Director, Conservation Risk Mitigation

Role Responsibilities

Reporting to the Executive Director, Fish and Wildlife Stewardship Branch, the Director, Conservation Risk Mitigation provides provincial leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for programs that identify, assess, and mitigate risks to Alberta’s fish, wildlife, habitats, and biodiversity. This position ensures effective policy development, program delivery, and cross-jurisdictional coordination related to aquatic invasive species, wildlife disease, aquatic health, and habitat stewardship.

The role operates within a complex, multi-stakeholder environment and represents the Ministry on provincial, national, and intergovernmental committees, task forces, and working groups.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for provincial programs addressing aquatic invasive species, aquatic health, wildlife disease, habitat stewardship, and science-based policy.
• Direct planning, delivery, and evaluation of aquatic invasive species and fish and wildlife disease surveillance, monitoring, analysis, and response initiatives across Alberta.
• Lead development and implementation of legislation, regulations, policies, and frameworks that support conservation risk mitigation and biodiversity protection.
• Manage financial, human, and operational resources in alignment with government legislation, policies, and administrative procedures.
• Build and sustain collaborative relationships with provincial and federal partners, Indigenous communities, stakeholders, academia, industry, and conservation organizations.
• Provide strategic advice, executive briefings, and recommendations on emerging risks, issues, and mitigation strategies.
• Recruit, lead, and develop multidisciplinary teams while fostering a respectful, inclusive, and high-performing work environment.

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.

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

Position specific competencies:

• Systems Thinking: Understands complex relationships between wildlife, habitats, and ecosystems to make informed strategic decisions.
• Drive for Results: Leads programs that protect biodiversity, setting priorities and ensuring effective, measurable outcomes across Alberta.
• Build Collaborative Environments: Builds strong partnerships with teams, stakeholders, and organizations to achieve conservation goals.
• Agility: Responds quickly to emerging environmental threats, invasive species, or wildlife health issues while guiding teams through complex, changing situations.

Qualifications

Required:

• Education: A bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, conservation science, ecology, fish and wildlife health, or a related discipline.
• Experience: Minimum 6 years of leadership experience managing programs in fish and wildlife, habitat, invasive species, or wildlife/fish disease at the regional or provincial level.
• Equivalency: Related experience or education may be considered as an equivalency on a one-for-one basis.

Assets:

• Supervisory or management experience of professional and technical staff.
• Knowledge of Alberta and federal legislation and policies related to fish and wildlife management, biodiversity, aquatic invasive species, and land/water use.
• Experience collaborating with government partners, stakeholders, Indigenous communities, and external organizations.
• Experience with government planning processes, budgeting, and administrative protocols.

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

Additional Position Details:

• This full-time, permanent position is based in Edmonton or surrounding area, Alberta. The work schedule is Monday to Friday, from 8:15 AM to 4:30 PM, totaling 36.25 hours per week, with occasional extended hours for field visits, travel, or urgent program priorities.
• The role is primarily office-based but involves some fieldwork, including at watercraft inspection and decontamination stations, habitat sites, and community locations, as well as participation in intergovernmental, stakeholder, and partner meetings. The position involves leading multi-disciplinary teams and making high-impact decisions that influence conservation programs, environmental policy, and resource management across Alberta. The work environment is collaborative and fast-paced, requiring strategic thinking, adaptability, and strong leadership. The Director is expected to foster a safe, inclusive, and resilient workplace culture while navigating complex challenges, emerging risks, and diverse stakeholder interests.
• Resume Instructions: Please submit a cover letter and an updated resume. In your resume, clearly indicate the duration of each position by specifying the month and year, along with your employment status (for example, casual, part-time, or full-time). For instance: Program Manager-Fish and Wildlife, January 2020 to September 2023, Full-time (40 hours per week). For your post-secondary education, include the credential earned, major or area of study, length of the program, and year of graduation. For example: Bachelor of Science in Conservation Biology, 4-year program, Graduated 2019. Your cover letter and resume should clearly demonstrate how your education and experience relate to the duties and qualifications of this Director, Conservation Risk Mitigation position.
• 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.
  
  

Notes cont.

Links and information on what the GoA have to offer to prospective employees.
 

• 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.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.