Water Allocation Modeller

Role Responsibilities

Reporting to the Environmental and Climate Change Modelling Team Lead, the Water Allocation Modeller is responsible for the development and application of water allocations models (e.g., Water Resource Management Model (WRMM),  Water Resources Management Decision Support System (WRMDSS)), including tools to support modelling and disimination of modelling results to wider stakeholders.  These models are used to support water management including, approvals and transfers of water license applications under the Water Act, provincial water management infrastructure design and operation, water management planning and integrated regional strategies in Alberta. The position also provides other modelling support through development of interface/utilities and streamlining model input and output data processing, display processing tools to provide meaningful presentation of model outputs as well as development of integrated surface water quantity and quality modelling system.

The Water Allocation Modeller will support the overall strategic water management in Alberta, especially in Southern Alberta and actively participates in multi-disciplinary and stakeholder committees. This position is required to support response to water shortage and work on Minister Mandate related to water management in Alberta, including but not limited to, provide water management modelling support for new Water Act Applications and Transfers, provide technical and policy advice to management and the public in the review of irrigation expansion, development and implementation of various transboundary water agreements, as well as First Nations water needs. In addition, this position provides operational modelling support for infrastructure operation and response to water shortage/drought emergencies. 

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies: https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.

How Competencies will apply to this role:

Build Collaborative Environments: Ensure a collaborative approach is taken within your work to facilitate open communication and leverage team skills to achieve desired outcomes.

Creative Problem Solving: Come up with solutions to solve complex problems while balancing the development, conservation, and use of resources.

Drive for Results: Strive to exceed expectations and maximize resources to achieve results that are aligned with the goals of the department while maintaining accountability to both internal and external stakeholders.

Develop Networks: Maintain close relations with all stakeholders, actively incorporate the needs of the broader group, and ensure overall client satisfaction.

Agility: Identify alternative approaches or courses of action in unclear and complex situations. Support others to identify, assess, and use alternative approaches. 

Qualifications

Required:
•    University degree in Engineering in a related field such as environment, water resources, etc.
•    Five (5) years of related experience in water resources management and modelling, watershed hydrology, river hydrodynamics, statistics, and GIS.
•    Experience in developing complex models, input/output data processing, building relational databases and computer programming including development of web applications. 
•    Eligible for membership with the APEGA as a professional engineer (candidate should have Engineer-in-training (EIT) status at minimum).
•    Valid Class 5 driver’s license (or equivalent).

Equivalency: 
•    Additional related education considered in lieu of experience on a one-for-one basis.

Assets:
•    Knowledge and awareness of provincial acts, legislation, policy and departmental strategies such as: Water Act and Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA).
•    Experience with water allocation models such as Water Resources Management Model (WRMM), WEAP, MODSIM-DSS, OASIS etc., is definitively an asset.
•    Knowledge of ArcView or ArcGIS (GIS Mapping software).
•    Computer programming skills (such as Python, R, Visual Basic, C#, and Visual Studio IDE).
•    Master degree in Engineering in a related field such as environment, water resources etc. is preferred.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

•    This competition is for 1 full time temporary position for a period of 2 years. This position will be located in Calgary. 
•    Monday – Friday, 7.25 hours per day / 36.25 hours per week.

Any costs associated with obtaining required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in.

Applicants are required to include a COVER LETTER with clear and concise specific examples that demonstrate how their qualifications meet the advertised requirements and competencies.

Instructions for your Resume:
For Employment Experience:
Please indicate duration of employment (month, year)
Please specify employment status (i.e. casual, part-time or full-time)
Ex: Youth Worker, Jan 2006 - June 2009, Part-time (three, 8 hour shifts/week)

For any Post-Secondary Education:
Please specify your major and length of program
Please specify the year you graduated
Ex: Bachelor of Social Work, 4-year Degree (Graduated 2017)

What the GoA has to offer:
•    Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages- working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx.
•    Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.ca.
•    Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits.
•    Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive.
•    Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca.
•    Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
•    Opportunity to participate in flexible work arrangements such as working from home up to two days per week and modified work schedule agreement.
•    Leadership and mentorship programs.