Technical Advisor

Classification: Grid 27, BCGEU Membership

Office Location: Dawson Creek or Fort St John

Salary: $83,312.49 – $94,991.51 – Permanent Full-Time, based on a 35-hour work week
An additional 20.75% Job Family Market Multiplier will be added to the posted salary. 
An additional 3% Location Allowance will be added to posted salary for northern location. 

About the Job:               
The Technical Advisor provides expertise and guidance related to the construction and operation of energy activities under the BCERs mandate. The position provides technical advice, instruction and training to staff, industry, stakeholders and other agencies, and performs a key function within the organization in the area of compliance, enforcement, application review, emergency response and safety.

The position serves as the technical specialist on all phases of the construction, operation and maintenance of energy activities. The position evaluates compliance with the Energy Resource Activities Act (ERAA), associated regulations and adopted standards.

Organization Chart: 
Commissioner, Chief Executive Officer
          Executive Vice President, Safety & Compliance
                    Vice President, Compliance & Operations
                              Executive Director, Compliance & Enforcement
                                        Supervisor, Technical Advisors
                                                  Technical Advisor

Develop and coordinate training programs for field staff, providing training, mentoring and technical support to BCER staff and internal and external stakeholders.

Participate in the development of inspection and audit protocols and training programs.

Inspections and Audits:
Conduct inspections and reviews pertaining to energy activity facility construction, operation, maintenance and decommissioning, which may include but is not limited to: records, tests, equipment, measurement, and operating practices for compliance with their associated legislation, permits, standards, guidelines, and other requirements.

Other activities permitted by the BCER or for other agencies through cooperative efforts.

Records, organization, and data management:                                                                      
Analyze submitted information to ensure that it meets the administrative requirements of applicable legislative acts and regulations.

Prepare documents for hearings and court action.

Maintain inspection reports and summary documents.

Generate reports, analyses data, monitors trends and recommends operational improvements.

Media/Public/First Nations: 
Provide information to BCER media contact on sensitive issues regarding enforcement of legislation.

Participate in public and First Nation meetings.

In cooperation with First Nations Liaison Officer, develop job exposure/shadowing programs for First Nations participants.

Participate in formal discussions involving industry, government agencies (e.g., provincial, federal, local), First Nations and other public interest groups and stakeholders to identify and resolve real and potential conflicts and improve/enhance industry practice in regard to operational activity. 

Investigations and Enforcement:
Provide specialist advice and support investigations of energy activity incidents.

Obtain and assess information and physical evidence from various sources, including observations, complaints, statements, field samples, photographs, reports, expert opinion.

Assess information derived from investigations and determines and recommends an appropriate course of action.

Obtain and ensure security and continuity of evidence.

Provide testimony in court and administrative proceedings.

Complete technical reviews of investigative information and enforcement reports for use in court or administrative enforcement proceedings.

Provide technical review of orders, incident reports and corrective action plans.

Monitor the implementation of corrective action plans by permit holders. 

Maintain comprehensive information regarding industry practices as related to the safe construction, operation and maintenance of energy activities; provide recommendations for amendments to regulations, standards and guidelines.

Emergency Management:
Attend complaints, incidents, and other emergencies.

Assume roles within the BCER emergency response team or represent the BCER on site during incidents as per BCER emergency response procedures.

Evaluate root cause investigations.

May participate in provincial-level emergencies such as fires and floods.

Other duties as assigned.         

Education:
Degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in a related field such as Engineering, Environmental Management or Science, and three (3) years of relevant experience; or

Technical diploma or Trade certificate in a related field such as Engineering, Environmental Management or Science, and five (5) years of relevant experience.

An equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered.

Experience:
Demonstrated experience implementing inspection programs and inspecting several of the following: road and lease construction, pipeline construction, geophysical operations, and production facilities.

Demonstrated experience implementing inspection programs, conducting and supervising investigations with familiarity of proper investigation techniques and processes.

Demonstrated experience in management, administration and/or regulation of energy industry, pipeline operations, drilling operations or facilities management.

Demonstrated experience planning, organizing and coordinating a professional and technical work force as well as industry affiliates.

