Waste Management Specialist

Role Responsibilities

The Waste Management Specialist provides scientific expertise and leadership in the development, implementation, and evaluation of waste management policies, strategies, and programs. The role contributes to the ministry's goals of environmental protection and sustainable resource management by developing policy options, conducting research, and collaborating with stakeholders across government and industry.

Key Responsibilities:
•    Lead and champion understanding of circular economy expansion opportunities, recycling measures and waste management issues, and relationships between existing strategies and policies. 
•    Develop and evaluate both waste management and circular economy policies, programs, and strategies to align with environmental goals and legislative frameworks.
•    Provide scientific expertise and analysis to inform waste policy development.
•    Conduct research, data analysis, and environmental scans to identify trends and issues in waste management and circular economy.
•    Lead and participate in project teams and working groups to develop integrated circular economy and waste management solutions to current problems.
•    Engage with internal and external stakeholders including industry, municipalities, Indigenous communities, and other jurisdictions to advance waste  and circular economy policy objectives.
•    Prepare briefing materials, decision documents, and recommendations for senior management.
•    Monitor and report on the effectiveness of circular economy and waste management programs and recommend improvements.

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.

How Competencies will apply to this role:

Agility: Adapts to shifting environmental priorities and legislative changes to develop effective waste management strategies.

Systems Thinking: Considers long-term, cross-sector impacts of waste policy decisions to support integrated environmental goals.

Creative Problem Solving: Develops innovative, evidence-based solutions to complex waste management challenges.

Develop Networks: Builds strong relationships with stakeholders to support collaborative and inclusive policy development.

Drive for Results: Delivers high-quality outcomes by managing priorities and contributing to project success in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

Required: 
•    Ph.D. in a scientific field related to Chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering or environmntal sciences. 
•    Minimum of two (2) years related work experience.

Equivalencies considered: 
•    Master’s degree in a scientific field related to the position, plus 4 years related experience
•    University graduation in a scientific field related to the position, plus 6 years related experience.

Assets:
Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate the following:
•    Strong knowledge of both waste management and circular economy systems, sustainability practices, and environmental legislation.
•    Proven experience developing, implementing, and evaluating environmental policies and programs.
•    Skilled in conducting research, environmental scans, and data analysis to inform decision-making.
•    Effective at collaborating with government, industry, municipalities, and Indigenous communities.
•    Excellent ability to prepare briefings, decision documents, and present complex information clearly.
•    Demonstrated success leading and contributing to multidisciplinary teams and policy initiatives.

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 permanent full time position located in downtown, Edmonton. 
•    Hours of work: Monday – Friday, 7.25 hours per day / 36.25 hours per week.

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. The cover letter may be used to assess your communication skills as part of the screening process.

If selected for an interview, candidates will be asked to prepare a written assignment to further assess formal writing skills and written competency.

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).
E.g.: Lifeguard 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.
E.g.: Bachelor of Science, 4-year Degree (Graduated 2017).

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 required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in.

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/alberta-public-service-human-resource-directives.
•    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 agreements.
•    Leadership and mentorship programs.