BC Public Service - Internal Job Opportunities

The Team
The Water Authorizations Branch – North Area is an established team within the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship’s Permitting Transformation Division. Our diverse team of 18 professionals works collaboratively across regions and ministries to support the sustainable management of B.C.’s water resources, balancing environmental stewardship, Indigenous interests, public needs, and economic development through water licensing and authorization decisions. We foster an inclusive and supportive workplace where different perspectives are valued, teamwork is encouraged, and employees have opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute to work that helps protect water security for communities across the province.

The Role
As an Authorizations Specialist, you will play an important role in supporting the sustainable management of B.C.’s water resources by reviewing applications, engaging with clients and First Nations, and helping inform decisions related to water licences and authorizations. This position offers a unique blend of office and field work, meaningful collaboration with diverse partners, and opportunities to work on complex issues that balance environmental protection, Indigenous interests, community needs, and economic development. We welcome applicants with a variety of backgrounds and experiences who are passionate about public service and want to contribute to an inclusive, respectful, and equitable approach to water stewardship for current and future generations.

Qualifications:
Education and Experience Requirements

• Master’s degree in a natural resource management field and 2 years of related experience
• Bachelor’s degree in a natural resource management field and 3 years of related experience; OR
• Diploma in a natural resource management field and 4 years related experience; OR
• Certificate or coursework in a natural resource management field and 5 years related experience; OR
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Related Experience includes: 

• Experience (field/office) working in natural resource management; preference will be given for experience related to water management. 
• Experience performing technical duties and working with key statutes (acts and regulations) that support natural resource management; preference will be given for experience related to water management. 
• Experience in negotiating and consulting with relevant parties in natural resource management; preference will be given for experience related to water management. 
• Experience managing First Nations’ or partner engagement processes, negotiations, and public outreach. 

Preference may be given to applicants with: 

• Experience with project management of major projects (e.g., IPP’s, major mines, etc.) and complex water files. 
• Experience as a Statutory Decision Maker; preference will be given for experience with authority under the WSA. 
• Experience in supervising, leading, coaching, and mentoring staff. 
• Experience with compliance and enforcement of statutes; preference will be given for experience related to water management. 
• Experience designing, implementing, or leading hydrological or water quantity monitoring programs to support natural resource and watershed management decisions. 

For questions regarding this position, please contact Suzan.Lapp@gov.bc.ca.

About this Position:
Amendment July 21, 2026: Posting closing date extended to August 4, 2026.
Flexible work options are available; this position may be able to work 2 or more days at home per week subject to an approved telework agreement.
An eligibility list may be established to fill future temporary and permanent vacancies.
Depending on the successful candidate’s location, a bi-weekly isolation allowance may apply.
A Criminal Record Check (CRC) will be required.
Employees of the BC Public Service must be located in BC at the time of employment.
This position is also posted as a Licensed Science Officer (OTHER) - Senior Licensed Authorizations Officer under Requisition 124458.

Working for the BC Public Service:
The BC Public Service is committed to creating a diverse workplace to represent the population we serve and to better meet the needs of our citizens. Consider joining our team and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.

We are committed to ensuring that reasonable accommodations are available throughout the hiring process, including the assessment and selection stages. Please email the individual or contact listed on the posting if you require an accommodation to fully participate in the hiring process.

The Indigenous Applicant Advisory Service is available to Indigenous (First Nations [status or non-status], Inuit or Métis) applicants originating from the land now known as Canada, seeking work or already employed in the BC Public Service. Indigenous applicants can contact this service for personalized guidance on the BC Public Service hiring process including job applications and interviews.

The BC Public Service is an award-winning employer and offers employees competitive benefits, amazing learning opportunities and a chance to engage in rewarding work with exciting career development opportunities. For more information, please see What We Offer.

To learn more about these B.C communities you can click on the Hello BC link here!

How to Apply:
Your resume and/or cover letter must clearly show that you meet the education and experience requirements. Highlight the required qualifications and support them with specific examples, such as your responsibilities, projects you've worked on, or accomplishments. Find more information on the recruitment process, including helpful tips and videos about the application process, visit the Your Job Application page of MyHR.

Cover Letter: NO - Please do not submit a cover letter as it will not be reviewed.

Resume: YES - Ensure your resume includes your educational accomplishments, employment history including start and end dates (month and year) of your employment, and any relevant information that relates to the job to which you are applying.

Questionnaire: YES - You will need to complete a basic questionnaire to demonstrate how you meet the job requirements.

Applicants who are selected to move forward in the hiring process may be assessed on their knowledge, skills, abilities, competencies and other position related requirements as outlined in the Job Profile at the bottom of the posting. Applications will be accepted until 11:00 pm Pacific Time on the closing date of the competition. If you are experiencing technical difficulty applying, visit the Technical Assistance page of MyHR.