- Environmental, Regulatory and Stakeholder Engagement
- Environmental Advisor
- NOC #41400
Environmental Advisor
Rules are made to be followed. In the energy industry, rules to protect the environment, safety and health of workers and communities are to be met or exceeded. You have guidelines, policies and regulations at your fingertips to ensure that happens. Are you passionate about health, safety and environment? Do you read instructions before you assemble something? Do you follow all the rules? You may want to consider a career as an environmental advisor.
Environmental advisors assist in the development, administration and promotion of programs related to Environmental, Health and Safety policies and programs. They have broad technical experience in environmental issues, planning, fisheries and regulatory compliance. They conduct research, prepare reports, and provide advice for meeting regulatory requirements and standards.
Environmental advisors conduct risk assessments and site inspections that assist in the preparation of regulatory approvals, permitting applications, environmental field reports and environmental screenings. This work includes identifying sensitivities and potential hazards and determining ways to reduce risks and meet applicable standards and regulations.
Environmental advisors can specialize in soil, air, water and land-related issues.
In addition to standard computer equipment, environmental advisors use sampling, monitoring, analysis and testing tools.
I'm interested in a career in
- Sub-sector Exploration and production, Oil and gas services, Pipelines, Offshore, Oil sands
- Environment Primarily outdoor work
- Average Salary $74,000 to $123,000
- Education Post-secondary diploma
- Career Demand Stable
When you start in this occupation activities may include:
- Conducting field work, data analysis and documenting results ranging from noise monitoring, soil, groundwater, storm water, spill prevention, waste management and wildlife system inspections
- Ensuring adequate records are maintained to meet statutory and company requirements
- Reviewing and implementing environmental technical standards, guidelines, policies and formal regulations to ensure compliance with all appropriate requirements
As you advance in this career, you may take on additional tasks including:
- Coaching and assisting others in the interpretation and application of related policies, procedures and regulations
- Providing advice and guidance on job site arrangements for environmental management
Education
- This role requires an undergraduate degree or diploma in environmental or geological sciences. A post-graduate degree may be considered an asset.
Certifications
- Standard and emergency first aid
- Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
- Construction Safety Training System (CSTS)
- Pipeline Construction Safety Training (PCST)
- H2S Alive®
- Aerial lift training
- Traffic control
Additional Requirements
- Knowledge of environmental permit and approval requirements
- Knowledge of environmental mitigation and protection planning measures
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to oil and natural gas include:
- Travel likely required
- Shiftwork/variable work hours
- Primarily outdoor work
- Work not physically demanding
- Work away from home/in camps
You are a problem solver with a mind for sustainability. You have strong research and interpersonal skills. You write and communicate clearly about complex ideas.
- Collaborative
- Judgment and decision making
- Law and government
- Quality control analysis
- Complex problem solving
- Biology
- Planning and organizing
- Chemistry
- Document use
- Public safety and security
- Sub-sector Carbon capture, utilization and storage, Emissions reduction, Well site decommissioning
- Environment Primarily outdoor work
- Average Salary Equal to oil and gas
- Education Post-secondary diploma
- Career Demand Stable
- Skills Upgrading None
-
Direct
Congratulations! The skills gained as an environmental advisor in oil and natural gas are directly transferable to the cleantech sector.
When you start in this occupation activities may include:
- Conducting field work, data analysis and documenting results ranging from noise monitoring, soil, groundwater, storm water, spill prevention, waste management and wildlife system inspections
- Ensuring adequate records are maintained to meet statutory and company requirements
- Reviewing and implementing environmental technical standards, guidelines, policies and formal regulations to ensure compliance with all appropriate requirements
As you advance in this career, you may take on additional tasks including:
- Coaching and assisting others in the interpretation and application of related policies, procedures and regulations
- Providing advice and guidance on job site arrangements for environmental management
Education
- This role requires an undergraduate degree or diploma in environmental or geological sciences. A post-graduate degree may be considered an asset.
Certifications
- Standard and emergency first aid
- Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
- Construction Safety Training System (CSTS)
- Pipeline Construction Safety Training (PCST)
- H2S Alive®
- Aerial lift training
- Traffic control
Additional Requirements
- Knowledge of environmental permit and approval requirements
- Knowledge of environmental mitigation and protection planning measures
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to cleantech include:
- Shiftwork/variable work hours (emissions reduction | well site decommissioning)
- Travel required (emissions reduction | well site decommissioning)
- Work away from home/in camps (well site decommissioning)
- Primarily outdoor work (well site decommissioning)
- Primarily indoor/office work (CCUS)
- Temporary/project-to-project work (emissions reduction | well site decommissioning)
- Freelance/contract opportunities (emissions reduction | well site decommissioning)
- Lower-risk tolerant culture (CCUS | emissions reduction | well site decommissioning)
- Safety-sensitive environment (emissions reduction | well site decommissioning)
- Transition to a similar level (CCUS | emissions reduction | well site decommissioning)
- Urban location (CCUS)
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to oil and natural gas include:
- Travel likely required
- Shiftwork/variable work hours
- Primarily outdoor work
- Work not physically demanding
- Work away from home/in camps
You are a problem solver with a mind for sustainability. You have strong research and interpersonal skills. You write and communicate clearly about complex ideas.
