Career Track 6: Policy
A day in the life video
Introduction: The Policy Career Track will explore energy careers that exist within municipal, provincial, territorial and federal governments focused on policy development, analysis and implementation. Participants will learn about these various levels of government and how energy policy is approached by each.
Job profiles:
- Code Official
- Policy Analyst
- Community and Urban Planner
Government policies and programs, including electricity procurement mechanisms, and funding arrangements which reduce project development risk continue to be central to Indigenous clean energy action, and the role of provinces and territories is critical. There are opportunities, for example, to promote large scale clean energy procurement (e.g. Alberta and Saskatchewan), or to kick-start off-grid diesel replacement projects (Yukon).
Source: Accelerating Transition report
Job Profiles
Job Profile 1
Code Official
Job description - Code Officials inspect, plan, and coordinate the building, installation, and maintenance of an organization’s structures. Primarily, they are responsible for ensuring that these activities comply with relevant codes, standards and regulations. They also develop environmental policies, measures and standards.
Median income : $36.50/Hour
Alternative job titles
- Compliance Manager
- Environmental Health and Safety Officer
- Hazardous Waste Inspector
- Safety Codes Officer
by 2029
- In general, a 4-year bachelor's degree is required for this occupation.
- A combination of education, knowledge and work-related experience is usually required for this occupation.
- Depending on the type of inspection involved, it may be required to hold a journeyperson certification.
- Some employers may ask for additional certification related to the position available.
- A strong understanding of safety code rules, regulations and procedures, agency rules, policies, and public safety and security operations and systems.
- Proven experience in providing accurate and relevant reports on safety activities to all parties involved in the project.
- Ability to respond quickly and effectively to public safety and security needs while ensuring compliance with rules, regulations, or laws.
- Ability to analyze extensive data to determine appropriate actions or recommendations.
- Ability to manage clients who may disagree with your understanding of regulations and standards.
- Critical thinking to identify situations where compliance with safety standards, laws or regulations is not being met and propose solutions.
- Strong communication skills to make sure that laws and regulations are properly understood and implemented.
- Communicate compliance violations to authorized enforcement authorities when applicable or required.
- Design or implement environmental compliance plans for programs relevant to the organization.
- Establish collaborative relationships with key players in the environmental management of the organization.
- Develop and/or implement programs and initiatives aimed at managing risks to the public.
- Code officers can work in a variety of fields, therefore the duties will vary according to the type of inspection performed.
Training Opportunities
There are some programs in Canada that provide training opportunities in trades for Indigenous people:
Every province and territory establishes its own standards for this job. For example, in Alberta safety code officers are required to be certified by the Safety Codes Council. In addition, for each type of discipline (electrical, gas, plumbing, etc.), there are different levels of certification as each area requires specific training and work experience to perform that role. For example, occupational health and safety officers may require certification with the Association for Canadian Registered Safety Professionals.
O*Net. https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/11-9199.02
Eco Canada. (2016, August.) Competencies for Environmental Professionals in Canada. https://www.eco.ca/research/report/nos-environmental-employment/
Job Bank. Government of Canada. https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/summary-occupation/27310/ca
Job Profile 2
Policy Analyst
Job description - Policy Analysts are responsible for researching and monitoring legislative, regulatory and policy activity pertinent to the clean energy sector. They also identify emerging issues and explore complex problems in order to raise awareness of important topics and determine appropriate solutions. Policy analysts can work on broad or specialized policy-related issues, depending on their function and duties.
Median income: $39.90/Hour
Alternative job titles
- Environmental Issues Lobbyist
- Climate Advisor
- Energy Policy Analyst
by 2029
- A 4-year bachelor's degree in a related discipline is usually required.
- A master's degree in a related scientific discipline is considered an asset.
- A combination of education, knowledge and work-related experience is usually required for this occupation.
- Experience liaising and collaborating in a multi-stakeholder environment is usually required.
