Director, Environmental Lands Policy and Programs

Role Responsibilities

Are you passionate about shaping the future of Alberta’s landscapes and biodiversity? Consider joining us as the Director of Environmental Lands Policy and Programs, where your leadership will drive impactful conservation and nature positive practices across provincial public and private lands.

As a strategic leader, you will oversee the development and implementation of land conservation policies (and associated legislation and regulations) that protect Alberta’s rich biodiversity, as well as support the land stewardship fund programs. This role demands exceptional problem-solving abilities, including analyzing intricate systems, evolving policy frameworks, enhancing organizational capacity, and engaging and supporting team members. Effective problem-solving necessitates a strategic mindset to connect related challenges while considering diverse stakeholder viewpoints and government priorities. Success in this role involves fostering strong collaborations with senior staff within our department as well as across multiple departments and agencies, to enable successful navigation of government decision-making processes.

Other responsibilities may include:

Policy Leadership and Development

Oversee the Environmental Lands Policy and Program Section, guiding the creation and implementation of legislation, regulations, and strategic frameworks that support biodiversity outcomes. Collaborate across departments to ensure conservation policies are integrated province wide. Lead initiatives such as Alberta’s Nature Strategy, nature-based solutions, ecosystem services valuation, and conservation offset policies. Provide expert advice and briefing materials for senior leadership and elected officials.

Program Delivery and Stewardship Support

Design and manage programs that promote conservation on provincial lands, including the Private Land Conservation and Ecosystem Services grant programs and the Land Purchase Program. Develop tools and processes to support stewardship initiatives, ensuring programs are data-driven, financially sound, and continuously improved. Evaluate funding proposals using evidence-based criteria and oversee contract management to ensure compliance with government standards.

Strategic Engagement and Advisory

Direct research, analysis, and stakeholder engagement efforts to address emerging issues in areas such as biodiversity monitoring, geophysical exploration, surface rights for private or public land policies. Provide strategic advice and foster collaborative relationships with internal teams, external partners, and Indigenous communities to support inclusive and informed decision making.

Knowledge Integration and Research Leadership

Support policy development with robust scientific, social, and economic evidence. Stay current with policy and scientific literature, identify information gaps, and commission research to inform continuous improvement. Promote a triple-bottom-line approach that balances environmental, social, and economic considerations in all decisions.

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: You take a holistic view of challenges and opportunities, understanding how different parts of the organization and regulatory environment interconnect. You anticipate outcomes, seek diverse perspectives, and align your actions with long-term strategic goals.
• Developing Networks: You build strong, collaborative relationships within the department, across ministries, and with external agencies like the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER). You engage Indigenous communities and organizations and stakeholders to co-create solutions and advance policy and program delivery.
• Agility: You thrive in dynamic environments, easily shifting between multiple initiatives while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail. You embrace change, support others through transitions, and foster a culture of innovation and learning. 
• Creative Problem Solving: You leverage diverse resources, information, and technologies to analyze complex issues, resolve challenges, and enhance performance. You seek innovative approaches and apply strategic thinking to develop effective solutions.
• Drive for Results: You gather, analyze, and synthesize program data to evaluate performance and drive continuous improvement. You stay focused on outcomes and use evidence to inform decisions and enhance service delivery.

Qualifications

Requirements:

• a four (4)-year university degree in Environmental or Conservation Policy, Public Administration, or a closely related field. 
• Minimum six (6) years of progressively related experience. Equivalent combinations of education and experience as described below may also be considered.

Equivalency: 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:

• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain partnerships with internal leadership, Indigenous communities, government agencies, municipalities, NGOs, and scientific organizations.
• Experience participating in cross-ministry councils, advisory committees, and technical forums to align policy and program delivery.
• In-depth understanding of Alberta’s environmental legislation (e.g., Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act, Public Lands Act, Alberta Land Stewardship Act) and related regulatory contexts.
• Proven experience managing grants, contracts, and financial procedures in support of private land conservation programs.
• Familiarity with risk assessment, cumulative effects management, and performance measurement frameworks.
• Experience with strengthening team capacity, leading operational planning, and supporting leadership growth.

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 is a full-time opportunity and is located in Edmonton.

This position works Monday to Friday, 8:15 AM-4:30 PM, 36.25 hours a week.

Application Information:

• In your application, please include a cover letter detailing your interest and role-related experience. 
• In your resume include dates (including months and years) associated with all education and work experience. Also, please indicate whether your work experience is casual, part time or full time. For example, January 15, 2006 - June 25, 2009: Foreman (PT three 8-hour shifts/week).
• Three (3) work-related references are required for those selected for an interview.

This position will require final candidates to undergo a security clearance.

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.