Hydrophobically-modified cellulose derivatives have been considered for improved oil recovery applications. However, the subsurface reservoir environment defined by combinations of brine salinity, temperature, and porous media-induced shear can pose an adverse challenge to the mobility control prospects of these materials. Previous studies have focused mostly on amphiphilic cellulose ethers. This study is based on a cellulose ester, herein, a novel polymeric surfactant derived from sodium cellulose sulfate is investigated. Rheological studies were carried out on the novel material under variable external reservoir conditions. From the results, the amphiphilic polymer was able to initiate associative behavior at a low concentration of 0.15 g/L. The biopolymeric surfactant exhibited tolerance to temperature and shear over the tested range of 35 °C to 75 °C, and 100 RPM to 250 RPM respectively by retaining its original rheological profile. The viscosity improved over a brine salinity range of 10,000ppm to 60,000ppm as it increased from 45.75 cp to 49.1 cp. From these findings, it can be inferred that the novel cellulose derivative is a good mobility control agent, and should be considered for oilfield applications that target cheap, cost-effective, and environmental-friendly operations. © 2022 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.