Manager Rural Programs

Role Responsibilities

Do you want to be part of a dynamic team dedicated to grow the agriculture industry in Alberta? Do you enjoy managing teams and getting the full potential out of your staff?  

If so, this is the job for you! We are looking for an effective team leader with knowledge and experience in program development, with well-developed communications skills (written and verbal).  Someone capable of cultivating and maintaining partnerships both internal and external to the Ministry and managing issues with strategic response.

The Manager, Rural Programs provides guidance and direction to the Rural Programming Section as they deal with diverse and rapidly changing issues, projects and the development of programs that directly impact rural communities and the agriculture and agri-food sector in Alberta.

The Manager Rural Programs requires knowledge of the unique challenges and opportunities in the rural landscape to best support strategic projects and programs that meet the department mandate and priorities.  

The main responsibilities of the Manager, Rural Programs are:

• Lead and manage 310-FARM, the first point of contact to the Departments programs and resources.
• Provide leadership and operational support to Agri-News, the Department's external weekly e-newsletter.
• Provide rural program management and project leadership (4-H Alberta grant, Open Farm Days grant).
• Provide leadership and operational support of the key Rural Programming recognition programs which includes the Alberta Century Farm & Ranch Award Program (ACFRA) and Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame Program (AAHOF). 
• Provide issues management and strategic insight and response.
• Oversite and quality control to briefing materials and documentation produced.  
• Work closely with Rural Programming Director to efficiently and effectively deliver on Section priorities.
• Act in the absence of the Director Rural Programming. 
• Manage and lead section staff.  

This position requires an effective leader with knowledge and experience on approaches to evaluation and performance measurement and/or accountability frameworks and conflict resolution strategies.

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.

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following APS Competencies:

Systems Thinking: Considers inter-relationships and emerging trends to attain goals:

• Seeks insight on implications of different options.
• Analyzes long-term outcomes, focus on goals and values.
• Identifies unintended consequences.

Develop Networks: Works on maintaining close relations with all stakeholders:

• Identifies key stakeholder relationships.
• Has contact with range of interested parties.
• Actively incorporates needs of a broader group.
• Influences others through communication techniques.

Build Collaborative Environments: Facilitates open communication and leverages team skill:

• Leverages skills and knowledge of others.
• Genuinely values and learns from others.
• Facilitates open and respectful conflict resolution.
• Recognizes and appreciates others.
  
  

Agility: Works in a changing environment and takes initiative to change:

• Takes opportunities to improve work processes.
• Anticipates and adjusts behavior to change.
• Remains optimistic, calm and composed in stressful situations.
• Seeks advice and support to change appropriately.
• Works creatively within guidelines.

Develop Self and Others: Seeks out learning and knowledge-sharing opportunities:

• Reflects on performance and identifies development opportunities.
• Takes initiative to stay current.
• Shares with the team even when not asked.
• Actively coaches and mentors direct reports.

Qualifications

The minimum requirement is a University Degree preferably in Agriculture, Economic Development, Public Administration, or related, plus a minimum of four (4) years of progressively related work experience is required.

Equivalencies maybe considered - 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.

Preference will be given to those with knowledge of rural communities/organizations and agriculture/agri-food sectors.

Assets:

• Sound knowledge of project management approaches and experience leading project teams to successful achievement of objectives.
• Knowledge of rural communities/organizations and agriculture/agri-food sectors, as well as the breadth of industry groups and stakeholders.
• Ability to successfully engage diverse work teams and integrate a wide variety of input into the development programs.
• Understanding of Ministry and GOA priorities and policies.
• Working knowledge of GOA processes including financial processes and practices related to budgeting and procurement (i.e. contracts and grants).
• Experience with approaches related to evaluation and performance measurement and/or accountability frameworks.
• Ability to lead and build a team remotely.
  
  

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

Position Information:

• Main office located in Edmonton, J.G.O’Donoghue Building (7000-113 Street).
• Other locations may be considered (Please list preferred location in the pre-screening question section).
• Hours of Work: 36.25 hours per week (permanent full time).
• Monday to Friday (08:15 am-16:30 pm).
• Managers are expected to work the hours needed to fulfill their responsibilities (evening and weekend work is sometimes required).
   

Other Application Information:

• A cover letter is required with your application, outlining how your education and experience aligns with the role.
• This position may require final candidates to undergo a security clearance.
• Final candidates may be required to undergo a written test demonstrating writing skills and abilities pre or post interviews.
• Please indicate employment duration for all roles listed on your resume and whether you worked part-time or full-time. For example, January 15, 2006 - June 25, 2009.
• 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.
• 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.