Job Information
Port of Vancouver Environmental Site Assessment Specialist in Vancouver, British Columbia
JOIN US IN ENABLING TRADE THROUGH CANADA'S LARGEST PORT.
The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is an arm’s-length federal agency responsible for the shared stewardship of the lands and waters that make up the Port of Vancouver, Canada’s largest port. Our mandate, as outlined in the Canada Marine Act, is to enable Canada’s trade objectives on behalf of all Canadians, ensuring the safe movement of goods through the Port of Vancouver while protecting the environment and considering local communities.
As an organization with a significant impact on communities and businesses across Canada, the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is dedicated to diversity, inclusion, and sustainability. We strive to create a workplace that mirrors the richness of our community, empowering all employees to achieve their full potential.
The environmental site assessment specialist is responsible for administering and providing expertise to the environmental lands management (ELM) program including pre-acquisition and routine site assessments, managing and developing contaminated sites as well as site remediation. This role is responsible for completing technical reviews, retaining and managing consultants, tracking and recording site remediation progress and regular reporting including audits, dashboard updates, and other project management tasks as assigned. This role also provides specialist advice related to contaminated sites and land management in support of the project and environmental review (PER) process, and provides advice, leadership and management for VFPA-led projects as related to contaminated lands, remediation or other environmental matters or issues.
Additional activities assigned to this position may include the development of ecosystem and environmental strategies, and other guidelines and best practices. Important aspects of this role include related communications with environmental regulatory agencies, internal and external customers, Indigenous groups and other stakeholders, and port authority representation on inter-agency committees, working groups and project-related negotiations, as required.
What youdo:
Conductenvironmental due diligence reviews for property acquisitions, new leases andlease renewals, including the review of existing (or as required, commissioningof new) studies and site assessments to properly evaluate the environmentalconditions of upland and aquatic sites. Interpret reports and studies thatpresent building materials data and environmental site information, includingsoil, water, groundwater and sediment quality data.
Reviewsite assessments, remedial plans, risk assessments and confirmation ofremediation reports for tenants exiting their lease. Advise as to whether thetenant has satisfied VFPA’s exit requirements.
Reviewnew lease and lease renewal proposals, submissions and authorizations forprojects and works as requested by other groups within VFPA and by externalproponents where this is in the port authority’s interest.
Overseeand contribute to the development of site assessment and site remediation plansfor VFPA managed contaminated sites. Monitor their implementation and evaluatetheir progress. Continuously assess relative risk and prioritize highest risksites. Coordinate any required monitoring and reporting. Work effectively withcross-functional teams and advise management on progress and status on aregular basis.
Carryout project management tasks regularly and as related to the environmental landsmanagement program including procurement, submissions, budget tracking andother project management tasks. Retain and oversee expert third-partyconsultants and contractors. Create and maintain project files and reports,electronic registry documentation, tracking tables, summary dashboards,decision logs and procedural documents and provide regular project and sitestatus updates and advice to management and relevant departments.
Communicateto proponents the requirements of studies, plans and design components that arerequired to mitigate environmental effects, or to determine the level of riskof the projects, works or acquisitions proposed. Where required, coordinateproject research, site assessment studies, risk assessment studies, and thepreparation of site remediation plans including administration of consultantsto meet application, due diligence or project requirements.
Carryout special projects or studies related to water, groundwater, soils andsediment quality issues and toxicology, as assigned.
Representthe port authority at meetings with environmental regulatory agencies, tenants,Indigenous groups, and stakeholders, and where appropriate, resolve competingpriorities with tact and diplomacy to ensure that port authority interests aremet.
Liaisewith appropriate agencies and authorities to obtain advice concerning thesafety of port authority infrastructure, projects and programs with respect tohuman health, and obtain and/or provide advice for mitigating any relatedadverse effects.
Developand implement programs, initiatives, guidelines and policies related toenvironmental land management, best practices and other similar programs.
Providespecialist advice to support project and environmental reviews of activities,as required under the project and environmental review (PER) process, VFPA’sEnvironment Policy, Project and Environmental Review Policy and Directive, andapplicable legislation. Support and provide input on environmental review andpermit reports, environmental conditions and provide environment related adviceas required.
Providesubject matter expertise and collaborate with cross-functional teams anddepartments on contaminated lands, soil and groundwater management,remediation, and other environmental matters, as required. Develop andcontribute to proposals and guidelines to support and inform projects.
What you bring:
Bachelor of Sciencedegree in environmental sciences or environmental engineering, physicalsciences, or other acceptable university degree
Minimum of five yearsof senior experience in contaminated sites management, site remediationprograms, risk assessment or work in a similar position.
Must have extensiveexperience in environmental site assessments and site remediation, includingexperience with both federal and provincial environmental legislation andregulatory agencies.
A professionaldesignation would be an asset.
Must be able to presentdiverse and technical information verbally, in presentations and in committees,and in writing.
Must be proficient inMicrosoft Office tools.
What we offer:
Market-competitive basesalaries and variable incentive plan
Generousand inclusive benefits offering including retirement benefits plan
Flexible remote workprogram
Earned time off program
Paid vacation andpersonal care leave
Learning, development,and advancement opportunities
Onsitegym with towel service in a national landmark in the heart of Vancouver’swaterfront
Friendly, unique, andrespectful workplace
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Job type: Bargaining Unit, Full-Time, Permanent, Hybrid
Working environment: Normal office environment with occasional exposure to the waterfront, a variety of industrial and commercial sites including contaminated sites, in any weather conditions. May be required to wear PPE. Regular participation in off-site meetings with external parties and the public. Required to work off hours occasionally.
This is Canadian-based employment, and it is expectedthat all employees maintain legal entitlement to work in Canada. Applicantsselected to move forward in the hiring process may be subject to backgroundchecks, including but not limited to criminal record, credit, and/or referencechecks.
At the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, we are dedicated toemployment equity and a workplace reflective of the diversity of our portcommunity. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates includingwomen, persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, and members of visibleminorities. Reasonable accommodation can be provided in the selection processand while working with the port authority. If you require support applying toour openings, please contact us at careers@portvancouver.com .
We recognize and acknowledge that we are located on the traditionalterritories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ(Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. To learn more about our indigenous relations andcommitment to reconciliation, please visit our website (https://www.portvancouver.com/community/indigenous-relations/) .