Job Overview

The Watershed Research & Stewardship Specialist is a full-time science-focused role supporting both research and applied research within watershed systems across the South Saskatchewan River Sub-Basin and the Pakowki Lake watershed. The position contributes to locally relevant studies while adding to broader regional and provincial knowledge bases through monitoring, analysis, and reporting.

The role involves leading and supporting research and applied studies, interpreting environmental data, maintaining quality and documentation standards, and contributing to the State of the Watershed CORE Survey Project. The Specialist works with field, spatial, and survey data; collaborates with subject-matter experts, academic partners, and practitioners; and supports student researchers and technicians.

In addition to technical work, the role includes coordination and stewardship activities that connect science to practical implementation. This includes working with landowners and community groups, supporting monitoring and stewardship initiatives, and preparing technical and plain-language outputs.

This position suits a technically trained professional with curiosity about watershed systems and interest in interdisciplinary, applied work that bridges research and practice.

Responsibilities

Research & Applied Research

• Lead and support research and applied research initiatives that contribute to local, regional, and provincial watershed knowledge.

Data, QA/QC & Analysis

• Manage and interpret field, spatial (GIS), and survey datasets.
• Maintain QA/QC procedures and support student data review and validation.
• Prepare technical analyses to support reporting and project outcomes.

Project Coordination

• Coordinate timelines, documentation, and reporting for multi-part projects.
• Track project budgets, expenses, and in-kind contributions in collaboration with the Executive Director.
• Staff Lead on the delivery of the State of the Watershed CORE Survey Project.

Stewardship & Collaboration

• Work with landowners, partners, and community groups to support stewardship and monitoring initiatives.
• Supervise and mentor student researchers and technicians.

Knowledge Translation

• Prepare technical reports and plain-language products for partners, funders, and the public.
• Design, implement, and document monitoring and study components, including data collection, interpretation, and synthesis.
• Apply appropriate scientific, ethical, and data-governance standards to all research activities.

Skills

• Innovative and rigorous approach to research and applied research in environmental and watershed sciences.
• Strong analytical thinking and ability to frame clear research questions and methods.
• Ability to design, implement, and document research and monitoring activities.
• Quantitative and qualitative data interpretation, including field, spatial, and survey data.
• GIS capability for spatial analysis and visualization; experience with ArcGIS Pro an asset.
• Strong technical writing skills, including preparation of reports, summaries, and supporting materials for grants and projects.
• Ability to translate scientific findings into clear, accurate language for non-technical audiences.
• Project coordination skills, including task tracking, documentation, and schedule management.
• Sound judgment in applying ethical, data-governance, and research integrity frameworks.
• Ability to maintain a neutral, evidence-based position of inquiry when working with diverse SEAWA stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within collaborative teams.
• Constructive communication skills across disciplines, sectors, and differing perspectives.
• Experience supporting or supervising students or early-career staff.
• Comfort working in office, field, and remote settings with shifting priorities.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65,000.00-$75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company events
• Dental care
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• Vision care

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1Z8: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Application question(s):

• What experiences or observations have shaped your connection to prairie watershed systems, including South East Alberta, and your interest in watershed research or stewardship?

Work Location: In person