Regulatory Approvals Lead – In Situ Oil Sands (SAGD)

Oct 27, 2026 · @Dean

Shalor Consulting Ltd. | Remote (Alberta-based preferred) | Contract preferred / Employment considered | $70–$90/hr

About Us

Shalor Consulting Ltd. is an Alberta-based environmental consulting firm serving oil and gas clients across Alberta and British Columbia. We provide remediation, reclamation, vegetation management, and regulatory support.

The Prospect

We are looking for an experienced regulatory professional to lead the approvals strategy for a proposed SAGD facility on First Nations reserve land near Cold Lake, Alberta. This is a high-profile, remote role. You will build an integrated federal–provincial–First Nation regulatory roadmap, coordinate the technical disciplines, and manage project deliverables from scoping through submission. This is not a field position.

Key Responsibilities

- Map and coordinate the multi-jurisdictional approvals pathway: Indian Oil and Gas Canada (IOGC), the AER, federal impact assessment requirements, and the First Nation's own approval and governance processes
- Lead the IOGC process for on-reserve development, including surface access, environmental review, and permitting under the Indian Oil and Gas Act and Indian Oil and Gas Regulations
- Develop a complete regulatory roadmap and approvals schedule, covering all permits, sequencing, critical path, and regulator touchpoints
- Lead preparation of AER applications under Directive 023 (Oil Sands Project Applications) and Directive 056 (Energy Development Applications)




- Scope and manage the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process, including Terms of Reference, technical study coordination, and review of consultant reports
- Plan and support First Nations and Indigenous consultation and engagement, including engagement plans, consultation records, and concerns tracking
- Manage aquatic and wetland permitting:
- DFO Fisheries Act reviews and authorizations
- Alberta Water Act approvals
- Alberta Wetland Policy assessments and replacement requirements
- Track deliverables, deadlines, and regulator information requests (SIRs)
- Prepare progress reports and present updates to the client and Shalor management
- Identify regulatory risks early and recommend mitigation strategies

Required Qualifications

- 10+ years of experience in Alberta oil and gas or oil sands regulatory approvals
- Direct experience with on-reserve oil and gas development and IOGC processes
- Demonstrated experience preparing or leading Directive 023 and Directive 056 applications
- Direct experience with EIAs for in situ or major industrial projects
- Working knowledge of federal environmental review for projects on federal lands, including the Impact Assessment Act
- Experience working directly with First Nation leadership,



lands departments, and consultation staff
- Experience with DFO, Water Act, and wetland approvals
- Strong project management skills, with a track record of delivering complex submissions on schedule
- Excellent technical writing and stakeholder communication skills

Assets

- Experience with First Nation land codes or the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management
- Knowledge of EPEA approvals and the Cold Lake / Lakeland region
- A professional designation such as P.Ag., P.Biol., P.Eng., or PMP
- Existing working relationships with IOGC, AER, DFO, or the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada

Terms

- Contract engagement preferred. We will consider a casual or term employment position for the right candidate.
- Duration tied to the project, with strong potential for ongoing work
- Fully remote, with occasional virtual meetings with the client, the First Nation, and regulators
- Compensation: $70–$90/hour, based on experience and engagement type

How to Apply

Send your resume and a brief summary of relevant SAGD or oil sands approvals experience to [email protected]. Use the subject line "Regulatory Approvals Lead – SAGD." Please include 2–3 example projects and your role on each, and indicate whether you would prefer a contract or employment arrangement.

Pay: $70.00-$90.00 per hour

Expected hours: 1.0 – 36.0 per week

Benefits:

- Flexible schedule
- Work from home

Experience:

- AER Regulatory: 5 years (required)

Work Location: Remote

📌 Regulatory Applications Specialist (Canada)
🏢 SLM Land Management
📍 Canada