Water Resource Officer

Department: Environment and Climate Change

The mandate of the Department of Environment and Climate Change is to manage land, water, air, wildlife, and forests. This includes promoting, planning, and supporting the wise and sustainable use of natural resources, and protecting, restoring, and stewarding the environment for the social and economic benefit of all Northwest Territories residents.

Job Information

The Water Resource Officer (WRO) is responsible for the provision of inspection and enforcement at the regional level to ensure the Department’s mandated water resource management objectives are met. The WRO provides expert technical advisory services to the Department, other government departments, non-government organizations, clients, and all other stakeholders in the Northwest Territories (NWT) to ensure education of and compliance with legislation pertaining to water resource management, protection and conservation. The position is located in Fort Simpson and reports directly to the Regional Superintendent, or regional equivalent designated by the Superintendent and receives functional direction from the Senior Water Resource Officer. The WRO supports the Regional Superintendent by ensuring compliance with various Acts pertaining to water resource management and environmental protection by way of education, prevention and enforcement. The WRO conducts environmental inspections and investigations for water licenses and spills, and supports regional input into environmental assessments, permits and licensing pertaining to water and land use and disposal of wastes associated with resource use and development.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

1. Knowledge of theory and practices of resource management and environmental protection to ensure the responsible use of water and land resources in the Northwest Territories.
2. Knowledge of inspection, investigation (taking statements, reading cautions, interviewing, note taking, collection of evidence, legal sampling), auditing, and negotiating methods, skills and practices to provide effective administration of water licenses and land use permits and to conduct effective and efficient inspections and investigations.
3. Knowledge of mining and milling and industrial processes and practices to conduct effective and efficient inspections of mining undertakings for the Department.
4. Knowledge of environmental health and safety, basic engineering practices, and familiarity with seismic, geotechnical, oil and gas drilling and production to conduct effective and efficient inspection of oil and gas undertakings for the Department.
5. Knowledge of geotechnical and dam safety engineering theory and processes to conduct effective and efficient inspections of hydroelectric undertakings and mine tailings dams inspections for the Department.
6. Knowledge of the theories, principles and practices of environmental science, including chemistry, biology, limnology, statistics, and hydrology to assess and provide a wide range of advice and interpretation to clients, the public, and the department for environmental conservation. The depth of knowledge required varies by file and case.
7. Knowledge of environmental sampling (water, soil), analysis, and interpretation of results, to ensure effective field sampling and valid sample results when conducting inspections, investigations, and surveys.

Typically, the above qualifications would be attained by completion of a Bachelor of Science Degree in environmental science, environmental engineering, or related degree and three (3) years of directly related experience in renewable resource development, or water resource management sector with related watershed management, regulatory, compliance and administration experience. Equivalency of a combination of education and work experience that includes a minimum completion of a Diploma in Environment and Natural Resources Tech Program and five (5) years of directly associated water management, regulatory, compliance enforcement and environmental assessment experience will be considered. Relevant experience with government or private industry related to mining and milling, or the oil and gas sector is an asset.

GNWT Inquiries

Inquiries Only:

Dehcho HR Client Service Centre
Department of Finance
Government of the Northwest Territories
9602 100 STREET
BOX240
FORT SIMPSON, NT X0E 0N0
Tel (867) 695-7233
Fax (867) 695-3254
jobsdehcho@gov.nt.ca

Note: If you do not receive electronic notification confirming receipt of your application, please follow up via telephone.