Environmental Program Lead

FortisBC; Castlegar; Hybrid; CAD 97,000 - 114,000; Full time

Job summary

FortisBC is seeking an environmental professional to manage environmental risk and regulatory compliance across project teams and external agencies in British Columbia. The role involves oversight of consultants, ensuring permits and protections are in place, and collaboration with internal stakeholders to advance compliance and sustainable practices.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, seven years of experience, and professional certification eligibility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology, environmental sciences, natural resource management, or environmental planning.
• Seven years of experience managing environmental issues related to aquatic/terrestrial resources, vegetation, and incidents.
• Professional environmental certification or membership in BC bodies (RPBio, RBTech, PEng, PGeo, AScT, PAg, or RPF) or eligible for membership.
• Working knowledge of BC and federal environmental legislation, regulations, bylaws, and permitting in the energy sector; field experience is an asset.
• Strong communication and technical expertise, including public speaking, with focus in aquatic/terrestrial resources, vegetation, or incident management.
• Ability to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams with good time management.

Responsibilities

• Support operations and project teams in environmental risk management and regulatory compliance.
• Provide environmental oversight and guidance on risks, requirements, and protection measures.
• Oversee environmental consultants, set expectations, review deliverables, and ensure compliance.
• Ensure operations and projects comply with environmental regulations, corporate standards, permits, and protection requirements.
• Build relationships with internal stakeholders and regulatory agencies; support improvement initiatives.

Skills

Strong communication

Stakeholder engagement

Environmental risk management

Independent and team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology/environmental sciences/natural resource management/environmental planning

Job description

Branch: Electric

Affiliation: Management & Exempt

Employment Status: Full-Time Regular

Expected Hiring Range: $97,100.00 to $114,200.00

Short-term Incentive Eligible: Yes

Workplace Flexibility: Yes

Posting End Date: Open until filled

As the province's largest energy provider with more than 100 years of knowledge and experience, we proudly deliver renewable energy, natural gas, electricity and propane to 1.3 million customers.

We're actively seeking new talent to join our mission of delivering a stronger energy future in B.C. As one of BC's Top Employers with a diverse team of over 2,700 employees, we are committed to a safe and inclusive culture where each of us can connect, belong, and grow. Join us, and together, let's shape a brighter future for B.C.

Position Overview

You're a passionate environmental professional who excels in fast-paced, multi-disciplinary settings, balancing priorities while delivering results on complex projects. A strong communicator and collaborator, you engage stakeholders early to identify risks, ensure compliance, and develop practical solutions. In this role, you'll support environmental risk management and regulatory compliance while overseeing consultants and partnering with internal teams and external agencies to drive successful outcomes.

In this role, you will:

• Support company operations and project teams in managing environmental risk, ensuring compliance with environmental legislation, corporate policies, and industry best practices.
• Provide environmental oversight and guidance to projects, including advising on risks, management practices, regulatory requirements, and protection measures.
• Oversee and manage environmental consultants, including setting expectations, reviewing deliverables, and ensuring compliance without impacting project timelines.
• Ensure operations and projects comply with environmental regulations, corporate standards, permits, and environmental protection requirements.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders and regulatory agencies, while supporting continuous improvement, change management, and environmental awareness initiatives.

What it takes:

• A bachelors degree in relevant field, such as biology, environmental sciences, natural resource management, or environmental planning.
• Seven years of experience in managing environmental issues relating to aquatic/terrestrial resources, vegetation management, and responding to environmental incidents.
• Hold, or eligible to obtain, professional environmental certification or membership in the College of Applied Biology of BC (RPBio, RBTech), Engineers and Geoscientists of BC (PEng, PGeo), Applied Science Technologist and Technicians of BC (AScT), Institute of Agrologists (PAg), or Forest Professionals BC (RPF).
• Working knowledge of BC and federal environmental legislation, regulations, bylaws, construction practices, and permitting related to the energy industry, with field experience considered an asset.
• Strong communication and technical expertise, including public speaking and the ability to convey environmental requirements, with preferred specialization in areas such as aquatic/terrestrial resources, vegetation, or incident management.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams, with excellent time management and organizational skills.

In this role, you will have the option to participate in a flexible work program, enabling you to work from an approved flex location in British Columbia up to 85 days a year (equivalent to approximately two days a week), subject to business or operational needs.

Our engaging workplace offers a wide range of challenging opportunities, while being safe, inclusive, and diverse. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, while supporting life-long career development. We also encourage volunteerism and nourish the need to give back to your community.

FortisBC acknowledges and respects Indigenous Peoples in Canada, on whose Traditional Territories we all live and work. FortisBC is committed to Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and is guided by our Statement of Indigenous Principles.