Biodiversity Specialist

Role Responsibilities

The Biodiversity Specialist plays a pivotal scientific role within the Lands Planning Branch of Alberta Environment and Protected Areas (EPA), leading Alberta’s approach to biodiversity management and supporting the implementation of the Land-use Framework (LUF)—a foundational policy guiding the province’s Integrated Resource Management System. Reporting to the Lead of the Science Team, the incumbent ensures that scientifically credible methods underpin the assessment and management of cumulative effects on biodiversity to support regional and sub-regional plans across Alberta. If you are passionate about biodiversity and want to make a difference, this is the job for you!

This role provides expert leadership in biodiversity science—both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems—by identifying ecological indicators and associated metrics, establishing management thresholds, and developing assessment tools that guide land-use and environmental planning. The Biodiversity Specialist collaborates across government ministries, agencies, and research institutions to integrate science into land-use policy, ensuring alignment with environmental, social, economic, and cultural values.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Leading the selection of indicators and development of associated methods for environmental monitoring and management frameworks.
• Providing scientific expertise in the assessment of cumulative effects to biodiversity.
• Chairing cross-ministry committees and working groups related to biodiversity science.
• Serving as a scientific authority and resource for the department and the ministry in the field of biodiversity science.
• Identifying and prioritizing knowledge gaps and research needs in biodiversity management and designing and conducting original and applied research and monitoring to address them.

As the ideal candidate, your exceptional organizational and time management skills and your passion for teamwork will be crucial in ensuring that the diverse departmental needs are provided in a consistent, accurate and timely manner. Communication, problem solving, interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the ability to meet deadlines are skills that will be essential to your success in this multi-faceted role. Well-developed leadership skills will be important to motivate multi-disciplinary groups of professionals, as well as the ability to utilize knowledge and experience to determine appropriate procedures to use under varying situations.

This role requires both deep scientific expertise and collaborative leadership. The position works closely with stakeholders such as the Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute (ABMI), Indigenous communities, academic experts, and other government departments to maintain a comprehensive, inclusive, and science-based approach to land and biodiversity management in Alberta.

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

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.

Qualifications

Ph.D. in a scientific discipline related ( biodiversity, natural resource science, environmental studies, ecology, or a related discipline relevant to biodiversity and ecosystem management) to the position, plus 2 years progressively responsible related experience in biodiversity assessment, cumulative effects management, regional land-use planning, or policy development.; or equivalent as described below.

Equivalency: Directly related education or experience considered on the basis of:

• 1 year of education for 1 year of experience; or
• 1 year of experience for 1 year of education.

Required:

• Demonstrated expertise in terrestrial and/or aquatic biodiversity, with practical experience in applying biodiversity science to land-use or resource planning.
• Experience in developing environmental indicators, models, or assessment tools to support planning and management frameworks.
• Proven ability to analyze cumulative environmental effects and apply scientific knowledge to real-world policy and planning challenges.
• Strong skills in scientific communication, including the ability to present complex technical information to non-technical audiences (e.g., senior management, stakeholders).
• Demonstrated experience collaborating with cross-functional teams, including scientists, policymakers, Indigenous partners, and external stakeholders.
• Proficiency in using scientific, geospatial, or modelling tools to support biodiversity or ecosystem assessments.

Note: A valid Class 5 driver's license is required.

Assets:

• Experience working with or contributing to regional or sub-regional land-use plans in Alberta or a comparable jurisdiction.
• Familiarity with Alberta’s Land-use Framework (LUF), biodiversity monitoring programs, or cumulative effects management approaches.
• Experience working with the Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute (ABMI) or using ABMI data in decision-making processes.
• Knowledge of the integration of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) in biodiversity assessment and land planning.
• A record of publishing scientific work, presenting at conferences, or contributing to research collaborations.
• Understanding of species-at-risk, habitat conservation strategies, and their application to land management.

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 is a full-time temporary opportunity in Edmonton.

This position works Monday to Friday, 8:15 AM-4:30 PM, 36.25 hours a week.

A written assessment will be conducted as part of the interview process.

In your application, please a include cover page detailing your interest, and role related experience. In your resume include dates (including months and years) associated with all education and work experience. Also, please indicate whether your work experience is casual, part-time or full-time. For example January 15, 2006 - June 25, 2009: Assistant (PT three 8 hrs. shifts/week).

This position will require final candidates to undergo a security clearance.

Any costs associated with obtaining the 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.

What we 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.