Role Responsibilities

As a key member of the Office of the Chief Scientist (OCS), the Senior Science Communication Specialist leads strategic communications and project management to support complex, high-impact environmental science initiatives.

Reporting to the Director of Science Advice, Reporting and Partnerships, and accountable to the Chief Scientist, this role works closely with scientific experts, ministry leadership, and Communications and Public Engagement (CPE) to ensure Albertans, the Minister of Environment and Protected Areas, and the Government of Alberta have access to credible, science-based information for informed decision-making.

The Senior Science Communication Specialist:

• Develops and implements communications plans, knowledge mobilization strategies, and operational plans aligned with the Office of the Chief Scientist’s (OCS) mandate.
• Provides strategic communication advice to leadership, supports continuous improvement, and acts as the primary contact for communication files.
• Applies innovative tools and technologies to enhance science communication and build internal capacity.
• Translates complex scientific information into clear, accessible written and visual products (e.g., web articles, infographics, presentations, and social media).
• Ensures all materials meet Government of Alberta standards and are tailored to appropriate audiences and channels.
• Leads project management for public-facing environmental reporting (e.g., Condition of Environment reports), and maintains the online publication tool for approved materials.
• Reviews literature and scientific outputs to ensure accurate, evidence-based reporting.
• Coordinates review and approvals with subject-matter experts, the Chief Scientist, and Communications and Public Engagement (CPE) to ensure quality and consistency.
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with internal stakeholders to support coordinated, department-wide communication and information sharing.
• Plans and delivers science communication events (e.g., forums, workshops, webinars) for internal and external audiences.
• Leads surveys and data analysis to inform communication planning and improve outreach initiatives.

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.

• Systems Thinking: Takes a long-term view towards organization’s objectives and how to achieve them. Takes holistic long-term view of challenges and opportunities. Anticipates outcomes and potential impacts, seeks stakeholder perspectives. Works towards actions and plans aligned with APS values. Works with others to identify areas for collaboration.

• Creative Problem Solving: Works in open teams to share ideas and process issues. Uses wide range of techniques to break down problems. Allows others to think creatively and voice ideas. Brings the right people together to solve issues. Identifies new solutions for the organization.

• Agility: Identifies and manages required change and the associated risks. Identifies alternative approaches and supports others to do the same. Proactively explains impact of changes. Anticipates and mitigates emotions of others. Anticipates obstacles and stays focused on goals. Makes decisions and acts in uncertain situations while creating a backup plan.

• Drive for Results: Works to remove barriers to outcomes, sticking to principles. Forecasts and proactively addresses project challenges. Removes barriers to collaboration and achievement of outcomes. Upholds principles and confronts problems directly. Considers complex factors and aligns solutions with broader organization mission.

• Build Collaborative Environments: Collaborates across functional areas and proactively addresses conflict. Encourages broad thinking on projects and works to eliminate barriers to progress. Facilitates communication and collaboration. Anticipates and reduces conflict at the outset. Credits others and gets talent recognized. Promotes collaboration and commitment.

Qualifications

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.

The ideal candidate brings recognized expertise in science communication and a passion for making science meaningful and accessible.

Requirements:

• University graduation in a related field such as Environmental Science, Science Communication, or Public Relations. A master’s degree is preferred.
• Five (5) years progressively responsible experience in environmental/natural science, science communication, science journalism/writing, or public relations fields.
• Exceptional writing and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to understand, analyze, and synthesize complex technical information for various diverse audiences.

Equivalency: Directly related completed education or experience considered based on:

• 1 year of education for 1 year of experience; or
• 1 year of experience for 1 year of education.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Extensive knowledge of research and science communication, knowledge mobilization, writing principles, scientific concepts, environmental issues and how they affect Alberta's society and economy.
• Previous experience writing for executive audiences, and the ability to adjust tone and voice for different audiences.
• Full command of Canadian Press style guide, strong proof-reading skills and attention to detail.
• Experience establishing positive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to balance multiple projects and competing priorities daily while meeting and managing client expectations with a high degree of professionalism and judgement.
• Ability to mobilize diverse groups and build consensus.
• Proficient with virtual meeting and webinar platforms.
• Innovative and creative thinking, problem solving, and strategic thinking skills.
• Knowledge and understanding of the web and social media as communications mediums.
• Knowledge of GoA Communications Policy, GoA Website Standards and visual identity guidelines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).

Assets:

• Knowledge and understanding of environmental legislation, such as the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act, and related regulations and policies.
• Technical knowledge of environmental science and monitoring programs in Alberta.
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
• Experience with video production and editing.

Notes

This posting is open until a suitable candidate is found.

This position can be stationed in Edmonton (9888 Jasper Avenue) or Calgary (University Research Center). Other locations will not be considered.

This is a temporary position scheduled to end on or before August 5, 2026, working Monday – Friday, 36.25 hours per week.

Candidates with lesser qualifications may be considered at a lower classification and salary.

Temporary Assignments may be considered for Internal applicants.

Applicants must provide a cover letter and resume outlining how your experience relates to the qualifications of this role. If selected for an interview, a writing assignment may be required to assess your writing skills and abilities.

For any Post-Secondary Education:
Please specify your major and length of program.
Please specify the year you graduated.
Ex: Bachelor of Political Science, 4-year Degree (Graduated 2019).

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.