Research Analyst

Role Responsibilities

Are you passionate about numbers, have a strong analytical mind, a keen eye for detail and an interest in the agriculture and agri-food industry?

Do you enjoy showcasing your unique abilities to transform complex information into innovative tools and unique visuals that tell compelling stories?

If so, the Statistics and Data Development Section within the Trade, Economics and Data Analytics Branch of Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation needs a research analyst who is highly motivated, responsible, organized, articulate and comfortable with communicating data and information to clients.

Reporting to the Senior Statistician, this position provides leadership, direction, value added analysis and maintenance of statistical databases in two core areas, namely Census of Agriculture (CEAG) and agri-food trade, as part of ensuring the continued integrity of the Section's Statistical Program in accordance with policy and legislative requirements. The position is the lead for SADD Section related to CEAG and works closely with Statistics Canada to address data gaps, data issues, and deliver on complex data requirements. It also provides advanced business support and expertise by way of consultation and liaison with ministry clients (internal/external) and other stakeholders. The CEAG data is a critical source of sub-provincial agriculture data for regional analysis (e.g. drought, community profiles, etc.). The position also assists with requests for statistics related to other economic indicators (e.g. manufacturing sales, employment, gross domestic product, etc.). 

This position is also responsible for ensuring that all requests from clients (internal/external) are handled in a timely and efficient manner for purposes of decision making and program and policy development. Specific services provided to clients include the provision of data, expertise, analysis and data visualization in the areas of CEAG, agri-food trade and other economic indicators. It also works with subject area specialists on surveys, as needed. This position works closely with other professional staff in conducting research and adapting statistics to project needs.

The successful candidate must demonstrate the following skills:

• Familiarity with managing and maintaining large databases.
• Familiarity with various computer software for spreadsheet and database management, graphics, questionnaire design and word processing.
• Proficiency in data visualization tools, such as Power BI, enabling effective communication of insights and trends.
• Experience with programming languages commonly used in data analysis, such as R or Python, for data manipulation, statistical analysis and machine learning tasks.
• Well-developed analytical and research skills, experience in analyzing and consolidating large datasets.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with an ability to express technical and complex issues in a manner that facilitates informed decision-making.
• Ability to prioritize and lead or support multiple work assignments and adapt quickly to a rapidly changing environment.
• Attention to detail.

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

APS Competency

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.
 

• Developing Networks: Must have the ability to work with diverse stakeholder groups such as Statistics Canada and other GOA Ministries in partnering, leveraging and acquiring appropriate data in Census of Agriculture, agri-food trade and value-added agriculture.
• Systems Thinking: Must have the ability to see the bigger picture and keep the broader impacts and connections in mind to maximize value when producing data to meet clients' needs.
• Creative Problem Solving: Creative problem-solving abilities will allow you to identify and create innovative solutions to address data needs and challenges for Alberta, such as filling data gaps, replacing traditional data sources, etc.
• Agility: You readily adapt to changing data needs and priorities in the Section/Branch/Ministry.
• Drive for Results: You will provide leadership and manage the development and refining of statistics relating to the Census of Agriculture, agri-food trade, and value-added agriculture and must ensure that work done in the Section aligns with ministry objectives and clients' data needs.
• Build Collaborative Environments: Working closely with other GOA ministries and Statistics Canada, acting as an expert resource and building and maintaining trusting relationships to ensure the production of timely and quality statistics in the areas of Census of Agriculture, agri-food trade and value-added agriculture.

Qualifications

Education:

• A University Degree.
• two (2) years progressively responsible related experience*.

*Related experience includes provincial or national statistical program initiatives and agricultural economics.

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.

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:

• Office is located in Edmonton.
• Hours of Work: 36.25 hours per week.
• Monday to Friday (8:15 to 4:30 pm).
• Flexible start/end times may be considered.

Additional Applicant Information:

• A cover letter is required. 
• Final candidates may be required to undergo a test demonstrating their skills and abilities after interviews.
• Final candidates may 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. 

Instructions for your Resume:
For Employment Experience:

• Please indicate duration of employment (month, year) in words.
• Please specify employment status (i.e. casual, part-time or full-time).

Ex: Youth Worker, Jan 2006 - June 2009, Part-time (three, 8 hour shifts per week).

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.
• 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.