Senior Systems Planner

Role Responsibilities

The Senior Systems Planner undertakes ongoing evaluation of the progress toward achieving conservation and recreation outcomes regarding the province's provincial parks system. The position identifies opportunities to incorporate lands required to complete the provincial parks system that meet Park's legislative and strategic goals. In this role, you will develop and apply frameworks, planning tools and policy analysis to support evidence-based decision making. You will work collaboratively with ministry partners, regional park operations and subject matter experts to understand diverse perspectives, evaluate system needs and provide integrated planning recommendations.

This position requires advanced analytical thinking, the ability to synthesize complex information, and strong collaboration and facilitation skills. Your work will support sustainable land use, recreation planning, environmental stewardship and visitor experience outcomes across the provincial parks system.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and implementation of system-wide parks planning frameworks, models and strategies.
• Coordinates evaluation of provincial park design risks, connectivity and ecosystem services providing inputs into broader land-use planning efforts to maximize biodiversity outcomes of the provincial parks system.
• Analyze policy, environmental, land use and operational considerations to identify options as well as recommendations.
• Prepares information to support annual updates to provincial, national and international agencies.
• Collaborate with regional park staff, government partners to gather input and build shared understanding.
• Prepare clear, concise briefing notes, planning documents and presentations for senior leadership.
• Coordinate the development and application of decision support tools and supplementary system frameworks (e.g. zoning framework, levels of service framework, camping framework) that support systems planning and effective management of provincial parks for conservation as well as nature-based recreational values.
• Working with regional teams in the division and department, identify, track and provide advice to inform reclassification and/or boundary amendments to existing parks.

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.

Qualifications

University graduation in planning, natural resources, environmental science, public administration, recreation or a related field plus 4 years progressively responsible related experience in planning, policy analysis, land/resource management, or public sector planning.; or equivalent as described below.

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 education.

Assets:

• Experience with system-level planning in government, land management, environmental stewardship, recreation, or protected areas.
• Experience facilitating stakeholder, cross-divisional, or inter-governmental collaboration.
• Experience working with Indigenous communities or partners in planning or engagement processes.
• Experience conducting impact or trade-off assessments that consider ecological, recreational, cultural, and operational factors.
• Familiarity with land use planning processes, protected area planning frameworks, policy development, or environmental review methods.
• Proficiency with GIS, mapping tools, spatial analysis or other planning data tools (considered an asset, but not required).

Qualifications Continued

The position requires the following skills and abilities:

• Excellent interpersonal skills to develop productive working relationships.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of both the natural and social sciences to effectively integrate the intended outcomes of the provincial parks system.
• Knowledge of the Alberta provincial parks system and working knowledge of networks across Canada and internationally.
• Adaptability and flexibility to changing and competing priorities.
• Time management and client relations skills.
• Strong analytic and problem-solving skills.
• Organization, coordination and project management skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as within a team environment.
• Ability to effectively engage a variety of stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to work cooperatively and productively with others to achieve agreed upon goals and set up inclusive and collaborative programs/initiatives.
• Ability to weigh multiple perspectives to maximize results and recommend the most appropriate solution.

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

The position is a full-time permanent opportunity.

The position has work hours from Monday to Friday, 8:15 AM-4:30 PM, 36.25 hours a week.

This position may require travel throughout the province. Candidates must possess a valid Class 5 driver’s licence (or equivalent) and be willing to travel as needed.

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. 

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.

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.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.