- Collaborative
- Judgment and decision making
- Law and government
- Quality control analysis
- Complex problem solving
- Biology
- Planning and organizing
- Chemistry
- Document use
- Public safety and security
- Environment Primarily outdoor work
- Average Salary Equal to oil and gas
- Education Post-secondary diploma
- Career Demand Stable
- Skills Upgrading None
-
Direct
Good news! The skills gained as an environmental advisor in oil and natural gas are directly transferable to the LNG facility operation sector.
When you start in this occupation activities may include:
- Conducting field work, data analysis and documenting results ranging from noise monitoring, soil, groundwater, storm water, spill prevention, waste management and wildlife system inspections
- Ensuring adequate records are maintained to meet statutory and company requirements
- Reviewing and implementing environmental technical standards, guidelines, policies and formal regulations to ensure compliance with all appropriate requirements
As you advance in this career, you may take on additional tasks including:
- Coaching and assisting others in the interpretation and application of related policies, procedures and regulations
- Providing advice and guidance on job site arrangements for environmental management
Education
- This role requires an undergraduate degree or diploma in environmental or geological sciences. A post-graduate degree may be considered an asset.
Certifications
- Standard and emergency first aid
- Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
- Construction Safety Training System (CSTS)
- Pipeline Construction Safety Training (PCST)
- H2S Alive®
- Aerial lift training
- Traffic control
Additional Requirements
- Knowledge of environmental permit and approval requirements
- Knowledge of environmental mitigation and protection planning measures
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to LNG include:
- Potential for relocation
- Primarily indoor/office work
- Lower-risk tolerant culture
- Safety-sensitive environment
- Transition to a similar level
- Career development fostered/supported
- Rural location
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to oil and natural gas include:
- Travel likely required
- Shiftwork/variable work hours
- Primarily outdoor work
- Work not physically demanding
- Work away from home/in camps
You are a problem solver with a mind for sustainability. You have strong research and interpersonal skills. You write and communicate clearly about complex ideas.
- Collaborative
- Judgment and decision making
- Law and government
- Quality control analysis
- Complex problem solving
- Biology
- Planning and organizing
- Chemistry
- Document use
- Public safety and security
- Environment Primarily outdoor work
- Average Salary Equal to oil and gas
- Education Post-secondary diploma
- Career Demand Stable
- Skills Upgrading None
-
Direct
Good news! The skills gained as an environmental advisor in oil and natural gas are directly transferable to the petrochemicals and refining sector.
When you start in this occupation activities may include:
- Conducting field work, data analysis and documenting results ranging from noise monitoring, soil, groundwater, storm water, spill prevention, waste management and wildlife system inspections
- Ensuring adequate records are maintained to meet statutory and company requirements
- Reviewing and implementing environmental technical standards, guidelines, policies and formal regulations to ensure compliance with all appropriate requirements
As you advance in this career, you may take on additional tasks including:
- Coaching and assisting others in the interpretation and application of related policies, procedures and regulations
- Providing advice and guidance on job site arrangements for environmental management
Education
- This role requires an undergraduate degree or diploma in environmental or geological sciences. A post-graduate degree may be considered an asset.
Certifications
- Standard and emergency first aid
- Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
- Construction Safety Training System (CSTS)
- Pipeline Construction Safety Training (PCST)
- H2S Alive®
- Aerial lift training
- Traffic control
Additional Requirements
- Knowledge of environmental permit and approval requirements
- Knowledge of environmental mitigation and protection planning measures
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to petrochemicals and refining include:
- Potential for relocation
- Primarily indoor/office work
- Lower-risk tolerant culture
- Safety-sensitive environment
- Transition to a similar level
- Career development fostered/supported
- Rural location
- Potentially unionized
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to oil and natural gas include:
- Travel likely required
- Shiftwork/variable work hours
- Primarily outdoor work
- Work not physically demanding
- Work away from home/in camps
You are a problem solver with a mind for sustainability. You have strong research and interpersonal skills. You write and communicate clearly about complex ideas.
- Collaborative
- Judgment and decision making
- Law and government
- Quality control analysis
- Complex problem solving
- Biology
- Planning and organizing
- Chemistry
- Document use
- Public safety and security
- Sub-sector Geothermal, Solar, Wind
- Environment Primarily outdoor work
- Average Salary Equal to oil and gas
- Education Post-secondary diploma
- Career Demand Stable
- Skills Upgrading None
-
Direct
Good news! The skills gained as an environmental advisor in oil and natural gas are directly transferable to the renewables sector. A worker may expect that the average salary range earned in the geothermal sub-sector is likely equal to the average salary range earned in oil and natural gas, however, a worker in solar or wind will likely find the average salary range is lower than in oil and natural gas.
