Municipal Approvals Engineer

Description:

We support Albertans in being proud stewards of air, land, water, and biodiversity by leading the work required for the desired environmental outcomes and sustainable development of natural resources.

Role

This position will be based in Alberta’s Northwestern hub of Grande Prairie, which offers something for everyone including stunning natural landscapes and outdoor adventures. Learn more about the City of Grande Prairie at:

Reporting to the Approvals Manager, the Municipal Approvals Engineer will be responsible for the technical review of applications and preparation of approvals to establish project specific conditions, performance limits, monitoring and reporting requirements for water treatment, wastewater treatment, storm drainage systems and solid waste management facilities within Boreal District.

As the Municipal Approvals Engineer, you will be responsible for reviewing and evaluating municipal discharges and disposal of wastewater generated from communities and ensuring availability of safe drinking water in adequate quantities. These duties are performed within the parameters of the Alberta Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA) and policies of the Department.

Working in partnership with various internal, municipal and public stakeholders, you will provide information and advice to facilitate the discussion and resolution of environmental issues in order to expedite approval processes and abatement activities. Your knowledge of physical, chemical and biological processes will be critical to your success in this position, as you are required to provide direction on process operations and control, facility modifications, treatment changes, and chemical usage.

This position requires in-depth technical knowledge and excellent verbal and written communication skills to represent the Region/Department in public forums and interaction with other stakeholders including technical experts, owners/operators of facilities and advise elected officials. It also requires the ability to cope with emergency situations and act as a member of the response team.

Role (cont'd)

Your main areas of focus will be:

• Ensuring effective regulation of municipal facilities within the framework of legislative requirements by issuing approvals, renewals, amendments and registrations for water treatment, wastewater treatment, storm drainage systems, and solid waste management facilities.
• Supporting continuous improvement initiatives for abatement issues (i.e. activities/actions in situations where problems are predicted to occurred, have occurred or are occurring).
• Representing regional interests and issues thorough participation on regional working societies, internal and external review teams/committees, and provides technical expertise and input to public hearing and appeal processes.
• Developing and implement safe drinking water program as outlined in the Water for Life strategy.
• Conducting abatement activities at waterworks, wastewater, compost and landfill facilities.
• Providing technical support to internal staff and external stakeholders to ensure effective community level service in the region, protection of the environment, as well as health and safety of the public.
• Assisting in the development of regional/departmental expertise on specific activities.

Qualifications

Note to recruiter: The qualifications statement, in conjunction with "role" information above, is the qualifications/selection criteria used to screen and assess candidates.

Education and Experience:

• University Degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering.
• 5 years of directly related experience, including:
  • Water and wastewater treatment plant unit processes.
  • Quality assurance/control relating to sampling, testing, and analysis of data.
  • Work related to relevant legislation, standards, and guidelines.
  • Public Health risk assessment.
  • Knowledge of contaminant hydrology principles related to wastewater and landfill design/operation.
• Eligibility for membership with APEGA.