Science Policy Jobs in Alberta (NOW HIRING)

Location: Any AER office location will be considered.

Employment Type: Full Time - Permanent

Salary Range: T3, Level 5, $102,000 - $120,000 per year. The final compensation for this position will be determined based on individual factors, including education, qualifications, experience, and internal equity. This position may be eligible to receive a Northern Living allowance. Northern Living allowances are provided based on the location of the position and where an employee primarily works and resides.

Specialist, Reclamation and Conservation

The Opportunity

The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) is seeking a Specialist, Reclamation and Conservation to join its talented team of professionals in the Mining team within the Regulatory Applications (RA) Branch. In this role, you'll provide technical expertise in areas of Conservation and Reclamation across the province.

This role also extends to the related disciplines of conservation, wetland ecology, reclamation, and monitoring. You will provide science-based recommendations on decisions at each stage of the energy activity lifecycle, ensuring provincial policy, conservation and reclamation quality objectives, guidelines and management strategies are incorporated into project decisions and organizational initiatives. This position works closely with a multidisciplinary team of technical professionals and engages with external stakeholders, including applicants and government agencies.

As part of the Mining team, you will collaborate with a diverse group of professionals to ensure the safe, environmentally responsible, and efficient recovery of energy resources throughout the regulatory lifecycle of energy projects. The work we do is dynamic and critical to upholding the mandate of the AER, while upholding our cultural values of supporting one another and prioritizing personal wellness and professional development.

What your day-to-day will look like:

• As part of a multi-disciplinary team of subject matter experts across the organization as well as other government agencies (such as Alberta Environment and Parks, and Impact Assessment Agency of Canada), review applications and conservation and reclamation submissions for all oil mining development projects (coal, oil sands and rock-hosted minerals) in the province that have the potential to impact reclamation outcomes. Provide technical conditions and requirements for approvals related to conservation and reclamation, and reporting. Develop research and monitoring requirements, decision reports, approval conditions and discussions of results with industry.

• Working with a diverse network of experts across industry, academia, and government, remain current on emerging issues, identify policy gaps and support policy initiatives with a view to their practical application to energy and mineral sector activities and AER business processes. Participate in the development of and lead the implementation of new government policy, regulatory frameworks, directives, and cumulative effects management.

• Develop strategies for improving industry regulation and AER procedures related to conservation and reclamation of terrestrial, wetland and aquatic ecosystems.

• Support and provide expertise on mitigation and monitoring requirements and remedial strategies related to unplanned events, incidents, non-compliances and/or investigations.

• Review reports and annual submissions and conduct site visits as required to assess and make recommendations on industry performance and compliance related to regulations and approval conditions.

• Contribute to subject area initiatives and enterprise projects by providing expert technical direction for the implementation of core business processes and systems.

• Support inquires from media and other government agencies by gathering all necessary information and presenting it clearly and concisely.

What we're looking for in you:

• Bachelors' degree in a related sciences discipline with 7+ years of progressive experience; or a Master of Science Degree and 5+ years of progressive experience.

• Strong knowledge of Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA), Water Act, Public Land Act, Coal Conservation Act, Mineral Resource Development Act and Oil Sands Conservation Act.

• Knowledge and understanding of land conservation and reclamation principles, techniques, standards and issues.

• Knowledge of landscape properties both terrestrial and wetland (including vegetation, soil and topography) and their relationship to land capability and establishment of equivalent land capability.

• Understanding of energy and mineral development processes in Alberta, and the associated environmental impacts.

• Strong analytical skills and critical thinking with ability to make sound recommendations based on expertise.

• Team player with the ability to influence without authority and work cooperatively within multi-disciplinary teams and be able to share expertise with all staff across the organization.

• Ability to use strong communication (written and verbal, including technical writing) and interpersonal skills to present and communicate complex technical information to a variety of audiences.

• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities and meeting competing deadlines.

• Eligibility for membership with the Alberta institute of Agrologists or the Alberta Society of Professional Biologists would be an asset.

Additional Information:

• All applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada at the time of application.

• Should an individual with the required qualifications not be available, applicants with closely related qualifications may be considered. As a result, the position may be redesigned and/or reclassified.

• If you need accommodation during any stage of the recruitment process, please email PeopleServices@aer.ca. Information relating to the need for accommodation and accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.

What we offer you:

• Opportunity to make a difference and be part of a performance driven team that is responsible for the efficient, safe, orderly, and environmentally responsible development of Alberta's energy and mineral resources.

• The ability to leverage your expertise and critical thinking skills to contribute in wide-ranging,challenging, and complex work.

• Robust totalreward packages including; a competitive compensation program, defined benefit pension plan(s), flexible benefits, and wellness programs.

• Flexible work options and hours, aligned with organizational policies.

More information about working at the AER's including our comprehensive Total Rewards package can be found in the careers section of our website.

Our Commitment to Diversity:

At the AER, our values of Accountability, Collaboration, Transparency, and Trust & Respect are foundational to our culture - a culture where every individual, regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected factors, thrives and contributes their unique perspectives.

Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion fuels innovation, creating a brighter, more sustainable Alberta for all. Join us in shaping this dynamic future.

Application closing date: September 22, 2026, at midnight