When you start in this occupation activities may include:
- Conducting field work, data analysis and documenting results ranging from noise monitoring, soil, groundwater, storm water, spill prevention, waste management and wildlife system inspections
- Ensuring adequate records are maintained to meet statutory and company requirements
- Reviewing and implementing environmental technical standards, guidelines, policies and formal regulations to ensure compliance with all appropriate requirements
As you advance in this career, you may take on additional tasks including:
- Coaching and assisting others in the interpretation and application of related policies, procedures and regulations
- Providing advice and guidance on job site arrangements for environmental management
Education
- This role requires an undergraduate degree or diploma in environmental or geological sciences. A post-graduate degree may be considered an asset.
Certifications
- Standard and emergency first aid
- Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
- Construction Safety Training System (CSTS)
- Pipeline Construction Safety Training (PCST)
- H2S Alive®
- Aerial lift training
- Traffic control
Additional Requirements
- Knowledge of environmental permit and approval requirements
- Knowledge of environmental mitigation and protection planning measures
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to renewables include:
- Shiftwork/variable work hours (geothermal | solar | wind)
- Travel required (geothermal | solar | wind)
- Primarily outdoor work (geothermal)
- Agile/flexible approach to work (solar | wind)
- Temporary/project-to-project work (geothermal | solar | wind)
- Freelance/contract opportunities (geothermal | solar)
- Lower-risk tolerant culture (geothermal)
- Safety-sensitive environment (geothermal | solar | wind)
- Transition to a similar level (geothermal | solar | wind)
- Rural location (solar | wind)
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to oil and natural gas include:
- Travel likely required
- Shiftwork/variable work hours
- Primarily outdoor work
- Work not physically demanding
- Work away from home/in camps
You are a problem solver with a mind for sustainability. You have strong research and interpersonal skills. You write and communicate clearly about complex ideas.
- Collaborative
- Judgment and decision making
- Law and government
- Quality control analysis
- Complex problem solving
- Biology
- Planning and organizing
- Chemistry
- Document use
- Public safety and security
The renewables sector is further divided into sub-sectors:
Geothermal
- Average salary range: Equal to oil and gas
Solar
- Average salary range: Less than oil and gas
Wind
- Average salary range: Less than oil and gas
What does this mean for workers?
There could be differences in the expected salary range and varying work environments. Further research on the sector or consultation with a career advisor may be required.
- Sub-sector Construction
- Environment Primarily outdoor work
- Average Salary Equal to oil and gas
- Education Post-secondary diploma
- Career Demand Stable
- Skills Upgrading Minor
-
Refocus
An environmental advisor considering a career from oil and natural gas to the construction project life cycle phase of industrial construction and maintenance in energy may need to complete some minor upskilling and gain knowledge about different regulations and requirements to successfully transition to the sector.
When you start in this occupation activities may include:
- Conducting field work, data analysis and documenting results ranging from noise monitoring, soil, groundwater, storm water, spill prevention, waste management and wildlife system inspections
- Ensuring adequate records are maintained to meet statutory and company requirements
- Reviewing and implementing environmental technical standards, guidelines, policies and formal regulations to ensure compliance with all appropriate requirements
As you advance in this career, you may take on additional tasks including:
- Coaching and assisting others in the interpretation and application of related policies, procedures and regulations
- Providing advice and guidance on job site arrangements for environmental management
Education
- This role requires an undergraduate degree or diploma in environmental or geological sciences. A post-graduate degree may be considered an asset.
Certifications
- Standard and emergency first aid
- Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
- Construction Safety Training System (CSTS)
- Pipeline Construction Safety Training (PCST)
- H2S Alive®
- Aerial lift training
- Traffic control
Additional Requirements
- Knowledge of environmental permit and approval requirements
- Knowledge of environmental mitigation and protection planning measures
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to industrial construction and maintenance include:
- Travel required (construction)
- Work away from home/in camps (construction)
- Temporary/project-to-project work (construction)
- Transition to a similar level (construction)
- Career development fostered/supported (construction)
- Potentially unionized (construction)
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to oil and natural gas include:
- Travel likely required
- Shiftwork/variable work hours
- Primarily outdoor work
- Work not physically demanding
- Work away from home/in camps
You are a problem solver with a mind for sustainability. You have strong research and interpersonal skills. You write and communicate clearly about complex ideas.
- Collaborative
- Judgment and decision making
- Law and government
- Quality control analysis
- Complex problem solving
- Biology
- Planning and organizing
- Chemistry
- Document use
- Public safety and security
