Director, Recreation, Ecosystem and Land Management

Role Responsibilities

Reporting to the Executive Director of Lands Delivery and Coordination South, the Director leads the implementation of the Recreation, Ecosystem and Land Management Program to achieve recreation, land and ecosystem outcomes. A central aspect of this role is developing and maintaining strategic partnerships with stakeholders and regulators to manage large-scale land challenges.

The Director oversees a broad portfolio aligned with Alberta’s triple bottom line framework—economic, environmental and social including Crown Land recreation management, conservation lands, Collaboration with Integrated Lands Delivery managers ensures that approvals and authorizations meet environmental policies as well as planning objectives.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for Alberta’s Crown land recreation portfolio, including implementation of the Trails Act, development and execution of Trail Management Plans, operational delivery, and planning and delivery of capital infrastructure. Lead the design and administration of recreation grant programs, foster strong partnerships with trail managers, Indigenous communities, stakeholders, and non-profit organizations, and guide integrated recreation and trail planning across the region.
• Provide strategic oversight of protected area and ecosystem management, including the development of management plans, threat assessments, ecological monitoring, and large-scale restoration initiatives.
• Foster strategic partnerships and cross-sector collaboration with Indigenous communities, government bodies, non-government agencies, and other stakeholders to address environmental impacts, promote integrated resource management, and advance shared land stewardship outcomes.
• Provide leadership on complex, cross-cutting Crown land files that involve multiple stakeholders, and require integrated land management approaches to resolve competing interests and deliver balanced outcomes.
• Provide leadership to two senior managers and a team of over 30 professionals, offering strategic direction, mentorship, and performance oversight. Foster a collaborative and high-performing culture, conduct evaluations based on clear metrics, and support staff development and career advancement across the team.
• Maintain oversight of an operational budget of  approximately $10M annually.
• Demonstrate up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation and regulatory requirements, including upcoming changes and anticipated impacts.

Please click on this link to view the job description.

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.
 

• Systems Thinking: Work within a broadly defined conceptual framework and manage multiple complex issues, programs and functions while delivering results as well as creative solutions within rigid time frames.
• Creative Problem Solving: Research, analyze and problem solve to assess and respond to varied and complex issues through synthesizing different viewpoints and risks while making decisions align with legislation and Ministry as well as government business priorities, direction and intent.
• Drive for Results: Assure continuous improvement business flow process development and understanding and application of risk analysis, risk mitigation and risk communication to promote risk tolerance among staff.
• Agility: Lead and promote innovation, build consensus and motivate others to accept as well as adopt innovative concepts and approaches.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Completed university degree (4 years) in resource management, environmental sciences, environmental or natural resource law or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of directly related experience including senior leadership roles.
   

Equivalency: Related education or experience may be considered on one year of education for one year of experience or vice versa.
 

Assets:

• Demonstrated experience providing leadership to multidisciplinary teams in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment.
• Strong conflict resolution and negotiation skills, with the ability to navigate sensitive issues and competing interests.
• Proven ability to manage large and complex budgets, including strategic planning and financial oversight.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport and work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including Indigenous communities, government partners, and non-governmental organizations.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Familiarity with Alberta’s Crown land legislation, land use planning frameworks and conservation strategies is an advantage.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience preparing briefing materials and communicating effectively with executive leadership.

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 position has historically been located in Calgary, other locations in the South region may be considered.

Monday – Friday, 7.25 hours per day / 36.25 hours per week

Final candidates will be required to undergo a security screening.

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. 

What the GoA has to offer:

•    Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx.
•    Management Employees Pension Plan (MEPP) - https://www.mepp.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.

Resources for Applicants:

• https://www.alberta.ca/apply-for-jobs-with-the-alberta-public-service.aspx.
• https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-hiring-process.aspx.
• https://alis.alberta.ca/look-for-work/.