Senior Specialist, Facility Decommissioning & Abandonment

About the role

The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) is hiring a Senior Specialist, Facility Decommissioning & Abandonment. The specialist acts as the lead technical and regulatory expert on the full lifecycle of AER-regulated facilities, focusing on end-of-life planning, liability assessment and closure outcomes. The role leads the development, improvement and implementation of regulatory requirements, standards and guidance on facility closure, suspension, abandonment, decommissioning and full closure.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement standards and regulatory requirements supporting responsible, timely decommissioning of AER-regulated facilities.
• Analyse the regulatory framework to identify gaps and define closure milestones, activities and outcomes.
• Lead assessments and development of enhancements to closure cost estimation methodologies for regional and site-specific liability costs.
• Support improved annual facility and closure performance reporting.
• Review facility suspension and decommissioning activities, including proposals, plans, reports, site inspections and meetings with industry.
• Participate in and support key policy initiatives led by the Government of Alberta.
• Provide technical expertise to AER staff, leadership, industry and other stakeholders.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in chemical, mechanical, petroleum or environmental engineering; registered professional engineer with APEGA preferred.
• 10+ years of related experience in operations, environmental or facility engineering within the energy sector, including field experience at industrial facilities.
• Experience or familiarity with policy review and development.
• Legally entitled to work in Canada at the time of application.

Required skills

• Expertise in closure and decommissioning of multi-well batteries, gathering stations, compressors, sour/sweet gas plants, fractionation plants and waste handling facilities.
• Understanding of AER directives (056, 058, 011) and the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act.
• Familiarity with the Liability Management Framework, Oil and Gas Conservation Act and Rules, and waste and storage requirements.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and collaboration skills.

What we offer

• Permanent full-time position, salary range $130,050-$153,000 per year depending on factors such as education, qualifications and experience.
• Defined benefit pension plan(s), flexible benefits and wellness programs.
• Flexible work options and hours aligned with organizational policies.