Location: Calgary, Edmonton preferred, any AER office location will be considered

Employment Type:  Limited Term – anticipated duration 12 months

Salary Range: SP2, Level 4, $72,242 to $92,803 per year. The final compensation for this position will be determined based on individual factors, including education, qualifications, experience, and internal equity.

Groundwater Technologist, Regulatory Applications - Hybrid

The Opportunity

The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) is currently recruiting for a Groundwater Technologist to join our talented team of professionals in the Regulatory Applications Branch. The Groundwater Technologist will work in a multi-disciplinary team to provide technical support, coordination and evaluation on routine oil and gas applications under the Water Act (WA), associated regulations, Codes of Practice and Directives to ensure energy development will be conducted in a safe, environmentally responsible manner for the benefit of all Albertans.

The Groundwater Technologist role focuses on processing Groundwater Temporary Diversion Licences (TDLs), issuing expiry letters, issuing routine groundwater term licences and the review of wells for groundwater protection at the time of abandonment. The Groundwater Technologist will interact with technical professionals internally and externally and provide technical direction to applicants on WA applications.

In the Regulatory Applications branch, we pride ourselves on providing our staff with the opportunity to work on meaningful, innovative, and challenging work. The AER’s Regulatory Applications branch is fast paced, dynamic and responsive to the needs of our internal and external stakeholders, while maintaining a focus on personal wellness, professional development, and work life balance.

What your day-to-day will look like:

• Coordinates, applies risk based technical review principles, and makes recommendations within target timelines, on routine groundwater WA applications such as groundwater TDLs and licences in accordance with applicable policies rules and regulations. Seeks guidance from senior team members as required.

• Review situation specific well abandonment operations to ensure groundwater protection. This involves reviewing well logs and groundwater data to assess the risk of proposed abandonment operations to groundwater.

• Liaise with senior team members, AER field staff, representatives from industry, the public and government during the application review process.

• Conduct approval/licence maintenance including issuing expiry letters, checking status of annual reports and submissions, and making recommendations on operators’ performance and compliance to meet licence conditions.

• Support the consideration of statements of concern, appeal and hearing processes, including Alternate Dispute Resolution sessions

• Support information, action, and media requests by gathering all necessary project and environmental information and presenting it clearly and concisely.

What we’re looking for in you:

• Technical degree or diploma in hydrogeology, environmental science, or related discipline.

• Member or Member in Training with APEGA or Certified Technologist or Technician with ASET or eligible for certification is required.

• 3-5 years of related industry or regulatory experience. Regulatory experience an asset.

• Strong written and verbal communication, including technical writing.

• Highly motivated with the ability to work well independently as well as a part of a team

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to multitask and manage high workload and deadlines.

• Familiarity with reading and interpreting well logs is a requirement

• Proficiency in the use of ArcGIS and Accumap is an asset

• Understanding of Alberta’s regulatory framework for water allocation and use and how to apply those requirements to various application scenarios is an asset.

Additional Information:

• All applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada at the time of application.

• Should an individual with the required qualifications not be available, applicants with closely related qualifications may be considered. As a result, the position may be redesigned and/or reclassified.

• If you need accommodation during any stage of the recruitment process, please email .  Information relating to the need for accommodation and accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.

What we offer you:

• Great benefits from your first day of work

• Flexible Work Program - hybrid work and flexible hours

• Generous vacation entitlement and flex days

More information about working at the AER’s including our comprehensive Total Rewards package can be found in the careers section of our website .

Our Commitment to Diversity:

At the AER, our values of Accountability, Collaboration, Transparency, and Trust & Respect are foundational to our culture – a culture where every individual, regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected factors, thrives and contributes their unique perspectives. 

Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion fuels innovation, creating a brighter, more sustainable Alberta for all. Join us in shaping this dynamic future.

Application closing date: October 15, 2024 at midnight

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