Environmental inspection, an important part of pipeline construction, is also a hidden career opportunity. The role requires significant technical knowledge, as well as relevant experience, but because the career lacks formal definition, people have tended to ‘fall’ into it rather than intentionally seeking it. Job openings are generally unadvertised and often filled through word-of-mouth recommendations. For these reasons, there are significant barriers to entering this career and inconsistency in skill building or career progression.
To remove barriers and increase consistency, the Government of Alberta, CEPA Foundation, and Jiva Consulting have developed resources for environmental inspection. This work was the third phase in a larger initiative to formalize construction inspection as a career path, the first two phases being for pipeline construction inspection and facilities construction inspection. To ensure a diversity of perspectives for capturing information accurately and effectively, an industry advisory committee was formed that included pipeline operating companies, inspection service providers, and environmental consultancies as well as representation from the CEPA Foundation.
As a result of this project, the following resources were published in early 2023. Each resource can be accessed by clicking the corresponding link.
A Practical Guide for Environmental Inspectors
A comprehensive document organized in a practical, easy-to-use format (i.e., by stages of construction) to provide guidance regarding environmental inspection during both pipeline and facilities construction.
Environmental Inspection Career Roadmap
A visual "roadmap" detailing the typical minimum requirements and progression of a career in environmental inspection; this map represents a supplement to a previous roadmap developed for pipeline construction inspection.
Pipeline Construction Environmental Inspector Position Profile
An industry consensus-based occupational profile detailing the typical competencies (knowledge, skills, experience, and behaviour) and requirements for environmental inspection available for reference by both potential employees as well as employers.
The Province of Alberta is working in partnership with the Government of Canada to provide employment support programs and services.
Funding provided by the Government of Canada through the Canada–Alberta Job Fund.
