Senior Wildlife Biologist - Hybrid

Location: Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer, AB. Any AER office may be considered.

Employment Type: Limited Term – Anticipated duration 12 Months.

Salary Range: SP4, Level 6, $116,960- $146,200 per year. The final compensation for this position will be determined based on individual factors, including education, qualifications, experience, and internal equity. This position may be eligible to receive a Northern Living allowance. Northern Living allowances are provided based on the location of the position and where an employee primarily works and resides.

Senior Wildlife Biologist - Hybrid

The Opportunity­­

The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) is seeking a Senior Wildlife Biologist who is ready to bring deep expertise to complex, high‑impact regulatory decisions. In this senior specialist role within the Regulatory Applications Branch, you will be relied upon as a subject matter expert in wildlife, wildlife habitat, sensitive species, and biodiversity providing clear, science‑based guidance that informs regulatory approvals across the province.

From reviewing major project applications to advising on compliance, mitigation, and emerging issues, your work will span the entire lifecycle of development. You will collaborate closely with multidisciplinary internal teams and engage with industry and government partners, translating complex environmental considerations into practical, defensible recommendations for leadership. This is an opportunity to apply your knowledge where it matters most, supporting decisions that protect ecosystems and uphold the AER’s role as a trusted regulator.

What your day-to-day will look like:

• Review and assess project applications and Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA’s) for oil, gas, coal, and mineral resource developments that may affect wildlife and wildlife habitat across the province.

• Provide technical guidance and expert advice by setting research and monitoring requirements, preparing technical recommendations and approval conditions, and discussing findings with applications teams and decision makers.

• Collaborate with experts from industry, academia, and government to stay informed of emerging issues, identify policy gaps, and support practical policy initiatives related to wildlife management and AER processes.

• Support the implementation of new government policy, regulatory frameworks, and directives related to wildlife and biodiversity.

• Advise inspectors, approval coordinators, and consultants on mitigation, monitoring, and remedial actions for unplanned releases, incidents, non-compliance, or investigations.

• Perform desktop surveillance activities, review reports and annual submissions, and conduct site visits as required to assess and make recommendations on industry performance and compliance related to regulations and approval conditions.

• Contribute scientific expertise to enterprise projects by providing guidance, supporting implementation into core business functions, and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders.

What we’re looking for in you:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences, Wildlife Biologist or Environmental Biology with a focus on terrestrial environment; a Master of Science degree would be considered an asset.

• 10+ years of regulatory/industry experience in wildlife biology and environmental management.

• Registered as a Professional Biologist with the Alberta Society of Professional Biologists, or equivalent registration from another province.

• Possesses strong expertise in wildlife and wildlife management, with comprehensive knowledge of relevant legislative frameworks including the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA), Water Act, Public Lands Act, and Oil Sands Conservation Act.

• Strong technical knowledge of industrial processes related to mining (coal and oil sands), conventional oil & gas, in situ, and pipelines.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate highly technical concepts to various stakeholders.

• Pre-placement Medical required.

• Possess a fully valid class 5 driver’s license along with a positive driving record.

• Ability to travel to field sites as required; this role may involve…