Rangeland Agrologist

Role Responsibilities

Are you passionate about sustainable land stewardship and supporting Alberta’s agricultural community? Join the Department of Forestry and Parks, Lands Operations Division, where your expertise will directly influence how public lands are managed for grazing, cultivation, and haying. As a Rangeland Agrologist, you’ll play a critical role in balancing ecological integrity with responsible economic development—ensuring Alberta’s agricultural crown lands remain productive, sustainable, and accessible for generations to come.

Reporting to the Rangeland Approvals Team Lead, the Rangeland Agrologist delivers the Rangeland, Forest Reserve, and Provincial Grazing Reserve Approvals programs under the Public Lands Act and Forest Reserve Act. This is a regulatory land management role that requires strong professional judgment and deep knowledge of agricultural crown land management. The position involves making integrated decisions that support sustainable agriculture, protect ecological values, and enable responsible land use.

Working closely with internal teams, partner agencies, stakeholders, and Indigenous communities—including First Nations and Métis Settlements—you will help guide land allocation, approvals, and land management practices. You will also represent local interests in regional and provincial working groups, contributing your expertise to the development of policies, regulations, and land management strategies.

Your key responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

• Assessing and auditing agricultural dispositions on crown lands within the current regulatory framework
• Issuing approvals and authorizations in accordance with applicable legislation, regulations, and program requirements
• Managing and administering Alberta’s vacant public lands while participating in integrated land management decisions
• Evaluating the highest and best sustainable agricultural use of public lands to support development, conservation, and stewardship
• Contributing expertise to the development of land management policies, operational procedures, and program improvements
• Providing subject matter expertise on legislation and regulatory processes to support transparent and effective program delivery
• Collaborating with government partners, stakeholders, and Indigenous communities through referrals, consultation, and engagement
• Representing district and regional interests on regional and provincial working groups
• Supporting the Ministry by delivering professional services aligned with the Alberta Public Service, values of respect, accountability, integrity, and excellence

If you are motivated to contribute your expertise to responsible land stewardship while supporting Alberta’s agricultural sector, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on how public lands are managed across the province.

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

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.

• Agility - Ability to anticipate, assess, and readily adapt to changing priorities, maintain resilience and work effectively in changing environments. 
  
  
• Creative Problem Solving - Ability to assess options and develop solutions to complex problems by seeking clarity, challenge processes, integrate perspectives, and identify alternative solutions.
  
  
• Systems Thinking - Work done is part of a larger integrated and inner-related environment. Allows us to keep broader impacts and connections in mind.
  
  
• Develop Networks - Proactively building networks, connecting, and building trust in relationships with stakeholders.
  
  
• Drive for Results - Knowing what outcomes are important and maximizing resources to achieve results that are aligned with the goals of the organization while maintaining accountability. 
  
  

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

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• A completed university degree in Agriculture, Environmental Sciences, or a related field.
• Minimum 3 years of related experience.

Equivalences may be considered.

Requirements:

• Currently registered as a Professional Agrologist or eligible for in-training status (AIT) from the Alberta Institute of Agrologists (AIA).
• A valid Class 5 Driver’s License (or equivalent) with a clean driving record.
• Standard First Aid and Basic CPR.

 
Assets:

• Experience with plant community classification, range and riparian management and health assessments, forage and livestock production, plant identification, soil science, reclamation techniques, water resources.
• Comprehensive knowledge of regulatory requirements within acts such as the Public Lands Act and applicable regulations, Water Act, Parks Act, Forest and Prairie Protection Act, Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act, etc. Weed Control Act.
• Experience with managing competing land use values, including timber production, wildlife management, industrial activities, and recreational activities.
• Skills in mediation, negotiation and conflict resolution to effectively manage the interests in a wide variety of stakeholders.
• Experience using ArcGIS or other GIS mapping software.
• Experience with four-wheel drive and off-highway vehicles (OHVs), working alone in remote areas where livestock and wildlife are present.

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 full-time temporary position with an estimated end time of Sept 27, 2027. Located in Athabasca. Monday to Friday, 7.25 hours per day, 36.25 hours per week.

This position requires extensive fieldwork, operating off highway/ATV vehicles, driving on gravel roads (and highway) and working alone around livestock in remote areas where wildlife may be present.

Candidates may be required to complete a written assignment as part of the interview process.

Instructions for your Resume:

For Employment Experience:

• Please indicate duration of employment (month, year).
• Please specify employment status (i.e. casual, part-time or full-time).
• Example Foreman, January 2006 - June 2009, Part time (three, 8-hour shifts/week).

For Post-Secondary Education:

• Please specify your major and length of program.
• Please specify the year you graduated.
• Example: Bachelor of Science, 4-year Degree (Graduated 2017).

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.

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.