Location: Calgary or Edmonton, AB. Any AER office may be considered.
Employment Type: Limited Term – Anticipated duration 8 Months.
Salary Range: SP3, Level 5, $92,320- $115,400 per year. The final compensation for this position will be determined based on individual factors, including education, qualifications, experience, and internal equity.
Hydrogeologist, In Situ – Hybrid
The OpportunityÂÂ
Are you ready to use your hydrogeological expertise to make a real impact on Alberta’s energy sector? The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) is seeking a Hydrogeologist to join the In Situ Applications Approvals team. In this pivotal role, you’ll help shape regulatory decisions that align with provincial policy, water allocation objectives, water management strategies and the AER’s mandate to ensure the safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible development of Alberta’s oil sands resources.
At the Alberta Energy Regulator, you’ll join a team that values collaboration, continuous improvement, and innovative problem-solving. Working directly with technical professional colleagues, applicants, and government, your work will involve holistic review of proposals, analysis of risks, and communicating recommendations that protect public safety, the environment, and support orderly development.
What your day-to-day will look like:
- As part of a multi-disciplinary team, conduct hydrogeological reviews and make timely recommendations using a risk informed process for proposed in situ oil sands activities (including thermal and enhanced recovery, disposal and water sourcing) under the Water Act, Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA), Oil and Gas Conservation Act (OGCA) and Oil Sands Conservation Act (OSCA).
- Draft approvals with site-specific conditions to mitigate impacts and ensure compliance with applicable Directives (e.g. Directive 023, Directive 065) and legislation.
- Liaise 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 statements of concern processes.
What we’re looking for in you:
- Bachelor of Science degree in Geology, Earth Science, Engineering or Environmental Science or a related field with a specialization in hydrogeology and 5-7 years of related experience 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 considered an asset.
- Assets include a strong understanding of Alberta’s regulatory framework and associated legislation across the energy lifecycle and a strong understanding of fundamental hydrogeological concepts and methods.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills to present and communicate complex technical information to a variety of audiences.
- Beginner to intermediate awareness of project management principles demonstrating well-developed organizational and analytical skills, the 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 PeopleServices@aer.ca. 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
- 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: March 10, 2026, at midnight
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