Job Summary
- Location: Fort Smith
- Department: Environment and Climate Change
- Job ID: 27433
- Salary: $111,131 – $132,717
- Employment Type: Full-Time, Temporary
- Closing Date: Feb 3, 2026
Department Information
The mandate of the Department of Environment and Climate Change is to manage land, water, air, wildlife, and forests. This includes promoting, planning, and supporting the wise and sustainable use of natural resources, and protecting, restoring, and stewarding the environment for the social and economic benefit of all Northwest Territories residents.
Job Information
The Water Resource Officer (WRO) ensures compliance with water resource management and environmental protection legislation in the Northwest Territories through inspection, enforcement, education, and technical advisory services. Based in Fort Smith and reporting to the Superintendent, Land and Water, the WRO conducts environmental inspections and investigations related to water licenses, spills, and waste disposal, and contributes to environmental assessments, permits, and licensing processes.
The role involves close collaboration with Indigenous groups, communities, industry, municipalities, government departments, and non-government organizations, often addressing differing perspectives on resource management. The WRO interprets legislation, advises on best water management practices, coordinates joint inspections with Resource Management Officers, and contributes to multidisciplinary reviews of resource development proposals, all in accordance with territorial and federal legislation.
Typically, qualifications would be attained by:
Completion of a Bachelor of Science Degree in environmental science, environmental engineering, or related degree and three (3) years of directly related experience in renewable resource development, or water resource management sector with related watershed management, regulatory, compliance and administration experience.
Additional requirements:
- Bona fide requirement of the job is passing the annual work simulation fitness standards
- Must hold and maintain a valid Class 5 Driver’s license
- Obtain or ability to obtain a valid Firearms License (PAL) and legal ability to possess and use firearms.
- This is a law enforcement position with a requirement to wear a uniform while on duty, including personal protective equipment (duty belt, ballistic vest) as directed by policy.
- Experience living and working on the land in isolated conditions and traveling in all seasons and conditions is an asset.
Equivalency that would be considered:
Completion of a Associate of Science Degree in environmental science, environmental engineering, or related degree and three (5) years of directly related experience in renewable resource development, or water resource management sector with related watershed management, regulatory, compliance and administration experience.
GNWT Inquiries
Inquiries Only:
Fort Smith HR Client Service Centre
Department of Finance
Government of the Northwest Territories
195 MCDOUGAL ROAD
BOX 876
FORT SMITH, NT X0E 0P0
Tel (867) 872-8029
Fax (867) 872-3298
jobsfortsmith@gov.nt.ca
Note: If you do not receive electronic notification confirming receipt of your application, please follow up via telephone.
