Specialist, Geothermal Resources - Hybrid

Location:

Edmonton or Calgary, Alberta

Employment Type:

Full-Time - Limited Term - Anticipated duration is 18 months.

Salary Range:

SP3, Level 5, $92,320- $115,400 per year. The final compensation for this position will be determined based on individual factors, including education, qualifications, experience, and internal equity.

Specialist, Geothermal Resources – Hybrid The Opportunity­­

Do you want to be part of a team focused on unlocking Alberta’s geothermal potential? Join the Alberta Geological Survey (AGS) at the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) as we lead the next phase of geothermal mapping and resource assessment.

As the Specialist, Geothermal Resources, you’ll play a key role in characterizing intermediate-depth geothermal resources (approx. 300 to 1000 m in Alberta), which are prospective candidates for sustainable heating, cooling, and energy storage options. The products you generate with other geoscientists and engineers in the Minerals and Geoscience Information team will be foundational for the geological characterization necessary to support geothermal energy regulation at the AER and the continued development of our Geothermal Atlas of Alberta – a key public resource for geothermal data and resource estimates.

What your day-to-day will look like:

- Compile, quality control, interpret, and integrate relevant geological, geophysical, and hydrogeological data for geothermal aquifer/reservoir characterization and resource appraisal between the base of groundwater protection (BGWP) and 1000 m. Relevant data types include subsurface temperature, lithology, thermal conductivity, and borehole / well test data (e.g., bottom-hole temperature, pressure transient analysis, producibility and deliverability tests, formation water chemistry analyses), and geophysical well logs from oil and gas wells.

- Develop regional-scale geothermal temperature models and gradients to identify zones of persistent heat near population and industrial centers.

- Use various research strategies, methods, techniques, and engineering principles to answer questions related to emerging issues in geothermal aquifers/reservoirs in support of exploration and development.

- Actively manage data acquired or produced during AGS project work. Ensure data and information is stored and described according to best-practice standards to ensure discoverability and re-use after project is complete.

- Develop datasets to be included in future versions of the Geothermal Atlas of Alberta, ensuring data accessibility and stakeholder value.

- Prepare and communicate technical reports, maps, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.

What we’re looking for in you:

- Bachelor’s Degree in geoscience, engineering, or hydrogeology, with at least 5 years of relevant experience.

- Eligibility to be registered as a Professional Geoscientist or Professional Engineer with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA).

- Extensive experience in collecting, analyzing, and validating multi-source geoscience data acquired during hydrocarbon exploration and production, particularly downhole well test data.

- Possess a strong working knowledge of Alberta’s geology and geophysical methods foundational to the characterization of geothermal resources within the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin.

- Able to utilize various software tools for data integration, geological mapping, and 3D data visualization including proficiency in Esri ArcPro and S&P Global AccuMap. Experience using geological interpretation software such as SLB Petrel, S&P Global Kingdom, and/or Seequent Leapfrog to analyze data and to create regional models of aquifers/reservoirs is an asset.

- Expertise in using geostatistical parameter estimation or using geostatistical methods for 2D/3D mapping is desired.

- Experience supporting or completing regional hydrogeological characterization is desired.

- Knowledge and experience in fluid-rock interaction, multi-phase flow, and heat transfer physics and phenomena is considered an asset. Understanding of geothermal energy systems and geothermal energy extraction methods. Knowledge of programing languages, data science and geospatial applications, utilizing libraries/packages, with familiarity in web mapping and interactive visualization engines is an asset.

- Excellent communication skills and the ability to translate complex geoscience concepts to diverse audiences.

Additional Information:

- All applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada at the time of application.

- Should an individual with the required qualifications not be available, applicants with closely related qualifications may be considered. As a result, the position may be redesigned and/or reclassified.

- If you need accommodation during any stage of the recruitment process, please email PeopleServices@aer.ca. Information relating to the need for accommodation and accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.

What we offer you:

- Great benefits from your first day of work

- Flexible Work Program - hybrid work and flexible hours

- Edmonton: Hybrid work - employees located in Edmonton will work in office two days per week

- All other locations: Hybrid work - employees may work remotely up to five days per calendar month, with a limit of two remote days per week

- Generous vacation entitlement and flex days

More information about working at the AER’s including our comprehensive Total Rewards package can be found in the careers section of our website.

Our Commitment to Diversity:

At the AER, our values of Accountability, Collaboration, Transparency, and Trust & Respect are foundational to our culture – a culture where every individual, regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected factors, thrives and contributes their unique perspectives.

Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion fuels innovation, creating a brighter, more sustainable Alberta for all. Join us in shaping this dynamic future.

Application closing date: August 13, 2025, at midnight