Technical and Compliance Expert

Job Information

Job Requisition ID: 81234

Ministry: Affordability and Utilities

Location: Edmonton or Red Deer

Full or Part-Time: Full Time

Hours of Work: 36.25 hours per week

Permanent/Temporary: Temporary

Scope: Open Competition

Closing Date: May 8, 2026

Classification: Opted Out & Excluded Engineering & Related Level 4

Salary: $4,523.63 to $6,004.58 bi-weekly ($118,066 - $156,719/year)

The Ministry of Affordability and Utilities leads and coordinates government’s ongoing efforts to make everyday life more affordable, while managing and developing policy for the development of the province's utilities sector and oversees a reliable and affordable electricity system for Albertans.

The Rural Utilities Team helps Albertans who live and work in rural and remote areas access essential utility services at a reasonable cost. These rural utility programs help communities build critical infrastructure to access gas, electricity, and water, while advancing local economic development and diversification.

Role Responsibilities

The Technical and Compliance Expert is a highly specialized provincial expert who ensures that Alberta's rural gas distribution systems operate safely, reliably, and in full compliance with provincial legislation, technical standards, and industry codes. This is a highly specialized engineering position where there are only a handful of experts across both the private and public sector in Alberta. This role supports and may lead initiatives on behalf of the Chief Officer under the Gas Distribution Act (GDA), including the setting and enforcement of all standards related to the design, construction, operation, maintenance, quality assurance, plant records, surveys and as-built drawings for rural gas utilities and low-pressure distribution pipelines. This role also provides the Government of Alberta with specialized expertise in the Technical Standards Manual, CSA Z662, and the oversight of distributors' Operations and Maintenance (O&M) manuals.

The position leads compliance and enforcement under the GDA, conducts technical investigations, and represents the Government of Alberta on Canadian Standards Association (CSA) committees to support the development and application of national standards. Through this work, the role safeguards public safety, supports regulatory integrity, and maintains consistent technical oversight across all rural gas distribution systems. As a specialized expert, this position must integrate new information as it arises and develop creative approaches in resolving issues where little precedent exists.

Reporting to the Director of Rural Utilities and Chief Officer, The Technical and Compliance Expert is responsible for:

1. Technical Compliance and Regulatory Oversight

• Conduct technical compliance assessments in a timely, thorough, and objective manner in accordance with departmental policies, procedures, engineering standards, and operating guidelines.
• Lead technical reviews and support investigations by:
• Engaging with applicants, utility operators, contractors, and co-operative board members.
• Gathering, securing, and analyzing technical data.
• Reviewing engineering drawings and system records.
• Preparing comprehensive technical reports.
• Apply expert working knowledge of legislation, regulations, codes, and standards governing rural gas, water, and wastewater utilities.
• Exercise sound engineering judgment, discretion, and professionalism when evaluating compliance issues, interpreting technical information, and making recommendations.
• Prepare technical documentation and provide expert testimony for hearings, appeals, or regulatory proceedings.
• Solve complex problems related to low pressure gas distribution systems.
• Respond to stakeholder inquiries and requests related to gas distribution.
• Manage a high volume of complex technical files while maintaining accuracy, consistency, and adherence to regulatory requirements.

Role Responsibilities cont.

2. Technical Leadership and Cross Functional Coordination

• Act as the technical lead on multi disciplinary or cross functional reviews requiring coordination with engineers, investigators, or program staff.
• Coordinate input and resources from a wide range of technical and professional sources to address specific issues.
• Maintain a systems view of existing gas systems, energy sources, and infrastructure while anticipating technological trends, opportunities, and future challenges.
• Demonstrate advanced technological knowledge and expertise of the gas system.

3. Strategic Analysis and Policy Insight

• As the au