Senior Waste Policy Advisor

Role Responsibilities

The Government of Alberta is committed to building sustainable communities by developing innovative waste management policies and programs. As the Senior Waste Policy Advisor, you will play a key role in shaping Alberta’s waste management strategies and ensuring alignment with environmental sustainability goals.

This position requires a highly motivated individual with strong analytical and policy development skills who can collaborate with diverse stakeholders and lead the development of innovative, evidence-based waste management policies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of waste management policies and strategies.
• Conduct research and analysis of best practices, emerging trends, and legislative frameworks to inform evidence-based decision-making.
• Collaborate with stakeholders, including municipalities, industries, Indigenous communities, and other government departments, to support policy initiatives.
• Provide expert advice and recommendations to senior leadership on waste management issues and strategies.
• Prepare briefing materials, reports, and correspondence for executive leadership and Ministers.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of waste management policies and programs, identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Contribute to Alberta’s transition to a circular economy by promoting waste reduction, reuse, and recycling initiatives.

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.

• Develop Networks: The Senior Waste Policy Advisor builds and maintains strong relationships with stakeholders, including municipalities, Indigenous communities, industries, and government departments, to ensure collaboration and alignment in waste management policies. They leverage networks to stay informed about trends and innovations, fostering open communication to achieve shared environmental goals.
• Agility: This role requires adaptability to shifting priorities and evolving policies while maintaining focus on long-term objectives. The advisor demonstrates flexibility in managing multiple projects, responding effectively to challenges, and adjusting strategies to advance Alberta’s waste management initiatives.
• Systems Thinking: The advisor takes a holistic approach to Alberta’s waste management systems, understanding their interconnectedness and broader implications. They ensure policies align with sustainability goals by considering regulatory frameworks, stakeholder interests, and environmental impacts.
• Creative Problem Solving: The Senior Waste Policy Advisor develops innovative, evidence-based solutions to address waste management challenges. They synthesize research and stakeholder input to create policies that promote waste reduction, reuse, and resource recovery, supporting Alberta’s transition to a circular economy.

Qualifications

Required:

Education: A university degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Waste Management, Recycling, Circular Economy, Waste Reduction, or a related discipline.

Experience: A minimum of 4 years of experience in policy development and implementation within the areas of waste management, recycling, circular economy, or waste reduction.

Equivalency: Related experience or education may be considered as an equivalency on a one for one basis.

Assets:

• Experience with EPR programs, waste reduction strategies, and circular economy policy development.
• Experience drafting or contributing to legislation, regulations, policies, and Cabinet/Ministerial decision documents.
• Ability to work with industry, municipalities, Indigenous partners, and other governments in complex, politically sensitive environments.
• Skills in jurisdictional research, environmental scanning, and preparing clear, evidence-based briefing notes for senior and executive leadership.

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, permanent Edmonton-based role with a 36.25-hour workweek (Monday-Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). The position requires managing multiple priorities, tight timelines, and complex, sensitive issues in a fast-paced environment.

The role involves collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, with occasional travel within Alberta for meetings or consultations. Strong independent judgment, professionalism, and attention to detail are essential.

As part of the selection process, successful candidates may be required to participate in a timed written assignment.

Please submit your cover letter and updated resume, including clear and concise examples demonstrating how your qualifications meet the advertised requirements and competencies.

For employment experience, indicate the position title, duration (month and year), and employment status (e.g., full-time, part-time, or contract). Example: Senior Policy Advisor - Waste Management, Jan 2018 to Dec 2022, Full-time.

For post-secondary education, specify your degree or diploma, field of study, program length, and year of graduation. Example: Bachelor of Environmental Science, 4-year Degree, Major in Waste Management (Graduated 2016).

Final candidates will be required to undergo a security screening.

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.

Links and information on what the GoA have 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.