He held various roles at junior oil and gas companies until 1997 when he joined Baytex Energy. He held increasing roles of responsibility at Baytex until 2000 when Mr. Van Spankeren became the Controller. In September of 2003, when Baytex reorganized into a Trust and spun out Crew Energy, Mr. Van Spankeren became the Controller of Crew. In January 2009, Mr. Van Spankeren became the Vice President, Finance & Controller of Crew Energy.