Senior Geochemist, Mining - Hybrid

Location: Calgary, Edmonton, Alberta preferred, any AER office location will be considered

Employment Type: Full – Permanent

Salary Range: SP4 Level 6, $116,960 - $146,200 per year. The final compensation for this position will be determined based on individual factors, including education, qualifications, experience, and internal equity.

Senior Geochemist, Mining - Hybrid

The Opportunity

The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) is currently recruiting for a Senior Geochemist to join its talented team of professionals in the Mining group within the Regulatory Applications Branch. As a Senior Geochemist, you will provide technical knowledge and leadership for mining applications, reports and plans related to development, operation and abandonment under the Oil Sands Conservation Act (OSCA), Coal Conservation Act (CCA), Mineral Resource Development Act (MRDA), Water Act (WA), and the Environmental and Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA).

You will apply advanced knowledge of physical and chemical hydrogeological, geological, and geothermal resource principles and practices to provide high-level technical assurance and mentorship. This role requires interacting with other technical professionals to look at proposals and reports holistically, liaising with applicants, clearly articulating risks associated with each submission, and making recommendations to the leadership team. It ensures provincial policy, guidelines, regulatory requirements, and management strategies are incorporated into project decisions and organizational initiatives. This role requires strong knowledge and leadership in terms of regulations, analytical approaches, risk assessment and stakeholder collaboration.

What your day-to-day will look like:

• Conduct geochemical assessments to support and make recommendations on industry applications in accordance with government policy and regulations. Utilizes substantive experience to guide the team through complex scenarios requiring a broader understanding and analysis of fluid chemistry and geochemistry, which have impacts on the environment, industry, and AER credibility.

• Inform and liaise with representatives from industry, AER field staff, the public, and government during the application review process including but not limited to regulatory requirements associated with mining developments.

• Work with a diverse network of specialists across industry, academia and government to remain current on emerging issues, identify policy gaps, and support policy initiatives with a view towards their practical application to energy sector activities and support the implementation of them into AER core business functions to ensure policy objectives are upheld.

• Represent the AER on external multi-stakeholder forums, working groups and committees, supporting the creation of new AER regulatory frameworks, directives, monitoring requirements, and the development of novel approaches to regulation that uphold the integrity of environmental regulations.

• Perform desktop audit activities and approval/license maintenance, including making recommendations on operators’ performance and compliance to application requirements.

What we’re looking for in you:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Earth Science or Geology, with specialization in geochemistry.

• 10+ years of related geochemistry experience and direct experience with regulations would be considered an asset.

• Registered professional with Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) or eligible for professional membership is required.

• Strong understanding of Alberta’s regulatory framework and associated legislations and enactments with ability to apply them to various submission scenarios is consider an asset.

• Proficient in ArcGIS and geochemical software to interpret data and create models.

• Demonstrates strong critical thinking and high-level awareness, proactively solving undefined problems by considering broader impacts beyond the immediate information presented.

• Ability to use strong communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills to build and maintain working relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Ability to facilitate, present, and communicate complex technical information to a variety of audiences.

• Possess strong, informal, self-leadership and ability to share expertise with all staff levels. Work effectively and willingly with others within the team and other resources within AER.

Additional Information:

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

• Travel is required within the province to support team members and industry engagement 5-10% of the time.

• 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:

• Great benefits from your first day of work

• Flexible Work Program - hybrid work and flexible hours

• Defined benefit pension plan(s)

• Flexible benefits program options, including Personal & Health spending account(s)

• Generous vacation entitlement and flex days

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

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: May 7, 2025, at midnight