Full job description
Job Overview
The Watershed Research & Stewardship Specialist is a full-time, science-oriented position dedicated to researching and applying knowledge within watershed systems across the South Saskatchewan River Sub-Basin and Pakowki Lake. This role involves conducting both localized and broader regional studies through data collection, analysis, and reporting, thereby enriching regional and provincial understanding. The specialist leads and supports research initiatives, interprets environmental data, upholds quality standards, and contributes to the State of the Watershed Survey Project, a SEAWA core project. Collaborating with experts, academics, and practitioners, and supporting students and technicians, the role encompasses working with diverse data types—field, spatial, and survey—to advance watershed stewardship.
This role combines technical responsibilities with coordination and stewardship activities that bridge scientific knowledge and practical implementation. It involves collaborating with landowners and community groups, supporting monitoring and stewardship initiatives, and creating both technical and accessible materials.
Ideal for a technically trained professional with a keen interest in watershed systems and a passion for interdisciplinary, applied work that integrates research with real-world application.
While strong candidates typically have 5-10 years of experience in a watershed-related field, we also value emerging professionals whose experience and future interests align with interdisciplinary, applied work that bridges research and practice. We welcome professionals from diverse backgrounds such as hydrology, geology, limnology, hydrogeology, biology, biodiversity, sustainability, agrology, engineering, and other related fields. The ideal candidate combines relevant experience with curiosity and the ability to explore various technical areas.
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
