
Classification: Grid 24, BCGEU Membership
Office Location: All BCER Locations
Salary: $76,313.27 - $86,898.73 – Permanent Full-Time, based on a 35-hour work week.
An additional 10.75% Job Family Market Multiplier will be added to the posted salary.
An additional 3% Location Allowance will be added to posted salary for employees based in Fort St John, Dawson Creek, Prince George, and Terrace.
An additional 13% Location Allowance will be added to posted salary for employees based in Fort Nelson.
About the Job:
In accordance with the provisions of the Heritage Conservation Act, the Cultural Heritage Resource Officer (Officer) is accountable for providing expert information and guidance related to BCER’s mandate for the protection and conservation of archaeological and other heritage resources in British Columbia. This role supports the delivery of the BCER’s Heritage Conservation Program (HCP).
The Officer provides technical expertise and advice to support BCER’s permitting and consultation responsibilities related to heritage resources. The Officer participates in the review of archaeological submissions for energy resource applications and is a statutory decision maker for permits issued under the Heritage Conservation Act (HCA). The role involves engagement with First Nations, stakeholders, other ministries, government agencies, industry, communities, and the public, and contributes to the continuous improvement of the BCER’s Heritage Conservation Program by informing technical guidance, processes, training, and engagement.
Organization Chart:
Commissioner, Chief Executive Officer
Executive Vice President, Resource Management & Stewardship
Vice President, Environmental & Subsurface Resource Management
Executive Director, Responsible Stewardship
Director, Heritage Conservation Program
Manager, Heritage Conservation Program
Cultural Heritage Resource Officer
Conduct archaeology reviews and exercise decision-making authority for BCER’s HCA permitting responsibilities under the HCA, including assessing risk and adherence to established BCER processes.
Provide recommendations to statutory decision makers for the BCER’s energy resource activity applications, which may involve analysis of risk, compliance, and proposed mitigation measures, in accordance with established BCER processes.
Address application specific questions and concerns through the BCER’s consultation process and general engagement as needed.
Provide subject matter expertise to the development and continuous improvement of BCER’s heritage conservation guidance documentation, manuals, tools, and processes.
Conduct inspections or incident investigations related to heritage conservation, developing and providing documentation as needed.
Support the BCER’s archaeology audit program, including coordination of data, record audits, and field inspections.
Engage and collaborate with representatives of the provincial Archaeology Branch to inform the development of regulations, guidance, and/or processes, and inform potential implications for the BCER, BCER permit holders, archaeologists, and First Nations.
Design and deliver training and information sessions regarding BCER’s heritage conservation program for proponents, archaeologists, First Nations, or other BCER staff.
Provide technical input and advice to management and leadership on heritage conservation issues, risks, and emerging trends.
Perform other related duties, as assigned.
Education:
A degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in a relevant field such as Archaeology or Anthropology, and three years of related experience.
A combination of experience, training and education may be considered.
Experience:
Demonstrated experience conducting archaeological fieldwork and reporting related to natural resource sector development in B.C.
Demonstrated experience exercising professional judgement in the review of archaeological or heritage-related submissions within a regulatory or permitting environment.
Demonstrated experience applying knowledge of the Heritage Conservation Act (HCA), including sections related to permitting.
Demonstrated experience engaging with a variety of stakeholders, including First Nations.
Demonstrated experience interpreting and explaining complex technical and regulatory concepts to a variety of audiences.
Demonstrated experience applying knowledge of regional archaeology in at least one provincial archaeological cultural area in BC.
Preference will be given to those candidates with working knowledge of the Energy Resource Activities Act (ERAA).
Working Conditions & Physical Requirements:
Occasional travel throughout British Columbia, including remote locations.
Occasional field work. Driving on low grade roads to remote areas, through changing weather in varied field conditions.
Key Competencies:
Communicating Effectively
The ability to convey information clearly, accurately, and appropriately to the intended audience. It involves utilizing multiple forms of communication channels and techniques, such as verbal and written communication, active listening, and nonverbal cues, to ensure a message is understood and received as intended. It involves being mindful of the audience’s needs, preferences, and cultural backgrounds, adapting the message and delivery style accordingly to facilitate mutual understanding and engagement.
Decision Making
The ability to evaluate situations or problems, consider alternatives, make choices, and following them up with the necessary actions. It involves assessing risks, gathering relevant information, and weighing potential outcomes to make informed and effective decisions.
Flexibility and Adaptability
The ability and willingness to adjust to diverse situations and work effectively with a variety of individuals or groups. It involves understanding and appreciating different and opposing perspectives, adapting one’s approach as situations change, and accepting changes within one’s work. It also encompasses reacting positively to change and cooperating readily with revised methods and priorities in a changing work environment.
Stakeholder Engagement
The ability to establish and maintain long-term relationships with internal and external stakeholders, focused on respectful engagement. It involves a collaborative approach to working towards shared goals, grounded in trust and mutual understanding, which contribute to the success of the BCER.
If you are interested in applying for this role and meet the minimum selection criteria, please select “Apply Now” and submit your application prior to the closing date. Applicants should review the education and experience listed in the job requisition and clearly articulate how their work experience and skills are aligned with the requirements. Please note, applicants will only be contacted if they are selected to proceed further in the process. An eligibility list with a duration of 6 months may be established.
About the BC Energy Regulator:
The BC Energy Regulator (BCER) is the Province of B.C.’s life-cycle energy resources regulator. The BCER is a Crown agency with a mandate to ensure energy resource activities are undertaken in a manner that: protects public safety and the environment, supports reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and the transition to low-carbon energy, conserves energy resources and fosters a sound economy and social well-being.
As a cost recoverable, values driven organization, we prioritize safety, stewardship and Indigenous interests throughout the full project lifecycle – from exploration to reclamation – and support the transition to clean energy. The BCER is committed to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, honouring the Provincial commitment to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Calls to Action. Through fostering respectful and collaborative relationships with Indigenous partners and stakeholders, the BCER delivers on Government’s priorities.
The BCER has an innovative forward-thinking workplace that demonstrates our core values. Through continuous improvement and development, the BCER is agile and responsive to the rapidly changing environment in which we operate. We are diverse and inclusive, with transparency, innovation, and integrity as foundation of our respectful culture.
What We Offer:
The BCER operates under a Hybrid Office Model whereby employees work from both a home office and a designated BCER office location in order to support our mandate (eligibility may vary, depending on position).
The BCER is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on the protected grounds under the Human Rights Code. The BCER is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for the removal of barriers for qualified individuals. If you need assistance or accommodation, please let us know.
We acknowledge and respect the many First Nations, each with unique cultures, languages, legal traditions and relationships to the land and water, on whose territories the British Columbia Energy Regulator's work spans.
Please contact us at Recruitment@bc-er.ca if you require any assistance or more information.

The BC Energy Regulator (formerly the BC Oil and Gas Commission) oversees the full life cycle of energy resource activities in B.C., from site planning to restoration. We ensure activities are undertaken in a manner that protects public safety and the environment, supports reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, conserves energy resources and fosters a sound economy and social well-being.
Header photo:
Towards North Pine.
tuchodi, CC BY-SA 2.0
- https://www.flickr.com/.../tuchodi/12412373/in/photostream/
- https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/