Recruitment posting
Alberta Energy Regulator- Hearing Commission
Competition #: 814
Ministry : Energy and Minerals
Opening Date : 2024/03/20
closing Date : 2024/04/12
Role : Commissioner
It is recognized in Alberta as a fundamental principle and as a matter of public policy that all persons are equal. Diversity and inclusion are valued and supported on the boards of Alberta's public agencies.
The Minister of Energy and Minerals is seeking applications from individuals interested in serving as a Hearing Commissioner of the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER).
The AER ensures the safe, efficient, orderly, and environmentally responsible development of hydrocarbon and mineral resources in Alberta. This includes allocating and conserving water resources, managing public lands, and protecting the environment while providing economic benefits for all Albertans. The AER provides full life-cycle regulatory oversight of energy and mineral resource development; from application and construction to abandonment and reclamation, and everything in between. For over 75 years, Alberta’s oil and gas regulator has adapted to meet innovations in technology, new industry activity, and changing societal expectations. The AER is building on this foundation and preparing the province for the next era in energy and mineral regulation.
Hearing Commissioners are responsible for the AER’s adjudicative functions, acting as the decision-makers on matters referred to them by the AER. They conduct all hearings on energy and mineral resource applications, regulatory appeals, and reconsiderations. They also conduct public inquiries and other types of proceedings and facilitate alternative dispute resolution on matters referred to them by the AER. The Hearing Commissioners are also involved in developing the organization’s hearing procedures and rules.
- Hearing Commissioners interpret and apply the Responsible Energy Development Act (REDA) and other statutes and regulatory instruments administered by the AER in the performance of their adjudicative and alternative dispute resolution functions;
- Hearing Commissioners are independent adjudicators, and their decisions may only be reviewed by the Court of Appeal of Alberta.
Key responsibilities of Hearing Commissioners include:
- Conduct hearings on applications, regulatory appeals, reconsiderations and inquiries into energy and minerals resource activities. Review evidence and submissions, make decisions and prepare written decision. Ensure the provisions of the various acts, regulations and processes of the AER are carried out according to the principles of procedural fairness. Serve as panel chair when requested by the Chief Hearing Commissioner.
- Design and lead AER alternative dispute resolution processes (ADRs).
- Identify policy issues and/or regulatory gaps that arise from hearings and ADRs.
- Participate in the development of AER practices, procedures and rules. Participate in the development of new and revised regulatory instruments.
- Maintain knowledge of energy and minerals industry practice, AER regulatory requirements and legislation, administrative law and its application, and economic, environmental and social issues associated with energy and minerals development, including the potential effects on landowners and Indigenous communities.
- Develop and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and AER staff. Mentor and share knowledge with less experienced Hearing Commissioners and/or other AER staff.
The Ministers are looking for a full-time Hearing Commissioner with:
- Technical training and experience in engineering, geoscience or environmental sciences;
- Experience as a statutory or quasi-judicial decision maker within a regulatory setting;
- Senior leadership experience in a complex and dynamic environment and exceptional interpersonal and communication skills;
- Understanding of the mandate of the AER and relevant energy and environment legislation;
- Understanding of energy industry operations and the economic effects of the energy industry and its activities;
- Understanding of and open to the interests and issues of Indigenous communities and familiarity with the legal framework and evolving case law related to Indigenous constitutional rights;
- Understanding of and open to the interests and issues of landowners and other stakeholders;
- Ability to organize and analyze large volumes of complex evidence (written and oral);
- Good writing skills – an ability to write clear, well-reasoned decisions that take into account the evidence, law and policy;
- Understanding of the principles of administrative law and their application;
- Aptitude for adjudication including fairness, good listening skills, open mindedness, sound judgement, tact and the ability to interpret legislation;
- Experience presiding over or participating in public hearings; and
- Experience designing and leading alternative dispute resolution processes (facilitation, mediation, arbitration).
Education
- The minimum educational requirement is a Bachelors Degree in engineering, geoscience, environmental science, public policy, law or a related field.
- Under REDA section 11(1), the Lieutenant Governor in Council is responsible for establishing a roster of Hearing Commissioners consisting of a Chief Hearing Commissioner and other such individuals as required, and determining the compensation for each new appointee.
- The salary range for full-time Hearing Commissioners is $157,848 – $213,559 as per the Reform of Agencies, Boards and Commissions Compensation Act (RABCCA).
- Full-time Hearing Commissioners work out of the AER’s Calgary or Edmonton offices and work full-time hours.
- Hearing Commissioners are required to travel to Edmonton, Calgary and various other locations in the province where Hearing Commissioner activities occur.
- The AER offers a flexible work program – hybrid work and flexible hours.
In addition to your cover letter and resume, we require a biography. Click HERE to download the biography form.
Once the forms are completed, save them to your PC. When you click on submit application, you will be prompted to upload additional documents. Drag and drop or upload your completed biography form and others requested into the ‘Drop files below or click to upload’ section.
Executive Search, Alberta Public Service Commission.
Phone: 780-408-8460
Carefully read the Recruitment Posting and the Position Profile to ensure this is an appropriate opportunity for you. Applicants are advised to provide information that clearly and concisely demonstrates how their qualifications meet the advertised requirements.
Online applications are preferred. To apply, click on the 'apply' button, create or sign into your account in the ePAAS system; upload your resume, view the listing under Current Opportunities and click on 'submit application'. The uploaded resume will be automatically attached.
Provide a short 4 line biography using the Biography template found under additional documents section. Your biography should include your name, current work experience, board/committee experience and relevant education. Please note that biographies may be edited for length and clarity.
Once your biography and other required form(s) are completed, save it to your PC. When you hit 'submit application', you will be prompted to upload additional documents. Drag and drop (or upload) your completed cover letter, biography and other form(s) into the 'Drop files below or click to upload' section before clicking the 'apply' button.
If you are unable to apply online, please submit a cover letter and resume, quoting the recruitment posting competition number, to the contact provided on the posting. We thank all applicants for their interest. All applications will be reviewed to assess which candidates' qualifications most closely match the agency's requirements. Only those selected for interviews will be contacted to advance to the next step in the appointment process. You can check the status of each competition on-line at https://www.alberta.ca/public-agencies.cfm.
The personal information in ePAAS is collected pursuant to section 33(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The information will be used to administer and manage recruitment for current and future public agency appointment opportunities. Questions regarding the collection, use, or disclosure of this information, may be directed to the Public Agency Secretariat, Public Service Commission, 3rd Floor, Peace Hills Trust Tower, 10011 109 Street, Edmonton, AB T5J 3S8 or by calling 780-644-3060. Applicants will be required to identify any real or perceived conflicts of interest and may be required to undergo additional screening.
Please Note: Successful applicants will have the following information about them made publicly available on the Public Agency Secretariat Website: name, biography, public agency, and position title.