Water Modelling Data Scientist

Job Information
Job Title: Water Modelling Data Scientist 
Job Requisition ID: 64871
Ministry: Environment and Protected Areas
Location: Edmonton or Calgary
Full or Part-Time: Full Time
Hours of Work: 36.25 hours per week
Permanent/Temporary: Temporary (Until March, 2027)
Scope: Open Competition
Closing Date: December 18, 2024
Classification: Scientific 3
Salary: ​$3,076.28 to $4,053.05 bi-weekly ($80,290 – $105,784/year)
 

The Government of Alberta is committed to a diverse and inclusive public service that reflects the population we serve to best meet the needs of Albertans. Consider joining a team where diversity, inclusion and innovation are valued and supported. For more information on diversity and inclusion, please visit: https://www.alberta.ca/diversity-inclusion-policy.aspx.

We support Albertans in being proud stewards of air, land, water, and biodiversity by leading the work required for the desired environmental outcomes and sustainable development of natural resources. We work to protect and enhance Alberta’s environment and ecosystems to ensure a sustainable future, making life better for Albertans.

For more information about the Ministry of Environment and Protected Areas, please visit our website at: https://www.alberta.ca/environment-and-protected-areas.aspx. 

Role Responsibilities

The Water Modelling Data Scientist plays a role in analyzing and forecasting water demand and supply across Alberta through data science and computational modelling. This position supports decisions related to water license approvals, ecosystem health, emergency management, and infrastructure operations by transforming hydro-climate data into operational tools for near-real-time modelling. The Water Modelling Data Scientist directly impacts a wide range of stakeholders, including water users, managers, and policy developers, who rely on predictive modelling to inform decisions in water management, environmental health, drought response, and transboundary agreements. Through the development of advanced predictive models, this role contributes to the long-term sustainability and resilience of Alberta’s water systems.

Key Responsibilities:
•    Access and preprocess monitoring data, organize large datasets, and develop computational models to simulate water-related processes using tools like Python, R, and ArcGIS Pro.
•    Develop and apply machine learning algorithms to enhance model efficiency, create visualizations, and provide data-driven insights for water management decisions.
•    Stay updated with advancements in water modelling and data science, implement innovative techniques, and collaborate with hydrologists and stakeholders to improve water models.
•    Prepare technical and non-technical reports, collaborate with ministries and stakeholders, and support the dissemination of findings.
•    Contribute to environmental and resource management initiatives within the Government of Alberta.
•    Work with internal and external partners to integrate datasets and innovative approaches, ensuring the success of water management strategies.

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies: https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.

Creative Problem Solving: Collaborates openly with teams, encourages diverse ideas, utilizes various techniques to address issues, brings the right people together, and identifies innovative solutions for the organization.

Systems Thinking: Adopts a long-term, holistic view of challenges and opportunities, anticipates outcomes, seeks stakeholder input, aligns actions with APS values, and collaborates with others to identify areas for improvement.

Drive For Results: Takes responsibility for outcomes, monitors performance standards, acknowledges all levels of responsibility, commits to what benefits Albertans even if not immediately accepted, and achieves goals aligned with APS direction.

Build Collaborative Environments: Encourages broad thinking, eliminates barriers, facilitates communication, anticipates and reduces conflict, recognizes others’ contributions, and fosters collaboration and commitment across teams.

Agility: Identifies and manages change and risks by exploring alternative approaches, explaining impacts, anticipating emotions and obstacles, staying focused on goals, and making decisions with contingency plans in uncertain situations.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Science (four-year) degree in a related field such as hydrology, environmental science, data science, computer science, or a related discipline, from a recognized university or institution, plus six (6) years of relevant experience or equivalent as outlined below: 

Equivalency:
•    Ph.D. in a scientific discipline related to the position, plus 2 years of progressively responsible related experience; or
•    Master’s degree in related field plus four (4) years of related experience.

Requirements:
•    Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, with expertise in data analysis, machine learning, and statistical modeling.
•    In-depth understanding of hydrological processes, water resources management, and environmental science.
•    Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, capable of interpreting complex data sets and drawing meaningful conclusions.
•    Effective communication of technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
•    Experience with big data platforms and cloud-based data analytics tools (e.g., AWS, Azure).
•    Experience with database management using Microsoft SQL.
•    Valid Alberta driver’s license.
•    Effective communication skills, including writing, oral, and non-verbal communication for diverse audiences.

Assets:
•    Knowledge and experience with ESRI GIS technology, including ArcGIS Enterprise and ArcGIS Pro.
•    Familiarity with Safe Software technology, including Feature Manipulation Engine.
•    Knowledge of the department’s enterprise databases.
•    Experience working with remote sensing and hydro-climate data.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

•    This is full time Temporary position (Until March 2027) located in Calgary or Edmonton. 
•    Monday – Friday, 7.25 hours per day / 36.25 hours per week.

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in.

Instructions for your Resume:
For Employment Experience:
Please indicate duration of employment (month, year).
Please specify employment status (i.e. casual, part-time or full-time).
E.g.: Youth Worker, Jan 2006 – June 2009, Part-time (three, 8 hour shifts/week).

For any Post-Secondary Education:
Please specify your major and length of program.
Please specify the year you graduated.
E.g.: Bachelor of Social Work, 4-year Degree (Graduated 2017).

Links and information on what the GoA have to offer to prospective employees:
•    Working for the Alberta Public Service – https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx.
•    Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) – https://www.pspp.ca.
•    Alberta Public Service Benefit Information – https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits.
•    Professional learning and development – https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive.
•    Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca.
•    Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
•    Opportunity to participate in flexible work arrangements such as working from home up to two days per week and modified work schedule agreement.
•    Leadership and mentorship programs.

How To Apply
Applicants are advised to provide information that clearly and concisely demonstrates how their qualifications meet the advertised requirements, including education, experience, and relevant examples of required competencies.
 

Candidates are required to apply for a job online. Please visit https://www.alberta.ca/job-application-resources#before for more information. Please visit Recruitment Principles, for more information.
 

It is recommended applicants who have completed post-secondary studies from outside of Canada obtain an evaluation of their credentials from the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)(https://www.alberta.ca/international-qualifications-assessment.aspx) or from a recognized Canadian Credential Evaluator; please visit the Alliance of Credential Evaluation Services of Canada for more information (https://canalliance.org/en/default.html).

It is recommended that applicants include the assessment certificate from IQAS or any other educational assessment service as part of their application.

Closing Statement
This competition may be used to fill future vacancies, across the Government of Alberta, at the same or lower classification level.

We thank all applicants for their interest. All applications will be reviewed to determine which candidates’ qualifications most closely match the advertised requirements. Only individuals selected for interviews will be contacted.

If you require any further information on this job posting or require an accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact Jane McEwen, TAS Administrator via email at [email protected].