River Engineer
Government of Alberta
Job Description
Reporting to the Senior Manager of River Hazard Management team, the River Engineer provides river engineering support to: River hazard identification and mitigation River‑related assessments to inform decisions Flood preparation, recovery and response Flood‑related information and services River Hazard Identification: Identify and mitigate river hazards, including those related to floods, debris floods and flows, channel migration and other river‑related risks. River‑related Assessments to inform decisions: Support Government of Alberta ministries on river‑related matters to inform decisions, and respond to municipalities, Indigenous communities, industry, and the public on questions regarding provincial flood and river‑related issues to support awareness and their management actions. Flood Preparation, Recovery and Response: Support river forecasting operations during high‑water and emergency conditions, document flood events, and contribute to provincial hazard identification and risk analyses.
Flood‑related Information and Services: Effectively communicate flood hazard and risk mitigation initiatives and information with various external stakeholders, with varying technical backgrounds. Support and lead other branch, department and Government of Alberta priorities and initiatives, as required. Competencies DEVELOP SELF & OTHERS: Plans according to career goals and regular development.
BUILD COLLABORATIVE ENVIRONMENTS: Involves a wide group of stakeholders when working on outcomes. SYSTEMS THINKING: Takes a long‑term view towards organization’s objectives and how to achieve them. AGILITY: Proactively incorporates change into processes.
DRIVE FOR RESULTS: Works to remove barriers to outcomes, sticking to principles. Qualifications BSc in engineering or science with a focus on hydrotechnical engineering/science is required. Candidates must hold the designation of Professional Engineer or Professional Geoscientist in the Province of Alberta or be immediately eligible for registration as a Professional Engineer or Professional Geoscientist in Alberta.
Assets A graduate degree in hydrotechnical engineering/science. Job Specific Experience In‑depth knowledge of Alberta’s rivers and river systems, hydrology (including hydrometric network), hydraulics, fluvial geomorphology, and river processes (including river ice). In‑depth knowledge of Alberta’s river hazard identification programs, including the Flood Hazard Identification Program, and the Hydrogeomorphic Hazard Identification Program (e.g., alluvial fan flooding).
Experience in managing river hazard identification projects, including LiDAR based regional flood mapping projects. Knowledge of jurisdictional initiatives, programs, legislation, and policies related to river hazard identification. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work independently or as part of a team and to engage technical and non‑technical audiences on behalf of the department and province.
Ability to apply sound professional judgment and deliver timely, expert advice in response to client needs. Ability to work extended hours and remain on standby during operationally critical periods, including weekends and holidays during flood events. Additionally, vacation may be limited during certain times of the year due to operational considerations.
Advanced technical knowledge in the field of hydrology, hydrogeomorphology, river hydraulics and fluvial geomorphology. Expertise in 1‑D and 2‑D river hydraulic and sediment transport models, including HEC‑RAS. Knowledge of emerging technologies, such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, in river hazard identification initiatives.
Knowledge of observed and anticipated climate impacts in Alberta as they relate to river hazard identification products. River hazard identification analyses using ArcGIS, including spatial analysis, map projections, coordinate systems conversions, GIS data/file management. Remote sensing and field data collection methods for the purposes of flood event documentation, river hazard studies and fluvial geomorphological investigations (LiDAR, aerial imagery, terrestrial and bathymetric surveys, hydrometric observations, highwater marks).
Certification and/or Training Valid driver's licence is required as occasional travel is expected. This position is a non‑supervisory position. This competition is for a permanent full‑time position located in Edmonton, Monday – Friday, 7.25 hours per day / 36.25 hours per week. #J-18808-Ljbffr