Water Quality Policy Specialist

Job Information

Job Requisition ID: 77288

Ministry: Environment and Protected Areas

Location: Edmonton

Full or Part-Time: Full Time

Hours of Work: 36.25 hours per week

Permanent/Temporary: Permanent

Scope: Open Competition

Closing Date: December 12, 2025

Classification: Scientific 3

Salary: $3,263.63 to $4,299.89 bi-weekly ($85,180 - $112,227/year)

We support Albertans in being proud stewards of air, land, water, and biodiversity by leading the work required for the desired environmental outcomes and sustainable development of natural resources.

The Water and Circular Economy Division is responsible for the overall integration of Environment and Protected Areas' water and waste policies in Alberta, including regulatory and policy system coordination. The division supports implementation of the department's legislation and associated regulations and policies, assures that regulatory processes continue to steward and protect water resources, reduces unproductive regulatory burdens, and provides the necessary policy framework for operational and management excellence.

As a Water Quality Policy Specialist in the Water and Waste Policy Branch, you will be an integral part of a team of water professionals responsible for developing robust and integrated water policy across the Government of Alberta. In this position, you will provide analyses and assessments in support of Alberta's water policies, so they are informed by credible scientific information and knowledge. Working with a wide range of stakeholders, the Water Quality Policy Specialist will identify, evaluate and advance opportunities to manage risks to water quality and aquatic ecosystems (e.g., pollution, climate change, cumulative effects) using scientifically credible approaches and tools.

Responsibilities include but not limited to:

• Assessing policy options and management implications of issues like point source pollution (municipal and industrial), non-point source pollution, emerging contaminants, oil sands mine reclamation (aquatic landforms), land-use change, climate change, and cumulative effects on water quality and aquatic ecosystems.
• Undertaking technical assessments (e.g., chemical, toxicological, ecological) to evaluate policy options for managing Alberta's water quality in support of human and ecosystem uses.
• Compiling, analyzing and presenting scientific information relevant to the development or refinement of legislative and policy instruments.
• Consulting, engaging or collaborating on scientific and policy issues with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Writing briefing notes and providing strategic advice and recommendations to management on scientific and policy issues.
• Providing water science and policy support to variety of program areas and initiatives across the department and government.

Please

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.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies:

How Competencies will apply to this role:

• Agility: Demonstrate the ability to evolve policy approaches and tools to reflect existing conditions and adapt quickly to shifting government and organizational priorities and commitments.
• Creative Problem Solving: Think critically and strategically and engage others in developing original and innovative solutions. Work productively with others to solve problems with minimal guidance or supervision.
• Systems Thinking: Identify key factors and interactions influencing outcomes and assess the consequences of potential policy changes.

Required:

• Ph.D. in a scientific field related to environmental or biological sciences.
• Minimum of two (2) years related work experience.

Equivalencies considered:

• Master's degree in a related field plus 4 years related experience.
• University graduation in a related field, plus 6 years related experience.

Assets

Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate the following:

• Experience in public health and/or familiarity with the principles and practice of human health risk assessment.
• Experience engaging stakeholders in the development and implementation of approaches and tools to manage water quality and aquatic ecosystem risks.
• Experience developing, administering or complying with environmental regulations or tools (provincial and federal).
• Sound knowledge of Alberta and federal government priorities, plans and initiatives relating to freshwater management.
• Experience leading or working within multi-disciplinary teams to co-ordinate or implement environmental policies.
• Experience preparing terms of reference, reviewing proposals, or managing contracts or projects.
• Experience in performance measurement or in the analysis of policy or program activities and results.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. Refer to

• This competition is for 1 permanent full time position located in downtown, Edmonton. This competition may be used to fill future vacancies within the team.
• Hours of work: Monday – Friday, 7.25 hours per day / 36.25 hours per week.

Applicants are required to include a COVER LETTER with clear and concise specific examples that demonstrate how their qualifications meet the advertised requirements and competencies.

As part of the selection process, candidates may be asked to prepare a written assignment to further assess formal writing skills and written competency.

Instructions for your Resume:

For Employment Experience:

• Please indicate duration of employment (month, year).
• Please specify employment status (i.e. casual, part-time or full-time).
• E.g.: Lifeguard Jan June 2009, Part-time (three, 8 hour shifts/week).

For any Post-Secondary Education:

• Please specify your major and length of program.
• Please specify the year you graduated.
• E.g.: Bachelor of Science, 4-year Degree (Graduated 2017).

Any costs associated with obtaining required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in.

Links and information on what the GoA have to offer to prospective employees.

• Working for the Alberta Public Service -
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) -
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information -
• Professional learning and development -
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool –
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.

How To Apply

Applicants are advised to provide information that clearly and concisely demonstrates how their qualifications meet the advertised requirements, including education, experience, and relevant examples of required competencies.

It is recommended that applicants include the assessment certificate from IQAS or any other educational assessment service as part of their application.

Closing Statement

This competition may be used to fill future vacancies, across the Government of Alberta, at the same or lower classification level.

We thank all applicants for their interest. All applications will be reviewed to determine which candidates' qualifications most closely match the advertised requirements. Only individuals selected for interviews will be contacted.

If you require any further information on this job posting or require an accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact Jane McEwen