Science Team Lead

Government of Alberta; Edmonton; Hybrid; CAD 103,000 - 136,000; Full time

Job summary

Government of Alberta seeks a Lead, Science Team to provide scientific leadership for cumulative effects assessment and environmental management across Alberta. You will guide the development of quantitative metrics, support regional planning, and translate science into practical policy guidance for diverse audiences.

You will collaborate with modelling specialists to integrate data, indicators, and scenario analyses into recommendations that inform planning and regulatory processes, while

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a scientific discipline with 5 years of progressive related experience, or equivalent.
• Professional designation or eligibility for membership in a relevant professional association.
• Knowledge of cumulative effects assessment, environmental management, and land, air, water, climate, and biodiversity considerations.
• Experience leading land-use planning, environmental management initiatives, or landscape-scale environmental assessments.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of scientists and professionals in developing and improving environmental indicators and analytical tools for cumulative effects management.
• Provide expert scientific advice to regional and sub-regional planning initiatives and environmental management frameworks.
• Lead and coordinate environmental monitoring, evaluation, and reporting related to land and environmental planning.
• Contribute to regional and landscape-scale environmental assessments and studies to understand environmental conditions and cumulative effects.
• Translate complex scientific information into clear policy advice for diverse audiences.

Skills

Scientific leadership

Team leadership

Policy translation

Stakeholder engagement

Environmental monitoring

Data interpretation

Education

Ph.D. in a scientific discipline

Masters, DVM or MD + experience

Related field university degree + experience

Job description

Job Title: Lead, Science Team
Job Requisition ID: 86741
Ministry: Environment and Protected Areas
Location: Edmonton
Full or Part-Time: Full time
Hours of Work: 36.25 hours per week
Permanent/Temporary/Wage: Permanent
Scope: Open Competition
Closing Date: September 15, 2026
Classification: Scientific 4
Salary: $3,938.39 to $5,227.82 bi-weekly ($102,791 - $136,446/year)
The Alberta Public Service works to build a stronger province for current and future generations. We make a difference in the lives of Albertans through rewarding and diverse career opportunities. For more information, please visit: https://www.alberta.ca/about-the-alberta-public-service

Alberta Environment and Protected Areas is dedicated to safeguarding Albertas natural resource and ecosystems while balancing environmental and economic needs. We focus on wildlife conservation, managing protected areas, creating environmental policies, conducting research and engaging the public through educational initiatives. Our commitment is to sustainably, ensuring Alberta’s landscapes and resources are preserved and responsibly managed for future generations.
For more information about the Ministry of Environment and Protected Areas, please visit our website at: https://www.alberta.ca/environment-and-protected-areas .

Reporting to the Director, Cumulative Effects Management Planning, the Science Team Lead provides scientific leadership and strategic direction for cumulative effects assessment and environmental management initiatives across Alberta. The position leads the development and application of science-based approaches that support regional and sub-regional planning, environmental management frameworks, and evidence-based decision making.

Within the current mandate, this role has a particular focus on understanding and managing cumulative effects to land, biodiversity, species, habitats, and ecological systems. Working at the intersection of science, policy, and planning, the Science Team Lead guides the development of quantitative metrics that evaluate ecosystem condition, habitat integrity, landscape disturbance to achieve environmental outcomes across Alberta's diverse landscapes. The position plays a critical role in translating complex scientific information into practical strategies, fostering collaboration across organizations, and building consensus on environmental management approaches that balance ecological, social, cultural, and economic considerations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a team of scientists and technical professionals in the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of environmental indicators, management thresholds, analytical tools and approaches that support cumulative effects management, environmental decision-making and land-use planning.
• Provide expert scientific advice to support regional and sub-regional planning initiatives, including the development, evaluation, and continuous improvement of sub-regional plans, environmental management frameworks, and related land-use policies across Alberta.
• Lead and coordinate environmental monitoring, evaluation, and reporting activities related to land and environmental planning.
• Lead or contribute to regional and landscape-scale environmental assessments and studies that enhance understanding of environmental conditions and cumulative effects across Alberta.
• Translate complex scientific and technical information into clear, meaningful policy advice and communications for diverse audiences.
• Collaborate with modelling specialists and technical experts to integrate monitoring data, environmental indicators, and scenario analysis into science-informed recommendations that support planning and regulatory processes.
• Support the design and implementation of innovative reporting, data management, and analytical solutions.
• Build and maintain strong collaborative relationships with Indigenous communities, government ministries, regulators, industry representatives, academic institutions, non-government organizations, and biodiversity monitoring organizations.
• Work closely with senior leadership to strengthen organizational capacity, support strategic priorities, and advance integrated resource management objectives.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to shape environmental decision-making at a provincial scale, lead innovative scientific initiatives, and contribute to the sustainable management of Alberta's natural resources. Working alongside a diverse network of experts and stakeholders, you will drive collaborative solutions that protect species, habitat and environmental quality while supporting sustainable development and responsible resource management.
The Job Description is provided for Further details on this position.

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.

• Build Collaborative Environments.
• Drive for Results.
• Agility.
• Systems Thinking.
• Creative Problem Solving.

Qualifications

Ph.D. in a scientific discipline related to the position, plus 5 years progressively responsible related experience; or equivalent as described below.
Equivalency:

• Masters Degree, or DVM or MD, plus 7 years related experience;
• University graduation in a related field, plus 9 years related experience.

Professional designation or eligibility for membership in a relevant professional association.

• Extensive knowledge of cumulative effects assessment, environmental management, and land, air, water, climate, and biodiversity considerations.
• Demonstrated experience leading land-use planning, environmental management initiatives, or landscape-scale environmental assessments.
• Knowledge of Alberta's land and environmental legislation, land-use planning system, cumulative effects management approaches, and Integrated Resource Management System (IRMS).
• Strong ability to translate scientific and technical information into policy and decision-making advice.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience developing robust indicators and thresholds using environmental data, reporting and assessing change over time, and evaluating management performance. Experience incorporating indigenous knowledge is an asset.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and inspire high performance through coaching, mentorship, and strategic leadership.
• Strong relationship-building and influencing skills, with the ability to establish credibility, foster partnerships, and facilitate collaborative solutions to complex environmental challenges.
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders, including government, Indigenous communities, industry, academia, and non-government organizations.
• Experience working with indigenous knowledge, biodiversity monitoring, habitat assessment, conservation planning, or wildlife and ecosystem management would be considered an asset.

This position is a permanent, full-time role, with the standard weekly work hours of 36.25, Monday to Friday.

Travel within the area and throughout the province will be required as part of your responsibilities to coordinate with Ministry staff and colleagues, other government departments, clients, and other external stakeholders.

Candidates may be asked to complete a written assignment as part of the interview process.

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 we have to offer:

• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.

If you require any further information on this job posting or require an accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact Jane McEwen at [e-mail] .