
Alberta is a global leader in the development and deployment of carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS), and this emerging sector is creating a demand for workers to support its growth. According to the Global CCS Institute, Western Canada is considered ideal for carbon storage, with vast experience and knowledge gained from Canada’s oil and natural gas sector, along with the unique geology of the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin. Given that the sites, processes and practices in CCUS align so closely with oil and gas, Alberta has unparalleled expertise and opportunity to build the energy workforce of the future.
Opportunities for Career Crossover
Many of the job skills required in oil and gas—including those involved with engineering, construction, operations, maintenance, and research—are also needed in CCUS. As Careers in Energy points out, “The workforce is transferable between both industries, providing multiple long-term career opportunities for workers.”
The table below lists the top eight job classifications with the greatest potential for crossover opportunities along with the top occupational skills and minimum education required for each. For more detailed information, the Alberta Carbon Hub has developed a series of job cards—one for each job below—outlining other important factors such as required certifications, average salary ranges, key soft skills, and more.
These jobs are just a sampling of the variety of roles required to support this growing sector. A diverse range of skills, knowledge and experience will shape the needs of the CCUS workforce. Learn more about jobs in CCUS at careersinenergy.ca.
Job | Top Technical Skills | Minimum Education Requirements |
Central control room operator | Monitoring and controlling operations Ability to assess risk Critical thinking | Post-secondary diploma |
Well driller / servicer / labourer / operator | Ability to complete physically demanding work in extreme weather conditions Mechanical knowledge Experienced in specialized equipment installation, operation and maintenance | Grade 10 |
Truck driver | Time management Reading comprehension Knowledge of heavy equipment operation Expert driving skills in various weather conditions | Grade 10 |
Automated systems technician and technologist | Systems evaluation and analysis Ability to apply engineering design and technology Operation and control of computers and electronics | A two- or three-year post-secondary diploma for technologists Completion of a college program for technicians |
Engineer | Application of engineering design and technology Operations and systems analysis Technology design Complex problem solving | Post-secondary degree in engineering |
Construction millwright and industrial mechanic | Equipment maintenance Troubleshooting Mechanic skills | High school diploma |
Geoscientist | Complex problem solving Critical thinking, analytical Knowledge of regulations and standards | Post-secondary degree in geology, geophysics or geochemistry Post-secondary diploma from technical institute |
External relations professional | Managing conflict Knowledge of communications practices and media acumen Ability to persuade others | Post-secondary diploma or degree in a relevant field is typically required |
Why Work in CCUS?
- It’s a growing industry, and Alberta will be a global energy producer for decades to come.
- To meet the growing demand for a skilled workforce, the industry is eager to attract workers from demographic groups such as youth, Indigenous Peoples, women and immigrants. This also helps to offset the loss of talent due to increasing retirements, workers leaving the sector and fewer new workers.
- As the energy sector evolves, the workforce must evolve with it. Alberta needs skilled, innovative, and environmentally conscious talent to maintain its place as a world leader in energy.
Increasing Demand for Skilled Workers in Alberta
There is an immediate and ongoing demand for workers in the CCUS sector. Canada’s target for emissions reductions of between 40% below 2005 levels by the year 2030 requires trained and experienced workers to meet that goal. Within Western Canada, Alberta is expected to have the highest projected job growth within the energy sector.
The Government of Alberta has invested over $200 million through Alberta Innovates and Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA) in more than 100 CCUS projects. The province already has two fully operational, commercial scale CCUS projects: the Alberta Carbon Trunk line, which is the largest in the world, and Shell Quest. In addition, 22 other projects are in various stages of development and, as the map indicates, they are situated throughout the province. Continued investment in the sector is expected to drive an increase in Alberta’s CCUS activity and with it, job opportunities.

Considering a Job Change?
Check out these resources for career development and support:
Province-wide
- Bredin Centre for Career Advancement
- Careers In Energy
- Government of Alberta: Employment Services
- Lifemark Vocational Services
- Rupertsland Institute: Métis Centre of Excellence
Central & Northern Alberta
Southern Alberta