Advisor, Environment and Regulatory

*The Municipality offers competitive compensation. The starting salary for this position will be within the range listed above and dependent upon the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.

We strive to make our hiring process accessible to all candidates. If you require accommodation for the interview or any other part of the application process, please let us know.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:

The Legal Services department at the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo plays a vital role in supporting Council, administration, and municipal operations with sound legal advice and representation. From drafting and reviewing bylaws, contracts, and agreements to managing litigation and ensuring compliance with legislation, the team helps safeguard the Municipality's interests while enabling effective decision-making.

With a focus on professionalism, collaboration, and integrity, Legal Services contributes to the success of projects and services that impact the entire region. If you are driven to apply your expertise in a dynamic municipal environment, this is where your work helps shape a resilient and sustainable future for our community.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
:

The Environment and Regulatory Advisor is responsible for providing guidance and support in all areas of environmental regulatory compliance relating to municipal operations. The incumbent works as a dedicated advisor providing advice and guidance in the areas of environmental compliance, including facility operating approvals, and provincial and federal legislation. As an environment regulatory professional, the incumbent takes a proactive approach to developing and maintaining effective working relationships with all levels of management and external agencies.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Primary responsibilities of this position include:

Environmental Management:
Provides technical input on proposals and conducts evaluation, implementation, and monitoring of the Municipality's Environmental Management System. Actively participates or leads strategic enterprise-wide regulatory and technical services programs. Incumbent will be instrumental in the tendering, selection and management of consultants and contractors involved in regulatory and technical efforts. Completes and submits monthly, quarterly, and annual regulatory reports, and permit and operating approval renewals.

Research and Implementation:
Researches, evaluates, and recommends innovative and leading practices and methods in environmental planning and compliance. Participates in the continuous research, development, improvement, and implementation of effective departmental strategies, tools, and guidelines based on the Municipality's best practices. Provides input to department business plans, initiatives, and budget to ensure continuous achievement of department goals. Knowledgeable of relevant provincial and federal regulatory acts, regulations, codes of practice, and best management practices including but not limited to
Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act
,
Alberta Water Act
,
Fisheries Act
, and municipal bylaws.

Departmental Guidance:
Maintains communication and collaborates with external agencies and departments of the provincial and federal government. Participates in business area cross functional teams and external environmental committees. Produces reports and recommendations on regulatory and technical services activities, initiatives, and progress. Promotes the organization's regulatory and technical services initiatives through presentations internally and externally. Work with business areas to identify the need for, prepare, and submit regulatory amendments, notifications, and authorizations. Leads and facilitates regulatory inspections of municipal facilities and incidents and responds to information requests.

Incident Response:
Responds and provides support during environmental emergencies through the incident command system. Evaluates potential regulatory non-compliances under various legislation and investigates root causes. Participates in confidential inter-government communications regarding incident cause and corrective actions. Drafts and submits written regulatory incident reports to external agencies. Works closely with federal/provincial/municipal government, local business, and residents to properly address environmental incidents within the Municipality. Utilizes departmental strategies, tools, and guidelines based on best practices to recommend corrective actions.

QUALIFICATIONS

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Candidates need to show evidence of the following:

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to navigate through situations involving change, shifting priorities, and/or simultaneous demands.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills both verbal and written, as well as a demonstrated ability to assess situations from a business perspective.
• Excellent investigation, mediation, facilitation, and analytical skills.
• High level of critical thinking and/or reasoning to identify underlying issues and solve complex problems.
• High emotional intelligence capacity including the ability to deal effectively with ambiguity and remain calm and neutral in conflict situations.
• Strong team player with a collaborative style, project management, and facilitation skills.
• Proven customer focus with demonstrated ability to build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Adherence to administrative directives, policy, and legal requirements with knowledge of applicable environmental laws and regulations.
• Proficient with various Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and SAP.
• Sound, practical judgment using independent decision making.
• Possess leadership skills; able to lead on tasks such as performing incident investigations, chairing meetings, and drive project progress.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Degree in Science or Engineering, specializing in Sustainability, Environmental Science or Resources Management is required.
• Eligible for or registered with an environmental regulatory professional designation (Professional Agrologist Five (5) years of progressive work experience in environmental regulatory services is required.
• Experience interpreting and applying relevant provincial and federal environmental legislation.
• Experience working in a public-sector environment with unionized and non-unionized employees considered an asset.
• (PAg), Professional Biologist (P.Biol), Environmental Professional (EP)) is preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education and work experience may be considered.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Submission of a Criminal Record Check.
• A valid Class three (5) Operator's License is preferred as incumbent may be required to operate a personal or municipal vehicle for business use on a regular basis.
• May be required to work outside in all weather conditions.

SAFETY:

As an employee of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, the incumbent is responsible and accountable for knowing and working in accordance with the Health and Safety Directive. As per Section 2 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the incumbent shall ensure, while in the employ of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, the health and safety of employees, contractors, and the public.