Agri-Environmental Analyst

Role Responsibilities

Are you passionate about agriculture and the environment? Do you want to play a critical role in developing policy and program options related to agri-environmental and climate change matters in Alberta? Then this opportunity is for you!

We are seeking an Agri-Environmental Analyst to join our team and help us understand the environmental issues and priorities facing Alberta's primary agriculture industry. As the Agri-Environmental Analyst, you will have four core functions.

1. You will play a central role in the development of Ministry strategic initiatives and policy options related to agri-environmental and climate change matters.
2. You will engage provincial and national government, non-governmental, and industry partners on key agri-environmental files. 
3. You will support planning, development, and evaluation of industry-facing grant programs related to resource management, environmental sustainability, and climate change in primary agriculture. 
4. You will fill an integral role in performance measurement and evaluation on agri-environmental matters.

The Agri-Environmental Analyst collaborates with a diverse network of contacts, including primary agriculture stakeholders, to identify and evaluate complex issues impacting the Ministry and develop policy and programming options. They also support the planning, development, and evaluation of agri-environmental programs, identify potential funding sources, and report on appropriate performance measures. This role has a direct impact on the effectiveness of Ministry initiatives and federal-provincial partnerships and contributes to addressing agri-environmental pressures and challenges in Alberta's primary agriculture sector.

We are looking for a candidate who has a solid understanding of complex and interrelated systems, considerable creativity and originality, and an ability to think independently to manage risks and issues. You should also possess excellent collaboration and communication skills to work effectively with internal and external partners.

If you are passionate about agriculture and the environment and want to make a difference in Alberta's primary agriculture industry, apply today!

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: Needs to understand how different elements of the agri-environmental system (e.g., policies, programs, stakeholders) interact and influence each other. Must be able to think holistically and identify opportunities for synergy and collaboration among different initiatives.
• Drive for Results means staying focused on goals and exceeding expectations. You’ll need to plan effectively, hold yourself and others accountable, and build partnerships to deliver high-quality outcomes on time.
• Build Collaborative Environments: Needs to work with a diverse network of contacts reaching many levels of government, private industry, and non-government organizations. Building and maintaining relationships and collaborating with different stakeholders will be essential to accomplish goals and develop effective policies and programs.
• Agility is about thriving in a changing environment. Success requires adapting to new challenges, staying composed under pressure, and proactively improving processes while remaining creative and resourceful.

Qualifications

University graduation in a related field (environmental science, agriculture, public policy or related) plus 4 years progressively responsible related experience (agri-environmental policy development or related); or equivalent as described below. 

Directly related education or experience considered on the basis of: 

• 1 year of education for 1 year of experience; or
• 1 year of experience for 1 year of education.

Assets:

• Experience writing documents (e.g., briefing notes/papers) for senior decision-makers that summarize an issue, identify key information, and provide options/recommendations
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Knowledge of a broad range of agri-environmental issues in Alberta
• Knowledge of a broad range of agricultural practices and equipment in Alberta
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to build relationships and collaborate with a diverse network of contacts
• Demonstrated proficiency in project management
• Experience leading the development of funding proposals
• Strong ability to work effectively as part of a team

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

Term of Employment: Temporary, Full-time position (Up to 12 months) covering a maternity leave.

Hours of Work: 7.25 hours daily / 36.25 weekly – Monday to Friday

Location: Edmonton, Alberta (J. G. O' Donoghue Building)

Final candidates will be required to undergo a security screening.

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 We Offer:

• 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
• 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
• Leadership and mentorship programs