Senior Groundwater Policy Specialist

Role Responsibilities

The Senior Groundwater Policy Specialist serves as the provincial authority on all matters related to groundwater policy. This role requires maintaining deep scientific and policy expertise while providing strategic leadership in the development and review of provincial groundwater policies and positions.

As a key advisor, the Specialist collaborates with internal and external partners, including provincial and federal governments, industry stakeholders, academic institutions, and other organizations. The successful candidate will apply their broad and deep knowledge to develop innovative, evidence-based solutions that support the department’s mandate and the Government of Alberta’s strategic goals.

The position also leads complex, cross-divisional and cross-agency initiatives, ensuring coordination and alignment across a broad range of stakeholders. In addition to project leadership, the Specialist is expected to mentor colleagues and may hold supervisory responsibilities, contributing to a strong and collaborative policy team.

As a Senior Groundwater Policy Specialist, you will:

• Lead the development, evaluation, and implementation of evidence-based policies and programs for the integrated management of groundwater quantity and quality.
• Analyze and synthesize scientific, technical, and policy information to identify emerging trends, risks, and opportunities, and recommend responsive policy solutions.
• Assess the effectiveness of existing policies and programs using performance measures, hydrogeologic data, and monitoring indicators; identify gaps and unintended outcomes.
• Evaluate the implications of federal, regional, and international policies on Alberta’s groundwater management, and provide expert advice on intergovernmental agreements and initiatives.
• Lead and collaborate on research and policy projects, working with internal teams and external partners to address knowledge gaps and advance sustainable groundwater management.
• Represent Alberta in cross-ministry, interprovincial, and national forums, and contribute expert input to regulatory hearings and strategic planning processes.
• Engage stakeholders to support inclusive, transparent policy development and promote shared stewardship.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to staff, and in certain cases direct staff on various aspects of groundwater related projects and programs.
• Contribute to branch planning and support the delivery of departmental and government priorities.
• Communicate key research findings, policy impacts, and scientific developments to support decision-making, public awareness, and educational outreach. 

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.

In this role, you will contribute to our team by demonstrating the following behavioral competencies:

• Systems Thinking: You will be required to understand the authorities and governance of groundwater policy and groundwater management, and be able to make policy recommendations using defensible groundwater science with consideration of environmental, social and economic implications.
• Agility: This position manages projects and initiatives characterized by high uncertainty, shifting priorities, limited resources, and competing stakeholder interests. Strong project management, organizational abilities, and the ability to manage a number of complex issues while delivering results, maintaining accountability, and achieving outcomes is key.
• Creative Problem Solving: This program area develops policy for highly complex issues that often lack clear definitions and overlap with other challenges, requiring both technical and policy expertise from within and beyond the department. The role requires the ability to consider a variety of factors to develop innovative options and assess implications.
• Develop Networks: Develop and maintain close working relationships with stakeholders and other government agencies to identify priorities and understand and respond collectively to existing and emerging groundwater management issues.

Qualifications

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.

Requirements:

• A Bachelor of Science degree specializing in groundwater resources such as Hydrogeology, Geology, or a related field. Master’s degree is preferred.
• Minimum ten (10) years related work experience with demonstrative knowledge of groundwater management and policy.
• Candidates must be eligible for membership with APEGA as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) or Geoscientist (P.Geo.). Active membership is preferred.

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

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

• Extensive experience in policy analysis, development, and review, with strong knowledge of relevant environmental legislation and frameworks (e.g., Water Act, Alberta Land Stewardship Act).
• A deep understanding of groundwater and surface water interactions, watershed and resource management, and the roles of various government bodies and stakeholders.
• Advanced hydrogeology expertise, including groundwater flow, aquifer mapping, water well construction, contaminant behavior, and related oil and gas processes.
• Proficient in research methods, statistics, applied mathematics, and assessment tools used in groundwater and hydrogeology analysis.
• Strong technical and plain-language communication skills, able to present complex scientific information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Proven leadership in managing multidisciplinary projects, balancing priorities, mentoring staff, and meeting deadlines.
• Skilled in computer modeling, database development, and information management systems relevant to groundwater science.

Notes

This permanent position is based in Edmonton, AB, working Monday to Friday, 36.25 hours per week.

Applicants must provide a cover letter and resume outlining how your experience relates to the qualifications of this role. If selected for an interview, a writing assignment may be required to assess your writing skills and abilities.

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).

For any Post-Secondary Education:
Please specify your major and length of program.
Please specify the year you graduated.
Ex: Bachelor of Political Science, 4-year Degree (Graduated 2019).

Links and information on what the GoA has to offer to prospective employees:

• 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.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.