Here is a versatile job description for a Co-op Student at an oil and gas company. Because "oil and gas" covers everything from field engineering to corporate finance, this draft is structured with core responsibilities that apply across the board, plus modular sections you can swap in depending on the specific department (Engineering, EHS, or Business/IT).
Job Posting: Co-op Student (Oil & Energy Operations)
Position Overview
- Term Length: 4, 8, or 12 Months
- Location: Mix of Office (Corporate/Regional) and potential Field/Site visits
- Reports To: Team Lead / Senior Specialist
We are seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Co-op Student to join our operations team. This role is designed to give you hands-on experience in the energy sector by embedding you directly into active project teams. You won't just be shadowing; you will be analyzing data, supporting safety compliance, and helping optimize real-world energy assets.
Core Responsibilities (All Streams)
- Data & Analytics: Collect, track, and analyze operational metrics to identify trends, inefficiencies, or optimization opportunities.
- Project Support: Assist project managers with scheduling, budgeting, progress tracking, and compiling technical or financial reports.
- Documentation: Maintain, update, and organize critical engineering drawings, standard operating procedures (SOPs), or regulatory compliance files.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with field technicians, engineers, and corporate stakeholders to support daily business continuity.
Specialized Streams
Select the block that matches your department:
Option A: Engineering & Operations (Upstream/Midstream/Downstream)
- Assist in monitoring asset integrity, pipeline performance, or refinery process data.
- Participate in Management of Change (MOC) reviews and risk assessment meetings.
- Help troubleshoot equipment performance or production bottlenecks alongside senior engineers.
Option B: Environment, Health, & Safety (EHS)
- Support site safety audits, incident tracking, and corrective action reporting.
- Assist environmental teams with emissions monitoring, water management data, or remediation reporting.
- Help develop and deliver safety onboarding materials or toolbox talk topics for field crews.
Option C: Business, Supply Chain, & IT
- Assist with vendor management, tracking purchase orders, and optimizing logistics for field equipment.
- Support financial forecasting, capital expenditure (CapEx) tracking, or market analysis.
- Help implement or test digital tools, dashboards (e.g., Power BI), or asset management software.
Qualifications & Skills
- Education: Currently enrolled in an accredited post-secondary Co-op program (Engineering, Earth Sciences, Occupational Health & Safety, Business, Supply Chain, or Computer Science).
- Technical Skills: Proficiency with MS Office (especially advanced Excel for data analysis). Familiarity with industry tools (CAD, GIS, Power BI, or MATLAB) is an asset but not required.
- Soft Skills: Strong analytical problem-solving skills, excellent communication, and the ability to adapt to fast-paced environments.
- Safety Mindset: A deeply ingrained commitment to safety protocols and environmental stewardship.
- Travel Requirements: Must possess a valid driver’s license (required for potential field or site visits).