What you will do:
In this role, you will contribute directly to work that supports AECL's priorities and delivers outcomes that matter to Canada.
We're looking for a
Director, Decommissioning and Waste Management who is motivated by responsible environmental stewardship, disciplined owner-side oversight, and the opportunity to help shape work that reduces Canada's radioactive waste liabilities and enables AECL's broader mission delivery.
Reporting to the Executive Vice President, Integrated Mission Delivery, you will provide owner-side oversight of decommissioning, waste management, fuel-related activities, and environmental remediation programs delivered through AECL's contractor-operated model. You will lead a team responsible for monitoring performance across these portfolios and ensuring priorities, risks, funding, milestones, closure evidence, field observations, and outcomes are assessed through a disciplined, risk-informed, and evidence-based oversight approach.
As AECL's senior authority for oversight within these areas, you will provide assurance related to liability reduction, environmental outcomes, contractor performance, and value-for-money. Your work will support governance, risk management, executive decision-making, and accountability to Canadians, while also helping AECL contribute to sound radioactive waste management approaches in Canada and, where appropriate, in international forums.
This is a dynamic opportunity to collaborate with executives, technical specialists, government partners, regulators, Indigenous communities, CNL, and other vested parties. You will work closely with other IMD Directors to connect decommissioning and waste management oversight with capital and enabling infrastructure, field-informed evidence, site operations, risk assurance, due diligence, and integrated mission priorities. You will bring strategic thinking, technical judgment, and leadership to complex issues while ensuring AECL maintains its role as an informed owner focused on transparency, accountability, and long-term outcomes.
At AECL, we value strong relationships, evidence-based decision-making, continuous improvement, and responsible stewardship. If you're looking for a role where your expertise helps reduce long-term liabilities, strengthen radioactive waste management outcomes, enable AECL's broader mission, and deliver lasting public value for Canada, this is your opportunity to make a difference.
What you bring:
We recognize that no candidate will meet every requirement. If your experience aligns with the core responsibilities of this role, we encourage you to apply.
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science, Environmental Management, or a related discipline.
- Professional designation such as P.Eng. or certification in project, program, environmental, or risk management is considered an asset.
- Extensive experience in nuclear decommissioning, radioactive waste management, environmental remediation, legacy site management, or similarly complex regulated technical environments.
- Demonstrated experience assessing complex engineering, environmental, operational, field, regulatory, and program delivery information.
- Experience overseeing large-scale, multi-site programs involving technical, environmental, funding, schedule, regulatory, and stakeholder considerations.
- Experience working within a Government-Owned, Contractor-Operated (GoCo) model, owner-side oversight model, major contractor delivery environment, or comparable assurance and governance model is considered an asset.
- Knowledge of liability management approaches, lifecycle planning, end-state strategy, closure evidence, and long-term environmental remediation or stewardship strategies.
- Demonstrated ability to use evidence, risk information, performance trends, field observations, and program data to challenge assumptions, identify emerging issues, and support executive decision-making.
- Demonstrated ability to connect portfolio-level technical, environmental, and program information to broader enterprise priorities, including integrated planning, risk assurance, infrastructure readiness, field evidence, government reporting, and long-term mission delivery outcomes.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate complex technical, environmental, and risk-based information to executive, government, Indigenous, community, and external audiences.
- Proven leadership, relationship management, decision-making, change leadership, and risk management capabilities.
What we bring:
- The hiring range for this role is between $169,900 and $212,300 based on compensable factors such as qualifications and experience.
- The full salary range for this role is broader than the hiring range. Employees progress through the salary scale over time in accordance with AECL's compensation philosophy and procedures.
- Comprehensive medical and dental benefits through the Government of Canada, providing stability and peace of mind so you can focus on your work and well-being.
- Participation in the Public Service Pension Plan, an indexed, defined-benefit pension plan that supports long-term financial security and helps you plan confidently for retirement.
- Vacation, personal and floating days, recognizing the importance of rest and balance in support of your physical and mental wellbeing.
- A confidential Employee & Family Assistance Program, providing support for you and your family during life's challenges, so help is available when it's needed most.
- A flexible hybrid work model, supporting focus and flexibility while maintaining strong in-person collaboration through four days in the office or on-site.
- Paid time off during the year-end holiday period, from December 24 through January 1, giving you dedicated time to rest, recharge, and spend time in ways that matter most to you.
- Performance-based incentives, reflecting the value of meaningful contributions and delivered outcomes.
What you can expect:
- Location: This role is based out of AECL's Chalk River, Ontario office location.
- Chalk River Commute: If you will be working at our Chalk River office, you will need your own personal transportation. There is no public transit to the site.
- Hybrid Work Model: AECL follows a hybrid work approach. On-site presence is required four days per week (Monday to Thursday) to support operational needs and role responsibilities.
- Security Clearance: The selected candidate must successfully meet Government of Canada security clearance requirements.
- Application Process: While we sincerely appreciate all applications, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
- Language Preference: Preference may be given to individuals who are bilingual.
Ready to Apply?
If this opportunity aligns with your experience and interests, we encourage you to submit your application.
Application Deadline: August 24, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET
