Parks Public Information Strategist

Role Responsibilities

The Parks Public Info Strategist supports Alberta Parks operations through the creation and coordination of external public information, via social media, website content, blogs, newsletters and management of an ambassador program. 

As a key member of the Public Information team, this role performs responsibilities in order to:  
•    Raise Awareness of Alberta Parks’ brand pillar values; Discover, Protect, Enjoy and Value.
•    Enhance the profile of provincial parks and protected areas.
•    Increase public awareness, stewardship and support of Alberta’s natural heritage and the benefits of preserving this heritage.
•    Promote nature-based tourism and outdoor recreation; and increase visitation to Alberta’s parks and protected areas.
•    Coordinates, implements and evaluates the social media presence, online communications, internal communications, target public information initiatives and education activities.
•    Assist with media, education and outreach activities and events, and coordinates visitor’s experience team activities and campaigns.

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.

Creative Problem Solving: Engages the community and resources at hand to address issues:
• Engages perspective to seek root causes.
• Finds ways to improve complex systems.
• Employs resources from other areas to solve problems.
• Engages others and encourages debate and idea generation to solve problems while addressing risks.

Agility: Works in a changing environment and takes initiative to change:
• Takes opportunities to improve work processes.
• Anticipates and adjusts behaviour to change.
• Remains optimistic, calm and composed in stressful situations.
• Seeks advice and support to change appropriately.
• Works creatively within guidelines.

Drive for Results: Actively sets goals and remains open to advice on reaching them:
• Sets goals and prioritizes work.
• Identifies and corrects areas for improvement.
• Suggests actions; asks for advice when lacking information or multiple priorities.
• Operates within APS value system.

Develop Networks: Leverages relationships to build input and perspective:
• Looks broadly to engage stakeholders.
• Open to perspectives towards long-term goals.
• Actively seeks input into change initiatives.
• Maintains stakeholder relationships.

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.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:
University graduation in a related field such as communications or public relations or equivalent such as Digital Media or Recreation Administration with with 2 years of progressively related experience.  

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. 

 Additional Requirements:
•    Experience with park and/or recreation operations and/or information coordination across multiple applications would be an asset.
•    Knowledge in social media writing, campground operations, campground reservations and/or procedures; policy and regulations specific to parks agencies; a good understanding/appreciation of Digital Media including photography, video and the Adobe Creative Suite would also be an asset. Two years of related experience.
•    Excellent written and verbal communications skills. Skilled in business, informational, and promotional writing styles.
•    Strong ability to influence others and promote ideas or positions.  
•    Very strong organization and prioritization skills. 
•    Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and possess an understanding of political sensitivity.
•    Some project management skills.
•    Agility and ability to plan ahead and work through multiple competing tasks.
•    Mature interpersonal skills, to liaise with staff, including at the management level across the division and with partners. 
•    Strong participation skills, particularly in team settings. 
•    Able to undertake substantial data entry work in a results-oriented, fast-paced environment. Computer aptitude in the Adobe Creative Suite.

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

Hours of work are Monday to Friday, 8:15 AM-4:30 PM, 36.25 hours per week.

In your resume, please 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: Assistant (PT three 8-hour shifts/week).

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

What the GoA has to 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.
•    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.