Senior Investigator

Job Title

Senior Investigator – Rural Utilities Team

Edmonton and/or Red Deer, Alberta

Full‑time, temporary until March 2028; 36.25 hours per week.

The Senior Investigator reports to the Manager(s) on the Rural Utilities Team and is responsible for independently conducting and leading complex investigations in accordance with legislative requirements, departmental policies, and established procedures. This position requires in-depth investigation experience and expert knowledge of investigation strategies and related legislation/regulation/code pertaining to rural utility association governance under the Rural Utilities Act and the Gas Distribution Act.

• Conduct timely, thorough, impartial, and evidence‑based investigations under the Rural Utilities Act and Gas Distribution Act.
• Plan and execute investigations by interviewing complainants, employees, board members, and other relevant parties; gather, secure, and preserve evidence; and review complex records and documentation.
• Analyze evidence, legislation, and policy to prepare detailed, well‑reasoned investigative reports that inform decisions by the Chief Officer and Director of Rural Utilities.
• Manage a high‑volume caseload of complex investigations, effectively prioritizing work to meet service standards and legislated timelines.
• Act as Lead Investigator on complex or multi‑investigator files, providing direction and oversight to ensure quality and consistency.
• Collaborate with investigators or officers in other ministries or with third‑party contractors assisting investigations.
• Apply advanced investigative thinking, evaluative analysis, and sound judgment when addressing sensitive and high‑risk complaints.
• Interpret and apply applicable legislation, regulations, standards, and policies governing rural cooperative associations and low‑pressure gas distributors.
• Exercise discretion and professionalism when dealing with confidential, contentious, or emotionally charged matters involving multiple perspectives.
• Prepare investigation documentation, briefing materials, and background information for managers and senior leadership.
• Provide recommendations, reports, and presentations to managers of Rural Utilities.
• Appear as a witness at hearings and legal proceedings, as required.
• Ensure investigative findings are complete, defensible, and consistent to mitigate legal, reputational, and operational risks.
• Liaise with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including complainants, rural utility associations, low‑pressure gas distributors, and external education and sector partners.
• Respond to complainant inquiries professionally and in accordance with applicable legislation and regulatory standards.
• Maintain constructive working relationships following inquiries or investigations to support ongoing oversight, education, and compliance.
• Communicate complex investigative findings clearly and objectively to diverse audiences.
• Play a critical role in maintaining public trust in oversight processes for rural utilities in Alberta.
• Support accountability outcomes, including corrective actions, orders, or dissolution of associations, where warranted.
• Act as the coordinator and contact for multi‑agency or contracted investigations and oversee rural utilities and gas distribution investigations.

University graduation in public administration, business, sciences, education, social sciences, legal studies, or a related field, plus 4 years progressively responsible related experience. Equivalencies may be considered as described.

• Policy research and analysis.
• Experience conducting investigations and/or utility experience.

• Understanding of government regulatory frameworks.
• Understanding of the Government of Alberta’s policy development cycle.
• Experience in project coordination and tracking.
• Experience engaging and facilitating discussions with a variety of stakeholders.
• Experience with utility cooperatives.

The Government of Alberta is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including Aboriginal peoples, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ2+ individuals.