Operations Manager, Permitting & Protection

As the province’s largest energy provider with more than 100 years of knowledge and experience, we proudly deliver renewable energy, natural gas, electricity, and propane to 1.3 million customers. We’re actively seeking new talent to join our mission of delivering a stronger energy future in B.C. As one of BC’s Top Employers with a diverse team of over 2,800 employees, we are committed to a safe and inclusive culture where each of us can connect, belong, and grow. Join us and together we’ll shape a brighter future for B.C.

Position Overview

Reporting to the Chief Engineer – Transmission, this position is accountable for overseeing all activities related to permitting, compliance, and enforcement for works occurring near high‑pressure natural gas pipelines within or outside designated rights‑of‑way. This role ensures regulatory adherence, operational safety, and protection of pipeline integrity by managing permitting processes, supervising inspection teams, and addressing unauthorized activities and encroachments.

In this role you will:

• Lead and manage a team responsible for receiving, reviewing, evaluating, approving, and issuing permits for activities conducted near high‑pressure natural gas pipelines both within and outside dedicated rights‑of‑way.
• Ensure all permits comply with regulatory requirements, safety standards, and internal policies and procedures.
• Continuously improve permitting processes and maintain accurate and up‑to‑date documentation.
• Lead a team of supervisors responsible for inspections across the province that are tasked with monitoring permitted activities to ensure compliance with permit conditions.
• Establish and implement inspection protocols and reporting systems to track compliance and identify risks.
• Manage personnel tasked with identifying and addressing unauthorized activities near pipelines.
• Manage resolution of encroachments built within rights‑of‑way without authorization, including enforcement actions and remediation plans.
• Coordinate with legal, regulatory, and land management teams to ensure timely and effective resolution to unauthorised activities and encroachments.
• Serve as the primary liaison with third‑party contractors, property owners, municipalities and regulatory agencies regarding permitting and compliance matters.
• Monitor and report on compliance trends, unauthorised activity trends and encroachment cases.
• Liaise with internal stakeholders for matters related to permitting, inspections and encroachments.
• Establish a relationship with peers in the industry to stay up to date on latest trends and learnings related to permitting and compliance.
• Assist with vegetation management program as required.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or Diploma of Technology in a related discipline from a recognised institution.
• Certified Member of the Applied Science Technologists & Technicians of BC or an equivalent professional designation considered an asset.
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in a leadership capacity or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, conflict resolution, de‑escalation and problem‑solving skills.
• Skilled in making sound decisions under pressure and within tight timelines while safeguarding the company’s operational, regulatory and financial interests.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders including property owners, contractors, municipalities, crown corporations and regulatory agencies.
• Strong computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
• Ability to travel throughout the province as required by operational needs.
• Valid Class 5 BC driver’s licence is required.
• Knowledge of high‑pressure natural gas pipeline systems considered an asset.
• May be required to participate in on‑call program.

What it takes:

• Knowledge of budget concepts and principles.
• Regulatory framework, requirements, codes and business model.
• Safety management processes and procedures.
• Project management procedures and practices.
• Human resource policies and procedures including matters related to labour relations, recruitment and performance management.

And demonstrated ability to:

• Provide effective leadership and guidance to staff.
• Respond to emergencies and co‑ordinate activities under stressful situations.
• Effectively manage projects/programs and related costs.
• Communicate clearly and professionally both verbally and in writing with internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage competing priorities and demanding work schedules.
• Apply conflict resolution skills.

You will be accountable for:

• Justification and development of operating budgets.
• Tracking and reporting costs against planned expenditures.
• Tracking and reporting on activities against plans.
• Ensuring team performance in the execution of assigned activities.

In this role you will have the option to participate in a flexible work program enabling you to work from an approved flex location in British Columbia up to 85 days a year (approximately two days a week) subject to business or operational needs. Our engaging workplace offers a wide range of challenging opportunities while being safe, inclusive and diverse. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package while supporting life‑long career development. We also encourage volunteerism and nourish the need to give back to your community.

FortisBC acknowledges and respects Indigenous Peoples in Canada on whose Traditional Territories we all live and work. FortisBC is committed to Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and is guided by our Statement of Indigenous Principles.