The Geothermal Energy Technical Coordinator position is a one-year term with the Municipality of the County of Cumberland. The Coordinator’s primary workplace will be the offices of the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and Renewables (DNRR) in Halifax. The Coordinator will report to the Geothermal Project Lead within the Operations, Infrastructure and Regulations Branch of DNRR and will play an important role in assisting the Municipality and DNRR further initiatives regarding the scoping of Cumberland Basin for geothermal energy resource potential.
DNRR has recently conducted two geothermal research studies, including a preliminary resource evaluation and a follow-up economic modelling project. The first study and concluding report describe local and regional geologic factors and the geothermal potential in Nova Scotia. The second study compared economic feasibility of various case study reports in different geologic basins and depths around Nova Scotia. Some key findings were that the province’s geothermal resource potential is highest in the Cumberland, Stellarton, and Windsor basins. Of those, the Springhill area of Cumberland County is the only part of the province already using geothermal resources and utilizing this technology successfully at shallow depths. The province and the Municipality require a comprehensive and thorough review of existing data and opportunities.
Primary Responsibilities
Geothermal Data Gathering and Resource Evaluation
o Update data from the existing geothermal users in Springhill to calculate efficiency and benefits of utilizing geothermal energy versus cost and highlighting any savings and/or potential. o Integrate geo-science interpretations using geophysics, modeling and well data analysis.
o Review geologic, deep seismic, and well data to identify potential resource aquifers and make recommendations for in-depth drilling.
o Identify target geology and gap analysis for additional research.
Geothermal Economic Utilization
o Identify ideal applications of local geothermal energy resources.
o Develop cost models for pilot project scenarios and identify potential funding sources to validate the mid-depth resources opportunity (e.g., federal programs, research funding, low-emission community projects, etc.).
Locating a pilot project
o Develop a GIS map of pilot locations and provide background reasoning including documentation, surface land analysis, subsurface resources, utilization, and risks.
Supply Chain/Logistical Considerations
o Develop supply chain network and establish materials to support future funding opportunities.
Working Group Participation
o Contribute updates regularly to the Research Advisory Committee comprised of representatives from both the Municipality and DNRR.
Qualifications and Experience
A university degree in geology or a related field, or an equivalent combination of training, education, and related experience, is required. Related experience could include working within the energy industry on project research and innovation. Knowledge and analysis of sustainable development (environmental, social, economic) with regard to Nova Scotia’s natural resources would be considered an asset. Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application. A valid Driver’s License is required.
Additional Information
This is a one-year term position based in Halifax with the requirement for regular travel to various locations and worksites in Cumberland County. The normal work week will be 35 hours, 7 hours per day, Monday to Friday.
Compensation
The salary for this position is $64,000 per year (before deductions), paid bi-weekly. Term positions do not qualify for the Municipality’s health and pension plans.
Working Conditions
This role is based in a normal office environment and will include working at a computer station for extended periods of time. This role does entail a high volume of work which may require longer than normal working hours. Compensation for longer than normal working hours will be in the form of time off, on an ‘hour for hour’ basis (i.e. ‘straight time’). Due to the multiple spheres of action and the scope of responsibilities for this position, significant effort will be required.
All applicants must include a resume and a cover letter. The Municipality will begin reviewing applications and scheduling interviews on February 17, 2023. This competition will remain open until the position is filled. The Municipality would like to fill this one year term position before the end of March, 2023.
Please forward your cover letter and resume by email to:
Municipality of the County of Cumberland Kellie Seaman, Human Resources Generalist & Safety Advisor kseaman@cumberlandcounty.ns.ca
*Clearly mark your resume “Geothermal Coordinator (1 Year Term)