Alberta Energy Regulator Looking for Hydrogeologist at Edmonton, AB Full Time

Location(s): Edmonton Regional Office or Calgary Head Office
Employment Type: Limited Term, Six Months

Hydrogeologist, In Situ Subsurface

The Opportunity

Are you a strong technical candidate who values diversity of thought, style, and approach? Are you a problem solver that can deliver efficient solutions with an enterprise mindset? If you are looking for a rewarding challenge this is the job for you!

The In Situ Subsurface team is seeking a Hydrogeologist to review and make recommendations on applications and submissions for new and existing in situ oil sands developments. The role ensures that provincial policy, water allocation objectives, environmental guidelines and water management strategies are incorporated into application decisions and organizational initiatives. It requires interacting with other
technical professionals to review proposals holistically, liaising with applicants, clearly articulating risks associated with each application and making recommendations to the leadership team.

You will be a great fit for the team if you enjoy working collaboratively, taking a creative and innovative approach to problem solving, and are passionate about protecting the interests of Albertans to ensure the safe, efficient, orderly, and environmentally responsible development of oil sands resources.

Your Key Responsibilities:

• As part of a multi‐disciplinary team, conduct hydrogeological reviews and make recommendations on applications under the Water Act, Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA), Oil and Gas Conservation Act (OGCA) and Oil Sands Conservation Act (OSCA). This includes drafting of case‐specific approval conditions to address hydrogeological and environmental impacts. Common applications include amendments and renewals to groundwater licences, new or expansions to existing in situ schemes and disposal of produced water into saline aquifers.

• Liaise with representatives from industry, the public and government during the application review process to ensure regulatory requirements associated with in situ oil sands developments are clearly understood.

• Provide support for post application technical reviews to ensure operational risks associated with development have been mitigated through compliance and assurance mechanisms. This includes the review of annual reports or proposals submitted pursuant to the approval or licence conditions, and Directive 054 performance.

• Provide technical guidance and input to assist with emergency incident responses, coordinated by the AER’s field centres, as well as support enterprise regulatory enhancement projects, to improve our regulations and requirements.

• Support the integrated decision approach (IDA) including the ongoing implementation, updates, and maintenance of application assessment rules.

• Support the appeal and hearing processes, including Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) sessions.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science degree in, Geology, Earth Science, Engineering or Environmental Science with a specialization in hydrogeology.

• 5+ years of related experience in hydrogeology within the in situ sector.

• Strong understanding of Alberta’s regulatory framework and associated legislations and enactments.

• Strong understanding of fundamental hydrogeological concepts and methods.

• Able to present and communicate complex technical information to a variety of audiences, demonstrating strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Beginner to intermediate awareness of project management principles demonstrating well-developed organizational and analytical skills, with the ability to meet deadlines and work under pressures.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with multiple stakeholders, both internal and external.

Additional Requirements/Information:

• Applicants registered as a Professional Geologist (P.Geo) or Engineer (P.Eng) designation with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA), is considered an asset.

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

AER Hybrid Work Model Trial

We understand the way we do our work has changed and our employees are looking for flexibility with a blend of in-office and remote work. Following the work from home orders being lifted, the AER will be trialing a hybrid work model to live, learn and adapt our flexible work arrangements in a way that works for our business and our employees.

What does our hybrid work trial model look like?

• Combination of in-office and remote work based on your preference and business needs!

• Flexible work hours, while committing to being available during our core hours of 9:00am – 3:00pm

If you choose to participate in the hybrid model, you will:

• Be provided with an AER computer or laptop when working in the office.

• Need to have access to a personal computer when working from home (unless assigned an AER laptop – dependant on business need).

• Have a high-speed internet connection with a minimum of 50 Mbps for downloads and 30 Mbps for uploads when working remotely.

Benefits at the AER

• Flexible benefits program

• Work/Life Balance time off programs

• Healthcare spending account

• Voluntary Group Savings Programs

• Employee & Family Assistance Program

for more details on all the AER has to offer!

For Internal Applicants Only

• Under the AER’s Classification Framework this position is SP3, Level 5

• In the event a current AER employee would like to apply for an internal posting, the employee will inform their leader prior to submitting their application.

• Please note: 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.

Please note, this job advertisement will close on May 25, 2022, at midnight.

Job Type: Full-time