Senior Socio-Economist - Hybrid

Alberta Energy Regulator; Calgary; Hybrid; CAD 116,000 - 147,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading regulatory organization in Alberta is seeking a Senior Socio-Economist to conduct socio-economic impact assessments and lead studies on energy projects. The ideal candidate will have a Master's degree in social sciences and 7-10 years of related experience. This hybrid position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Great benefits from day one

Flexible Work Program

Defined benefit pension plan

Generous vacation entitlement

Qualifications

• 7-10 years related experience in traditional land use and socio-economic impact assessment.
• Proven ability to deliver results within established timelines.
• Capable of mentoring and training junior staff.

Responsibilities

• Conduct technical reviews related to oil sands and pipeline development.
• Prepare for AER hearings as a subject matter expert.
• Investigate enterprise-level issues and design solutions.

Skills

Model building

Strong communications

Team player

Education

Master's degree in social sciences

Tools

Advanced MS Excel

Job description

Location: Calgary or Edmonton, Alberta is preferred; other AER office locations will be considered.

Employment Type: Full Time – 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 Socio-Economist - Hybrid

The Opportunity

Join the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) as our newest Senior Socio-Economist!

Make a significant impact in the energy sector by joining our Technical Science & External Innovation branch. As a Senior Socio-Economist, you will support regulatory applications and submissions through your review of socio-economic, cultural, and Indigenous traditional land-use impacts. Draft Supplemental Information Requests, and collaborate with internal and external groups. Your leadership in Socio-Economic Impact Assessments (SEIAs) and Indigenous knowledge and land use will be crucial.

Reporting to the Principal Economist, you will mentor and train economists and provide subject mater expertise to our operations branches. Join our Economic team and make a difference in Alberta by providing your expertise in reviewing energy projects.

What your day-to-day will look like:

• Lead and conduct complex technical reviews related to oil sands, sour gas facilities, coal, minerals, emerging energy resources and pipeline development. Prepare recommendations for appropriate AER decision making processes. Assess socio-economic and cultural impact assessments that are submitted for a proposed energy development project.

• Prepare for, attend, and support AER hearings as a subject matter expert in socio-economic impact assessments (SEIAs) and traditional knowledge and land use. Guide the economists who conduct SEIAs for hearings.

• Investigate complex enterprise-level issues and design enterprise-level solutions using defensible data analysis that integrate quantitative social science, statistical, and business analysis methods. Develop standards and criteria for completing socioeconomic impact assessments for the AER.

• Develop technical knowledge and experience to handle issues and review authorizations independently. Share knowledge to promote the continuous improvement of technical competency in socioeconomic issues and Traditional Knowledge and Land Use.

• Advise application coordinators, environmental assessment coordinators on statements of concern on various socioeconomic related issues.

• Develop and maintain collaborative, open and consultative partnerships within the organization and with various stakeholder organizations and government departments, responding to inquiries of a technical nature from parties both internal and external to the AER.

• Support the Principal Economist in developing and implementing operational strategies, projects, and workflows pertinent to social indicators and SEIAs.

• Understand emerging issues or trends from qualitative and quantitative stakeholder data to guide day-to-day operations in enterprise-level projects and ensure data collected from stakeholders is leveraged to maximum utility and benefit in economic models and RIAs.

What we’re looking for in you:

• Master’s degree in social sciences (sociology, economics, environmental management, anthropology, Indigenous Studies, geography).

• 7-10 years of related experience in traditional land use, traditional knowledge and socio-economic impact assessment.

• Model building experience, with a focus on scenario-based analysis using input-output models and cost benefit analysis with advanced MS Excel skills.

• Industry knowledge, and experience in traditional knowledge and indigenous land use.

• Proven ability to deliver results within established timelines and deadlines.

• Demonstrates sound judgment, offering strategic direction while reliably fulfilling responsibilities.

• Capable of mentoring and training junior staff, supporting team development.

• Strong communications and writing skills.

• Strong team player and ability to work independently and effectively in a team environment; interacting with staff, stakeholders and senior management.

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.

• Required Travel (approximately 5-10 days in a year).

• If you need accommodation during any stage of the recruitment process, please email [e-mail]. 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

• Edmonton: Hybrid work - employees located in Edmonton will work in office two days per week

• All other locations: Hybrid work - employees may work remotely up to five days per calendar month, with a limit of two remote days per week

• 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’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 30, 2025, at midnight

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