Senior Technical Advisor, Water Environmental Priority Area

Pathways Alliance (Pathways) is made up of Canadian Natural Resources, Cenovus Energy, ConocoPhillips Canada, Imperial, MEG Energy and Suncor Energy.

The oil sands industry is a key economic driver for Alberta and Canada contributing billions to the economy annually. Our country has long benefitted from a strong energy sector that supports Canada’s high standard of living by creating thousands of jobs and generating significant revenue to governments that helps fund essential services, including health care, education, and roads.

To ensure our industry can continue providing these benefits for decades to come, we’re also focused on advancing environmental innovation and projects, including carbon capture and storage.

The Senior Technical Advisor (STA) is a trusted partner within the Water Environmental Priority Area (Water EPA) team, combining technical depth with strategic influence to advance water management across Canada’s oil sands. This role demands a high level of integrity, strong relationship-building skills, and the ability to influence stakeholders internally and externally. You’ll balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution, ensuring priorities move from concept to implementation. Your ability to communicate clearly, foster alignment, and build trust will be critical, as will your willingness to engage deeply in technical assessments while supporting broader strategic initiatives.

Apply advanced technical expertise to evaluate water technologies and close critical gaps in integrated water management.
Help shape strategies and action plans that deliver measurable impact for environmental performance and cost efficiency.

Collaborate with the EPA Director to design and execute strategies and action plans that influence water management across Canada’s oil sands.
Monitor progress, identify opportunities, and recommend actions that keep the Water EPA ahead of industry challenges.


Technical

Evaluate advanced water technologies for SAGD, CSS, and mining operations to improve efficiency and sustainability.
Apply deep knowledge of integrated water management and its environmental context to guide decision-making.
Rank and compare technology performance based on evaluation metrics to identify high-impact solutions.
Lead research initiatives to close knowledge gaps in mine water treatment, pit lakes, and Athabasca Watershed projects.
Support early-stage development through concept reviews and feasibility studies that shape future projects.
Deliver technical insights through clear, compelling presentations that influence stakeholders and senior leaders.

Planning & Implementation Support

Administer Water EPA agreements, budgets, and procedures to ensure seamless execution.
Post-secondary education in engineering (chemical, mechanical, environmental), environmental science, or a related technical discipline; a master’s degree is considered an asset.
Minimum of 8+ years of progressive experience in industrial water treatment and integrated water management, ideally within oil sands operations.
Experience or working knowledge of heavy industry (such as upstream oil and gas industry, mining, petrochemicals, manufacturing, etc.). Note: Preference will be given to candidates with broad oil sands experience in situ, mining and/or upgrading
Highly motivated with a strong capacity to learn quickly and work on the cutting edge of new water treatment and management challenges
Proven ability to evaluate technologies, conduct feasibility studies, and lead technical assessments.
Proven track record in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and cross-functional collaboration.
Demonstrated knowledge of sustainability and ESG principles, including environmental stewardship and compliance with regulatory frameworks.
Proficiency in digital and data skills, such as process automation, data analytics, and technology readiness assessments.

Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, influence senior leaders, and deliver presentations that drive decisions.
Develop and execute strategies that balance short-term solutions with long-term vision, simplifying complexity into actionable priorities.
Assess challenges, identify opportunities, and lead initiatives that advance innovation and integrated water management.
Manage multiple projects with discipline and efficiency while maintaining accountability for results.