Roads and Permits Coordinator - Pipelines

Job Description

Roads and Permits Coordinator - Pipelines

We are seeking an experienced Roads and Permits Coordinator (Contract) for a large-diameter pipeline project in British Columbia. The role involves overseeing the development and maintenance of access roads and managing all permits and regulatory approvals required for the project. This senior-level position requires a strong background in permitting for major projects in BC and close coordination with regulators such as the BC Oil & Gas Commission, Ministry of Forests, Ministry of Transportation, and other relevant agencies. The Roads and Permits Coordinator will ensure that construction access and related activities comply with provincial regulations and project timelines.

Key Responsibilities

• Access road planning: Plan, coordinate, and oversee the development of access roads, work pads, and related infrastructure to support pipeline construction across remote and rugged terrain. Work with engineering teams to determine optimal routes for temporary and permanent roads, considering slope, soil conditions, and environmental impact.
• Permit management: Manage the end-to-end permitting process for all project needs outside the pipeline right-of-way. This includes preparing and submitting applications such as Road Use Permits, Occupant Licence to Cut (for clearing timber on access routes), Land Act permits for laydown areas, water crossing permits, and any municipal permits required. Ensure permit applications are complete, accurate, and submitted in a timely manner.
• Regulatory liaison: Liaise with provincial and local regulatory bodies to obtain necessary approvals. Maintain regular communication with the BC Oil & Gas Commission, Ministry of Forests, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, and environmental regulators to facilitate timely reviews and address any questions or conditions. Act as the primary point of contact for inspectors or officials regarding road construction and land use permits.
• Compliance assurance: Ensure all conditions attached to permits and licenses are clearly communicated to construction teams and contractors. Monitor field activities to verify compliance with permit conditions (e.g. environmental mitigation measures, seasonal restrictions, archeological site avoidance, etc.). Maintain a permit register tracking the status, expiry, and conditions of each permit, and proactively handle renewals or amendments as the project evolves.
• Inter-department coordination: Work closely with the project’s Environmental, Forestry, and Construction teams to align road building with other project activities. Coordinate scheduling so that clearing and construction of access roads occur in the correct sequence and meet the project’s needs without violating any permit stipulations.
• Issue resolution: Lead the resolution of any issues related to roads or permits. If a non-compliance or variance occurs, develop an action plan and work with regulators to mitigate impacts and get back into compliance. Adjust road alignments or construction methods in response to unexpected site conditions or stakeholder concerns, while securing necessary approvals for changes.
• Stakeholder engagement: Coordinate with Indigenous communities, private landowners, and other stakeholders as needed for access agreements and notifications. Ensure that agreements with First Nations or local landholders regarding land access or road use are respected and integrated into project plans.
• Progress reporting: Provide regular updates to project leadership on the status of road construction and permitting. Prepare reports and attend project meetings to outline what permits are in place, upcoming approval milestones, and any risks to the schedule related to permitting or land access.
• Safety and best practices: Oversee road construction contractors to ensure they adhere to provincial safety regulations (WorkSafeBC) and environmental best practices. Verify that erosion control, sediment management, and wildlife protection measures are implemented during road building. Stop or modify work if needed to remain in compliance with safety or permit requirements.
  
  

Qualifications & Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s degree or diploma in civil engineering, environmental science, land use planning, or a related discipline. Equivalent combination of education and extensive experience in permitting/coordinator roles will be considered.
• Experience: 10+ years of experience in project coordination or permitting roles for large infrastructure projects, with at least 5 years specific to pipeline, oil & gas, or heavy civil projects in British Columbia. Proven track record in managing permits and access road development on large-diameter pipeline projects in BC is highly desirable.
• Regulatory expertise: Deep familiarity with BC’s regulatory framework for resource development. Strong knowledge of the BC Oil & Gas Commission’s permit process for pipelines and ancillary activities, the Ministry of Forests requirements for land clearing and road use on Crown land, and relevant regulations from the Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure for public road crossings or modifications. Experience navigating environmental regulations (e.g. Water Sustainability Act permits, Wildlife Act considerations) in a project context.
• Technical skills: Proficiency in permit tracking and project management software to organize permitting activities and documentation. Comfortable using GIS mapping tools to review road alignments and environmental constraints. Strong ability to read engineering drawings, maps, and legal land descriptions.
• Project and terrain knowledge: Hands-on experience with road design or construction in remote and forested terrain. Understanding of forest road engineering principles, sediment and erosion control, and challenges such as steep grades, heavy rainfall, or winter conditions common in BC interior and coastal regions.
• Communication and leadership: Excellent communication skills to effectively work with regulatory officials, contractors, engineers, and community stakeholders. Proven ability to lead coordination meetings and resolve conflicts. Experience working with or within Indigenous communities on land access or permitting issues is an asset.
• Organizational ability: Exceptional organizational and time-management skills. Capable of managing dozens of permits and approval processes in parallel, keeping track of critical deadlines and conditions. Detail-oriented approach to ensure nothing is overlooked in compliance documentation.
• Safety and compliance mindset: Strong commitment to health, safety, and environmental compliance. Familiarity with WorkSafeBC regulations and safe work practices for construction and forestry activities. Demonstrated record of promoting a safety-first culture with contractors and crews.
• Contract terms: Willingness to engage in a contract role based in BC. Ability to travel to field sites regularly and spend time at project locations as needed (e.g. during critical road construction phases or regulatory inspections).
  
  

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