alignment with budget, oversee scheduling, lead facility optimization initiatives, support compliance efforts, and provide leadership and direction to the operations team. This position is based out of Reford, SK, located ~19km south of Wilkie, SK. Camp accommodations are currently being planned for development Wilkie, SK that will be provided for Operation personnel upon completion.
Experience and Qualifications
- Class 3 power engineering certification or above preferred. 4th class could be considered if progress has been made towards 3rd class ticket
- Minimum 6 years of experience in thermal heavy oil operations
- Proven track record in facility optimization, troubleshooting, and maintenance planning
- Excellent leadership, communication, and team management skills
- Experience with well operations and oil treatment facilities is essential
- Strong understanding of regulatory requirements, including environmental compliance
- Experience in facility maintenance and turnaround activities
Key Responsibilities
- Operational Leadership: Oversee the production side of operations, including wells, to ensure reliable production while managing facility resources efficiently. Work closely with maintenance and operations teams to plan and execute both day-to-day operations and major turnaround activities.
- Safety & Compliance: Steward the safety culture and program by actively promoting safe work practices, leading initiatives to enhance safety awareness and contributing to compliance with all regulatory, procedural, and safety standards. Conduct regular facility tours, participate in incident investigations and safety audits.
- Process & Wells Management: Monitor well performance and process systems to maximize output and ensure operational standards are met. Implement corrective actions as needed and lead optimization efforts for both well and facility processes.
- Scheduling & Planning: Serve as a key contributor in developing and overseeing the scheduling of maintenance activities, turnaround projects, and other operational tasks to ensure timely execution while minimizing downtime. Coordinate with cross-functional teams to align schedules with production goals and maintenance needs.
- Team Management: Foster a culture of continuous improvement and accountability. Mentor operators, provide training where necessary, and ensure that the team adheres to performance and safety standards.
- Facility Optimization: Take ownership in leading and supporting initiatives aimed at optimizing facility and well performance. Collaborate with the Plant Foreman, and cross-functional teams in Production, Maintenance and Projects to address equipment or process inefficiencies, improving overall operational output. Help ensure operations and maintenance activities are completed within budgetary constraints. Monitor expenditures and provide input on cost-saving initiatives.
- Troubleshooting & Support: Provide technical support during plant upsets or unplanned outages, with a focus on minimizing downtime and mitigating risks. Support Management of Change (MOC) processes and assist with operational problem-solving.
If you meet the above qualifications and are excited about the opportunity to contribute to the development of new SAGD projects in Saskatchewan, please submit your resume and cover letter to: ***email_hidden*** Be sure to include 'Production Lead – Reford Thermal' in the subject line of your email.