Geologist, In Situ Applications Approval

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

Employment Type:
Full Time – Permanent

Salary Range:
SP3, Level 5, $93,320- $115,400 per year. The final compensation for this position will be determined based on individual factors, including education, qualifications, experience, and internal equity.

Geologist, In Situ Applications Approval - Hybrid
The Opportunity
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Are you ready to use your geological expertise to make a real impact on Alberta's energy sector? As a Geologist on the In Situ Applications Approvals team, you'll play a key role in decisions that ensure the safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible development of Alberta's oil sands resources. You'll work directly with technical professional colleagues, applicants, and government to holistically review proposals, articulate risks, and make recommendations that protect public safety and support orderly development.

At the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER), you'll join a team that values collaboration, continuous improvement, and innovative problem-solving. You'll help shape regulatory decisions that align with provincial policy and AER's mandate.

What your day-to-day will look like:

• Review, coordinate and make timely recommendations using a risk informed review process for the geological components of proposed in situ oil sands projects, as well as disposal, enhanced recovery and non-routine commingled abandonment activities within designated oil sands areas. Draft approvals with site-specific conditions to mitigate impacts and ensure compliance with applicable Directives (e.g. Directive 023) and legislation (e.g. Oil Sands Conservation Act, Oil and Gas Conservation Act).
• Act as a primary liaison with representatives from industry and AER staff during the application review process.
• Perform technical reviews (desktop surveillance and occasional travel to sites) to ensure operational risks associated with development are mitigated through compliance and assurance mechanisms, including review of Directive 054 performance reports.
• Support the AER's integrated decision approach including maintenance and improvement of standardized risk assessment criteria used to guide application reviews.
• Make recommendations to enhance the regulatory process based on learnings from surveillance and audit activities.
• Support the statements of concern, appeal and hearing processes, including Alternative Dispute Resolution sessions.

What we're looking for in you:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Geology or Earth Science.
• 5-7 years of related experience in geology or related field within the in situ sector.
• Professional designation (P.Geo or applicable alternative) with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA), or eligibility to register as such, is a requirement.
• Assets include a strong understanding of Alberta's regulatory framework and associated legislation across the energy lifecycle, a solid understanding of fundamental geological concepts and methods, and working knowledge of Kingdom, AccuMap and/or ArcGIS systems.
• Beginner to intermediate awareness of project management principles demonstrating well-developed organizational and analytical skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines and work independently and collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.

Additional Information:

• All applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada at the time of application.
• Occasional overnight travel to attend field sites across Alberta may be required.
• 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 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: October 31, 2025, at midnight