Risk, Regulation & Compliance Advisor (Environmental)

Town of Cochrane•Cochrane, AB

11d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Town of Cochrane is seeking a knowledgeable and science minded Risk, Regulation & Compliance Advisor to help ensure that municipal projects and third party activities meet environmental, regulatory, and legislative requirements. This position is ideal for an environmental professional who brings scientific insight, field experience, and a calm, solutions oriented approach to complex regulatory challenges. You’ll split your time between field investigations, where you’ll apply your scientific training on active construction sites, and technical reporting, where your analysis and documentation help guide responsible decision making across the organization. This role requires someone who is confident communicating with contractors, comfortable monitoring construction activities, and able to recognize when work is drifting outside regulatory expectations. You’ll need to be assertive, observant, and ready to step in when needed—not a passive bystander—especially when navigating the realities of construction timelines, pressures, and “creative interpretations” of requirements. You’ll work closely with engineers, planners, ecologists, contractors, regulators, and community members to embed environmental responsibility into the way Cochrane grows. If you enjoy applying scientific principles to real world problems, balancing technical analysis with field work, and helping reduce environmental and regulatory risks, this role offers a meaningful opportunity to directly influence Cochrane’s future. As the Risk, Regulation & Compliance Advisor, you will be a trusted source of environmental and regulatory expertise across the organization. Your work ensures that capital projects, development activities, and municipal operations meet environmental expectations in practice—not just in theory. You will support project teams, conduct field inspections, coordinate regulatory submissions, and help the Town proactively identify and manage environmental risks. Your scientific knowledge and regulatory insight will strengthen project planning, improve compliance processes, and support responsible, sustainable development throughout the community.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Biological Sciences, Environmental or Civil Engineering, or a related field; a master’s degree is an asset. Equivalent combinations of education and directly relevant experience may be considered.
Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in environmental compliance, regulatory affairs, or environmental consulting, ideally in a municipal or public‑sector context.
Experience supporting capital infrastructure projects with environmental regulatory requirements.
Experience coordinating Phase I/II Environmental Site Assessments (CSA Z768‑01 / Z769‑01).
Strong knowledge of Alberta environmental legislation (EPEA, Water Act, Public Lands Act, ESA Standard).
Understanding of federal legislation including the Fisheries Act, Species at Risk Act, Impact Assessment Act, and Migratory Birds Convention Act.
Strong understanding of environmental assessment processes, risk management frameworks, and compliance audit methodologies.
Familiarity with municipal infrastructure systems (water, wastewater, stormwater, transportation).
High attention to detail in documentation and reporting.
Valid Alberta Class 5 Driver’s License.

Nice To Haves

Professional designations such as EP, RPBio, QWSP, QAES, CESA/CEAS, or LEED AP are preferred or considered assets.
Spill response or containment experience is an asset.
Working knowledge of GIS and environmental monitoring tools is an asset.
ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems experience is an asset.

Responsibilities

Interpreting environmental legislation and ensuring compliance with permits, approvals, and regulatory submissions.
Providing a strong field presence by monitoring construction activities, maintaining clear communication with contractors, and ensuring compliance issues are addressed promptly and professionally.
Working collaboratively with engineers, planners, operations staff, and contractors to resolve environmental issues in the field and ensure compliance expectations are clearly understood and followed.
Exercising stop‑work authority when activities present environmental, legal, or operational risks, and coordinating with project managers and leadership to ensure issues are addressed promptly and professionally.
Supporting Phase I/II Environmental Site Assessments, risk management planning, and interactions with provincial and federal regulators.
Reviewing development applications and technical studies to ensure alignment with environmental legislation and Town policies.
Integrating environmental and regulatory requirements into capital project planning, design, procurement, and construction.
Identifying environmental risks early, recommending mitigation, and supporting permit and notification processes.
Coordinating environmental monitoring for municipal facilities, operations, and capital works.
Maintaining the corporate environmental risk register and advising leadership on mitigation strategies.
Conducting compliance audits, inspections, and waste contractor audits, and tracking corrective actions.
Contributing to environmental by‑laws, policies, and procedures, including erosion and sediment control and impact assessment frameworks.
Preparing environmental reports, regulatory submissions, and internal briefings.
Providing internal advisory support and collaborating with regional partners and neighbouring municipalities.
Supporting public engagement, staff education, and Indigenous consultation related to environmental and regulatory requirements.