Forest Health and Adaptation Officer

Role Responsibilities

As a Forest Health & Adaptation Officer, you will play a pivotal role in the development and implementation of strategies, programs, and initiatives aimed at enhancing the long-term sustainability and resilience of Alberta's forests.  Your responsibilities will involve collaborating with diverse organizations and contributing significantly to a wider climate change adaptation community of practice dedicated to supporting Alberta’s forests amidst climate change challenges.  This senior-level role entails a multifaceted approach, emphasizing forest health management, climate change adaptation, and fostering collaboration with a range of stakeholders.  Participate as a member of the Forest Health and Adaptation team in interdepartmental efforts to address, organize, and document initiatives aimed at advancing Divisional climate change adaptation goals. 
 

• Coordinates work to broadly include climate change considerations in forest management decision making ,legislation, and policies.
• Informs knowledge, data and resource priorities to support the consideration of climate change in decision making. 
• Monitor and track climate policy trends, emerging issues, and conducts jurisdictional scans.
• Implement strategies to educate the forest industry on climate impacts and health management.
• Maintain a monitoring program for climate-related forest changes.
• Participate in climate adaptation research and project management.
• Engage stakeholders and provide recommendations on climate action and resilience.
• Coordinate with other jurisdictions for a strategic approach to climate action. 
• Collaborate with Regional Forest Health Officers for program development and implementation of climate adaptation initiatives

If you have expertise in climate impacts, experience in developing and implementing climate change mitigation and adaptation activities related to forests, proficiency in developing, implementing, and evaluating climate change policies, and are dedicated to safeguarding the health and sustainability of Alberta's forests, we welcome you to apply for this critical role in shaping the future of our forests.
 

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies: https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.

About Your Competencies:

• Drive for Results: Strives to exceed objectives and maximize resources to achieve results aligned with the goals of the department, considerate to both internal and external stakeholders;
• Develop Networks: Maintains close relations with all stakeholders, actively incorporates the needs of the broader group, and ensures overall client satisfaction;
• Build Collaborative Environments: Takes a collaborative approach with your work to foster open communication and leverage team skills;
• Agility: Identifies alternative approaches in uncertain, complex situations, supporting others in determining and assessing strategy;
• Systems Thinking: Considers the changing environment, recognizing the work impacting a vast network of stakeholders; 
   

Qualifications

Minimum Recruitment Standard: 
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field to natural resources, climate and environmental change (e.g. Environmental Science, Biology, Natural Resources and Sustainability, Climate Science) plus 6 (Six) years of relevant work experience in developing and implementing climate change mitigation and adaptation activities concerning forest management and renewal practices, and/or expertise in developing, implementing, and evaluating climate change policies related to forests.
 

Equivalency: 

• A two-year diploma in a relevant field (e.g., environmental policy, forestry, natural resources) combined with 8 years of related experience, with a particular focus on climate mitigation and adaptation, climate action, and disaster risk reduction.
• Additional related education considered in lieu of experience on a one-for-one basis.

The following are strongly desired assets: 

• Completion of post-secondary training in project management with respect to climate change mitigation, and adaptation
• A strong understanding of the importance of climate and adaptation initiatives, and adept at effectively managing time across research, policy development, and relationship building.
• A proactive individual with comprehensive knowledge of Alberta’s legislative framework relevant to forests and land use
• Able to manage competing perspectives to help build strong relationships of trust and collaboration between partners and communities
• Able to maintain a high level of productivity with the ability to seek and take direction
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• In-depth working knowledge of forestry policies and forest management planning processes.
• Experience in designing and facilitating interactive and engaging meetings/workshops, project coordination and management, budgeting/finances and report writing
   

Additional requirements include:

• A valid Class 5 Driver’s License or equivalent 

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. 
Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards

Notes

This is a permanent, full-time role with the standard weekly work hours of 36.25, Monday to Friday. The incumbent may be requested to work overtime, evenings and weekends due to the emergency nature of wildfires.

Travel within the area and throughout the province will be required as part of your responsibilities to coordinate with Ministry staff and colleagues, other government departments, clients, and other external stakeholders.

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in.

Final candidates will be required to undergo a security screening.

• Links and information on what the GoA has to offer to prospective employees.
• Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.ca
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits
• Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance
• Opportunity to participate in flexible work arrangements such as working from home up to two days per week and modified work schedule agreement
• Leadership and mentorship programs