Role Responsibilities

The Senior Investigator reports to Manager(s) on the Rural Utilities Team and is responsible for independently conducting and leading complex investigations in accordance with legislative requirements, departmental policies, and established procedures. They must possess in-depth investigation experience and expert knowledge of investigation strategies. This position requires investigations and knowledge regarding applicable legislation/regulation/code related to rural utility association governance under the Acts and legislation and obligations of low-pressure gas distribution provided under the Rural Utilities Act and Gas Distribution Act to ensure compliance. The Senior Investigator works with minimal direct supervision and is responsible for managing complex investigations.

The Senior Investigator is also responsible for:

1. Investigation and Case Management

• Conduct timely, thorough, impartial, and evidence‑based investigations under the Rural Utilities Act and Gas Distribution Act.
• Plan and execute investigations by interviewing complainants, employees, board members, and other relevant parties; gathering, securing, and preserving evidence; and reviewing complex records and documentation.
• Analyze evidence, legislation, and policy to prepare detailed, well‑reasoned investigative reports that inform decisions by the Chief Officer and Director of Rural Utilities.
• Manage a high‑volume caseload of complex investigations, effectively prioritizing work to meet service standards and legislated timelines.
• Act as Lead Investigator on complex or multi‑investigator files, providing direction and oversight to ensure quality and consistency.
• Work with investigators or officers in other ministries or with third-party contractors brought in to assist in conducting investigations.
  
  

2. Professional Judgment and Legislative Interpretation

• Apply advanced investigative thinking, evaluative analysis, and sound judgment when addressing sensitive and high‑risk complaints.
• Interpret and apply applicable legislation, regulations, standards, and policies governing rural cooperative associations and low‑pressure gas distributors.
• Exercise discretion and professionalism when dealing with confidential, contentious, or emotionally charged matters involving multiple perspectives.
  
  

3. Hearings, Reporting, and Decision Support

• Prepare investigation documentation, briefing materials, and background information for managers and senior leadership.
• Provide recommendations, reports, and presentations to Manager(s) of Rural Utilities.
• Appear as a witness at hearings and legal proceedings, as required.
• Ensure investigative findings are complete, defensible, and consistent to mitigate legal, reputational, and operational risks.

Role Responsibilities (cont'd)

4. Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

• Liaise with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including complainants, rural utility associations, low‑pressure gas distributors, and external education and sector partners.
• Respond to complainant inquiries professionally and in accordance with applicable legislation and regulatory standards.
• Maintain constructive working relationships following inquiries or investigations to support ongoing oversight, education, and compliance.
• Communicate complex investigative findings clearly and objectively to diverse audiences.

5. Impact and Accountability

• Play a critical role in maintaining public trust in oversight processes for rural utilities in Alberta.
• Ensure investigations are conducted efficiently and effectively to avoid unnecessary delays, public criticism, or increased litigation risk.
• Support accountability outcomes, including corrective actions, orders, or dissolution of associations, where warranted.
•  Act as the coordinator and contact for multi-agency or contracted investigations and will be responsible for the oversight of rural utilities and gas distribution investigations.

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.

• Drive for Results: Investigating when issues arise and completing them in a timely and respectful manner with the required rigour and independence to manage case load and to ensure this goal is met.
• Develop Self and Others: Remaining current in the field of investigations critical to the success of this position.
• Creative Problem Solving: Using investigation expertise, addressing a variety of inquiries and complaints on complex and politically sensitive issues. Researching facts, understanding the issues involved, and proposing solutions that become part of the public record.
• Agility: Responding effectively to a variety of inquiries and maintaining objectivity regarding all investigative cases.

Qualifications

University graduation in public administration, business, sciences, education, social sciences, legal Studies etc., or a related field, plus 4 years progressively responsible related experience. Equivalencies may be considered as described below.

Equivalency: Directly related education or experience considered on the basis of: 

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

Required experience:

• Policy research and analysis.
• Experience conducting investigations and/or utility experience.

The following assets will be considered:

• Understanding of government regulatory frameworks.
• Understanding of the Government of Alberta’s policy development cycle.
• Experience in project coordination and tracking.
• Experience in engaging, and facilitating discussions with, a variety of stakeholders.
• Experience with utility cooperatives.

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

Hours of Work:

• 8:15 am to 4:30 pm
• 36.25 hours per week (full-time) Monday to Friday.

Term of Employment:

• Temporary (Until March 2028)

Location:

• Edmonton and/or Red Deer

In your resume, please include dates (including months and years) associated with all education and work experience. For example, January 2006 – June 2009 (part-time). This example is provided for illustrative purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to present their information clearly and thoroughly, using a format that best conveys their experience.

Cover letter is Preferred.

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.

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.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.