Student, Interactive Geoscience

Location: Calgary or Edmonton, Alberta

Employment Type: Student, 4 month term

Salary Range: $23.69 - $29.81 per hour

Student, Interactive Geoscience – Hybrid

The Opportunity

The Alberta Geological Survey (AGS) branch of the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) is recruiting summer students to join the Geoscience Innovation team—a multidisciplinary group of geoscientists and geospatial data experts leveraging deep technical expertise, creativity, and a future-focused mindset to reveal and communicate aspects of Alberta’s subsurface critical to the province’s energy and mineral future.

The Student, Interactive Geoscience, will help bring Alberta’s subsurface geology to life in a virtual environment. You will combine geoscience knowledge with digital design and game-based visualization, using tools like Minecraft and other visualization platforms to build interactive models that showcase geological formations, structures, and processes in an engaging, educational, and gamified way. You will collaborate with geoscientists to translate real-world data into immersive experiences that communicate complex concepts to diverse audiences. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys blending science, gaming, technology, and creativity.

What your day-to-day will look like:

- Work alongside geologists, geomodellers, and data scientists to understand the geoscience data and models that will be used as inputs.

- Become familiar with previously created AGS educational games and models, as well as the workflows used to build them.

- Research new opportunities, tools, platforms, and methods to bring geoscience data to life.

- Clean and manipulate geological data into formats compatible with game- and world-building.

- Develop Minecraft or other interactive models targeted to regions prospective for mineral resources.

- Seek test-users and gather feedback to improve the models.

- Communicate progress, challenges, and accomplishments through casual discussions, project meetings, demonstrations, and formal presentations.

What we’re looking for in you:

- Currently enrolled in the second year or higher of a Bachelor’s program in Computer Science or a related field.

- Skilled at converting geoscience data (e.g., shapefiles, DEMs, rasters) into Minecraft-compatible formats using FME, Python, or GIS tools like ArcPro or QGIS.

- Ability to automate repetitive tasks programmatically.

- Experience customizing blocks to represent geological units and understanding map projections and Minecraft XYZ coordinates for precise placement of real-world data is preferred.

- Familiarity with programming, Minecraft, and FME, including world editing, large-scale terrain manipulation, and adding interactive elements is an asset.

- Experience in building games and digital models is an asset.

- Capable of documenting model-building processes for reproducibility and translating geoscience knowledge from subject matter experts into engaging models.

- Familiarity with Alberta geology and fundamental geological concepts, particularly stratigraphy and mineral resources, is an asset.

- Strong creativity and communication skills, with the ability to make models visually intuitive for non-geologists.

Additional Information:

- Proof of enrollment in a registered post-secondary institution including enrollment in the semester following the work term, or enrollment in a registered co-op program will be a condition of hire.

- Please include a cover letter / portfolio as part of your application.

- 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:

- Flexible Work Program - hybrid work and flexible hours.

- Edmonton: Hybrid work - employees will work in office a minimum of 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.

- Student Cohort Groups - Join vibrant student cohorts for networking, collaboration, and support.

- Engagement Activities - Participate in workshops, seminars, and social events to enhance your skills and personal growth.

- Mentorship and Networking - Gain insights from experienced professionals and build meaningful relationships.

- Skill Development - Hone your skills and contribute to meaningful projects.

More information about working at the AER 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: January 19, 2026, at midnight

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