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.


JobTop Technical SkillsMinimum 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
EngineerApplication of engineering design and technology
Operations and systems analysis
Technology design
Complex problem solving  
Post-secondary degree in engineering
Construction millwright and industrial mechanicEquipment 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
Source: Careers in Energy


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

Central & Northern Alberta

Southern Alberta