Water Resource Officer

Job Summary

Location: Yellowknife
Department: Environment and Climate Change
Job ID: 28299
Salary: $111,131 - $132,717
Employment Type: Full-Time, Regular
Closing Date: Oct 7, 2026

Department Information

The mandate of the Department of Environment and Climate Change is to manage land, water, air, wildlife, and forests. This includes promoting, planning, and supporting the wise and sustainable use of natural resources, and protecting, restoring, and stewarding the environment for the social and economic benefit of all Northwest Territories residents.
 

Job Information

The Water Resource Officer (WRO) is responsible for the provision of inspection and enforcement at the regional level to ensure the Department's mandated water resource management objectives are met.  The WRO conducts environmental inspections and investigations for water licenses and spills, and supports regional input into environmental assessments, permits and licensing pertaining to water and land use and disposal of wastes associated with resource use and development.

The WRO interprets legislation for clients, industry representatives, other government departments and non-government organizations. The incumbent acts as a Waters advisor to internal staff, industry, government, consultants, non-government organizations, and the public to ensure best water management practices in the region.

Key Responsibilities

  • Investigates acts of non-compliance under the Waters Act and Regulations, Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act and Regulations, and Northwest Territories Lands Act and Regulations; gathers evidence for preparation of court briefs; and gives evidence in a court of law or at public hearings.
  • Schedules, conducts, and documents on-site inspections of industrial, municipal and other undertakings associated with water use and waste disposal pursuant to the Waters Act and Regulations.
  • Reviews, analyzes, and evaluates technical environmental plans, reports, and proposals.
  • Interprets and enforces the Waters Act and Regulations, Northwest Territories Lands Act and Regulations, departmental policies and procedures, and agreements or memoranda of understanding; provides expertise and advice in relation to the aforementioned in various forums and settings.

Key Qualifications 

  • Completion of a Bachelor of Science Degree in environmental science, environmental engineering, or related degree and three (3) years of directly related experience in renewable resource development, or water resource management sector with related watershed management, regulatory, compliance and administration experience.
  • Experience living and working on the land in isolated conditions and traveling in all seasons and conditions is an asset.
  • Experience working on hydrocarbon spills and/or environmental cleanups is an asset.

Bona Fide Requirements 

  • Passing the annual work simulation fitness standards (condition of employment for successful candidate).
  • Must hold and maintain a valid Firearms License (PAL) and legal ability to possess and use firearms. 
  • Must hold and maintain a valid Class 5 driver's license. 

Additional Requirements 

  • This is a law enforcement position with a requirement to wear a uniform while on duty, including personal protective equipment as directed by policy.

GNWT Inquiries

Inquiries Only:

Department of Finance
Government of the Northwest Territories
YELLOWKNIFE CENTRE 5TH FLOOR  
BOX 1320 YELLOWKNIFE NT X1A 2L9
Tel (867) 767-9154 Extension 14106
Fax (867) 873-0445
jobsyk@gov.nt.ca

Note: If you do not receive electronic notification confirming receipt of your application, please follow up via telephone.

More Information

Indigenous Employment Policy

Candidates must clearly identify their eligibility in order to receive priority consideration under the Indigenous Employment Policy.

Criminal Records Check

Candidates must provide a satisfactory criminal record check. Failure to provide a satisfactory check may deem you disqualified from the competition.

Bona Fide Requirement

  • Passing the annual work simulation fitness standards (condition of employment for successful candidate).
  • Must hold and maintain a valid Firearms License (PAL) and legal ability to possess and use firearms. 
  • Must hold and maintain a valid Class 5 driver's license. 

Diversity and Inclusion

The Government of the Northwest Territories is an inclusive workplace.  If you have a disability and you require support during the hiring process, you are encouraged to identify your needs if you are contacted for an assignment or interview so that you may be accommodated during the hiring process.

Eligibility

Eligibility lists may be created from this competition to fill future term and indeterminate positions.

Equivalencies

Equivalencies may be considered based on a one-year of directly related experience equivalent to one year of education or one year of education for one year of experience. However, combinations of education and experience must often be considered on a case-by-case basis.  For a full list of equivalencies that will be considered for this role, please contact human resources.

Job Opening Information

Job Opening ID # 28299       

Closing Date: October 7, 2026 - 23:59, Mountain Time

Salary Information

The salary range for this position is from $56.99 per hour to $68.06 per hour (approximately $111,131 - $132,717 annually) plus an annual Northern Allowance of $3,700.

Application Assistance

For more information on preparing and submitting your application, please visit: Preparing Your Application