Questions about natural resources recruitment? Our professional team of senior recruiters is here to help.
Hiring in the natural resources sector isn’t like hiring for most industries. The work is often remote, highly technical, and deeply rooted in legacy expertise. Whether it’s mining, oil and gas, forestry, or mineral processing, employers tend to favour candidates who come from within the sector—and for good reason. The operational realities are too unique, too high-stakes, and too regulated to take unnecessary chances.
This creates a distinct challenge. How do you find qualified candidates when the pool is limited and sector-specific experience is non-negotiable? For companies in natural resources, working with a recruitment agency that understands the terrain isn’t just a preference—it’s a strategic advantage.
Natural Resources Recruitment Requires Industry Experience
Natural resources companies rarely look outside their sector when hiring. According to Henry Goldbeck, President of Goldbeck Recruiting, “In industries like lumber or mining, the work is so specialized that employers almost never hire from outside.”
This applies across functions:
- Operations: Site supervisors and field engineers are expected to hit the ground running.
- Technical Roles: Processing experts must understand sector-specific machinery, systems, and safety protocols.
- Leadership: Senior managers need a history of navigating resource-sector volatility and energy market cycles.
The result is a relatively closed labour market. Talent circulates within the energy sector, and transferable skills are only recognized when paired with direct experience.
Staffing Solutions for a Cyclical Sector
While natural resources sectors have historically been subject to boom-and-bust cycles, stability has improved in recent years. “These industries are more stable than they used to be,” says Goldbeck, referencing the oil sands as an example. “Massive capital investments have made some operations more long-term and less volatile.”
Still, the cyclical nature of the energy and mining industries continues to shape staffing solutions. High wages during booms often attract underqualified workers, while busts can leave companies and workers in difficult positions. Goldbeck recalls a time when Alberta’s oil and gas industry drew individuals straight out of high school with promises of fast money—a decision that often backfired when the market corrected.
Filling Critical Roles in Oil and Gas, Mining, and Forestry
Certain roles within the natural resources sector are particularly difficult to fill. Skilled trades such as power engineers, millwrights, and process technologists are in short supply. “There’s very little elasticity in the supply of candidates,” says Goldbeck. “We saw Alberta vacuum up class one and two power engineers, leaving sawmills and other facilities scrambling.”
Remote work sites exacerbate this issue. Companies in the oil and gas industry often struggle to attract professionals to work in isolated areas—especially if they cannot offer top-tier compensation or accommodations. Recruiting for these roles requires tenacity, creativity, and deep industry connections.
Recruiting the Next Generation of Natural Resources Talent
To remain competitive, natural resources companies must appeal to a younger, more tech-savvy workforce. Goldbeck notes that as companies in the mining industry and energy sector adopt modern technologies and more efficient systems, they’re becoming more appealing to “younger, educated candidates.”
To make roles in exploration, operations, and engineering more attractive:
- Emphasize Innovation: Showcase the adoption of clean technologies and automation. Embracing renewable energy solutions in natural resources is also appealing.
- Offer Flexibility and Growth: Provide training, career advancement, and relocation support.
- Highlight Benefits: Competitive pay, bonuses, and health or housing supports are all attractive.
A recruitment agency familiar with executive search in natural resources can help craft these value propositions for maximum impact.
Why Use a Specialized Executive Search Firm?
Generic staffing firms may struggle with the nuance of natural resources recruiting. Specialized executive search firms bring a depth of knowledge, connections, and context that generalists often lack.
Goldbeck Recruiting offers:
- Decades of experience in natural resources recruitment
- A vetted network of candidates in oil and gas, mining, forestry, and energy services
- Tailored staffing solutions for hard-to-fill and executive-level positions
These insights allow recruiters to navigate technical hiring requirements, anticipate labour shortages, and connect clients with professionals who understand the rigours of the job.
Key Takeaways for Hiring in Natural Resources
- Experience matters. Candidates without sector-specific knowledge often aren’t considered.
- Stability has improved, but cycles persist. Staffing strategies should anticipate both booms and downturns.
- Labour supply is limited. Specialized roles like power engineers remain in high demand.
- Technology can attract new talent. Innovation and sustainability are crucial for long-term workforce development.
- Partnering with the right recruiter makes all the difference.
Need help finding experienced professionals in the natural resources sector? Partner with a recruitment agency that understands your world.