Demonstrated knowledge of the design, construction, operation and maintenance of simple and complex facility and pipeline systems.

Demonstrated experience with decision-making processes within a public sector, legislative, policy-oriented and operational environment.

Demonstrated experience with negotiation, conflict resolution, mediation and issues management.

Must meet criteria to be qualified to serve as an Official as per the Energy Resource Activities Act (ERAA). 

Demonstrated knowledge of the safe operation and maintenance of equipment including firearms, vehicles, boats, wilderness survival, first aid and handling of dangerous substances.

Demonstrated knowledge of the applicable standards and legislation including, but not limited to, the ERAA and associated regulations.

Demonstrated knowledge of resource development policies, procedures and practices. 

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements: 
May be required to work in adverse weather and under hazardous working conditions, which may require the use of specialized equipment.

May work under disagreeable conditions with members of the public, stakeholders, industry personnel, and/or First Nations who may be anti-government, anti-enforcement or hostile in nature. Must be able to exercise tact, diplomacy, and discretion to diffuse potentially confrontational or highly charged situations. 

Frequent travel throughout the Region and the Province, often on short notice.

Work overtime, evenings and weekends as required.

Work in remote field locations; overnight in field camps as required.

Attend as a witness at inquests, hearings and other court proceedings; represent the BCER on committees and at meetings and where, necessary, to make presentations.

Operate four-wheel drive vehicles; may require the use of specialized equipment such as metering and testing devices, digital cameras, video recorders, air monitors, breathing apparatus, etc.

Flying in small fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft.

Training certificate, basic first aid training, H2S certification and firearms certification.

Work under hazardous conditions and confined spaces with potential exposure to noxious vapours and gases.

Subject to call-out to respond to incidents and/or complaints.

Key Competencies:
Flexibility and Adaptability
The ability and willingness to adjust to diverse situations and work effectively with a variety of individuals or groups. It involves understanding and appreciating different and opposing perspectives, adapting one’s approach as situations change, and accepting changes within one’s work. It also encompasses reacting positively to change and cooperating readily with revised methods and priorities in a changing work environment. 

Problem Solving and Judgement
The ability to systematically analyze problems, identify root causes, evaluate potential solutions, and make sound decisions to address challenges and achieve desired outcomes.

Communicating Effectively
The ability to convey information clearly, accurately, and appropriately to the intended audience. It involves utilizing multiple forms of communication channels and techniques, such as verbal and written communication, active listening, and nonverbal cues, to ensure a message is understood and received as intended. It involves being mindful of the audience’s needs, preferences, and cultural backgrounds, adapting the message and delivery style accordingly to facilitate mutual understanding and engagement. 

Team Building 
The ability to develop group identity, facilitate decision-making, and foster open and effective communication within diverse teams across the organization. It involves building and sustaining trust through integrity, concern for others, consistent behaviour, following through on commitments, and promoting open communication.

 

If you are interested in applying for this role and meet the minimum selection criteria, please select “Apply Now” and submit your application prior to the closing date. Applicants should review the education and experience listed in the job requisition and clearly articulate how their work experience and skills are aligned with the requirements. Please note, applicants will only be contacted if they are selected to proceed further in the process. An eligibility list with a duration of 6 months may be established.

About the BC Energy Regulator: 

The BC Energy Regulator (BCER) is the Province of B.C.’s life-cycle energy resources regulator. The BCER is a Crown agency with a mandate to ensure energy resource activities are undertaken in a manner that: protects public safety and the environment, supports reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and the transition to low-carbon energy, conserves energy resources and fosters a sound economy and social well-being. 

As a cost recoverable, values driven organization, we prioritize safety, stewardship and Indigenous interests throughout the full project lifecycle – from exploration to reclamation – and support the transition to clean energy. The BCER is committed to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, honouring the Provincial commitment to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Calls to Action. Through fostering respectful and collaborative relationships with Indigenous partners and stakeholders, the BCER delivers on Government’s priorities. 

The BCER has an innovative forward-thinking workplace that demonstrates our core values. Through continuous improvement and development, the BCER is agile and responsive to the rapidly changing environment in which we operate. We are diverse and inclusive, with transparency, innovation, and integrity as foundation of our respectful culture.