Senior Science Advisor - Water and Watershed Sciences

• Support the Chief Scientist and/or Director on water and watershed sciences projects as required;
• Provide expert advice to EPA staff and leadership on research and monitoring design related to water and watershed sciences (with preferred emphasis on water quality);
• Lead and/or participate in collaborative writing of standard and non-standard reporting products communicating major observations and conclusions of long-term monitoring and focused research activities related to water and watershed sciences, including but not limited to peer-reviewed scientific papers, technical condition of the environment reports, major scientific synthesis reports, and plain-language summary documents;
• Provide technical review of applicable scientific content prepared by EPA for publication, meetings, workshops, conferences, web pages, and briefing packages;
• Convene or participate in existing senior Departmental or cross-ministry teams when water or watershed information or advice is required;
• Support EPA scientists in pursuing collaborative applied research projects with external research organizations (i.e., primarily postsecondary institutions) by promoting opportunities and developing partnerships between researchers;
• Work with EPA science staff to ensure innovative, scientifically credible research and monitoring protocols are in place and implemented. The Senior Science Advisor will support a culture of scientific excellence in research and monitoring;
• Support the establishment and uphold a process for Condition of Environment reporting to inform the Government of Alberta and Albertans on relevant water quality and quantity indicators; and
• Generate novel scientific ideas and approaches to address current water-related information priorities for EPA.

• Current and emerging provincial and national water and watershed issues and opportunities;
• Water quality and quantity monitoring;
• Advanced statistical analyses of large water or watershed data sets, ideally including data from EPA monitoring and/or research programs or similar programs and studies performed by others in Alberta or elsewhere;
• Application of appropriate models or other means to predict local, regional and cumulative impacts on water quality and quantity;
• New and emerging methods related to the study of water quality and quantity and watershed conservation;
• Good understanding of provincial and federal water quality guidelines for the protection of aquatic life; and
• Applicable Alberta legislation, regulations, and policies (e.g., Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act, Water Act, Alberta Land Stewardship Act, Alberta Fisheries Act, Public Lands Act, and Forest Act).

• Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline related to watershed science, limnology, aquatic ecology, aquatic toxicology, or comparable related disciplines
• Minimum of 5 years post-doctoral or equivalent related work experience.

• Experience in a research environment directly related to water and watershed sciences; and
• Record of publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals commensurate with established peers with a similar level of experience (for example, Assistant or Associate Professors at Canadian academic institutions).

• This is a full-time, temporary position ( 18 months)
• Monday - Friday, 36.25 hours per week.
• Include your list of publications and presentations with your resume and cover letter.
• Candidates may be asked to complete a written assignment as a part of the interview process

• Working for the Alberta Public Service -
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) -
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information -
• Professional learning and development -
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool -
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance
• Potential for participating in flexible work arrangements such as working from home up to two days per week and modified work schedule agreements
• Leadership and mentorship programs

Government of Alberta