- Experience developing discussion papers, briefing notes, correspondence and/or presentations on important policy-related issues for all stakeholders is normally required.
- Knowledge of policies, regulations, and procedures related to the clean energy sector.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail to analyze and synthesize information related to policy, programs and/or legislation.
- Ability to address key policy issues as well as make recommendations to the involved parties.
- Strong writing and communication skills to write/edit policies and procedures, write memos, and summarize program documents.
- Ability to comprehend, analyze and communicate the corporate structures of the organization.
- Ability to operate successfully in a constantly changing, fast-paced environment.
- Ability to work with and deliver key messages to a variety of audiences.
- Monitor, research, and analyze existing information to prepare recommendations and/or reports related to programs or policies relevant to the company.
- Provide analytical support for policy briefs regarding clean energy.
- Monitor proposed changes in laws, regulations, and policies in order to address inquiries from government officials and the public.
- Pursue stakeholder input to assist in identifying and developing policy and advocacy initiatives.
- Analyze existing policies and programs to assess the need for change and explore potential alternatives if needed.
Training Opportunities
There are some programs in Canada that provide training opportunities in trades for Indigenous people:
O*Net. https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/19-2041.01
Job Bank. Government of Canada. https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/occupation/3819/ca
Job Profile 3
Community and Urban Planner
Job description - Community Planners are responsible for developing plans and recommending policies to manage land use in their jurisdictions. They study the social, economic, cultural, environmental, political, and physical conditions of urban, rural, and remote communities to assist them in deciding how to make the best use of their land and resources for sustainable growth and revitalization. Urban planners working in the clean energy sector are well positioned to provide the necessary support to implement comprehensive energy solutions within local jurisdictions.
Median income: $39.95/Hour
Alternative job titles
- Community Leader
- Environmental Planner
- Land Use Planner
by 2029
- A bachelor's degree in urban and regional planning or a related discipline is usually required.
- A master's degree in one of these disciplines is considered an asset.
- Membership or eligibility for membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners is usually a requirement.
- Membership in a provincial planning institute may be needed in some provinces.
- Good understanding of planning processes, legislative requirements, governance models, and preparation of policy documents and statutes.
- Experience in developing reports, preparing presentations and conducting extensive research is usually required.
- Strong interest in working directly with local governments, Indigenous communities, and community organizations to address critical community planning concerns.
- Familiarity with computer software, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS), AutoCAD and Microsoft Office is considered may be required.
- Strong analytical skills to conduct extensive research related to planning, data, monitoring, and policy analysis.
- Good written and verbal communication skills, along with proven report writing skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to synthesize information, develop innovative proposals, and present plans and suggestions, as well as work collaboratively with other team members.
- Ability to engage with the public and effectively communicate planning issues to a broad range of audiences.
- Ability to perform as a mediator or facilitator when community interests come into conflict.
- Problem-solving skills to identify complex problems and review related information to propose appropriate solutions.
- Compare and assess information on demographic, economic, legal, political, cultural, sociological, physical, and other issues that influence land use.
- Design plans and develop policies and guidelines for subdivisions or developments that serve public, private, individual, and community interests.
- Collect, manage, and interpret a wide range of data sources, including the regular use of GIS and/or other related software.
- Facilitate and lead public meetings to present plans, proposals or planning studies to the general public and stakeholders.
- Summarize public consultation processes and survey results for the public and stakeholders to inform next steps in the planning program.
- Develop and implement plans, initiatives, projects or programs to increase the use of renewable energy or reduce greenhouse gas emissions to meet the needs of production or construction operations.
Training Opportunities
There are some programs in Canada that provide training opportunities in trades for Indigenous people:
Eco Canada. (2016, August.) Competencies for Environmental Professionals in Canada. https://www.eco.ca/research/report/nos-environmental-employment/
Job Bank. Government of Canada. https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/summary-occupation/22485/ca