Data Management Analyst

Role Responsibilities

Turn data into insights that help shape the future of irrigation in Alberta.

Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation is looking for a data-savvy professional to help support sustainable water management and Alberta’s agriculture industry. In this role, you’ll use your expertise in database analysis and management to support irrigation planning, water demand modelling, and informed decision-making across Alberta’s irrigated regions.

Working with the Modelling and Data team, you’ll manage and analyze irrigation, weather, spatial, and water quantity data, providing the reliable information and insights needed to address evolving water supply and irrigation demands.

Key responsibilities:

• Operating and maintaining a basin-scale irrigation demand model for projects such as irrigation district area expansion, basin water management planning initiatives, sustainable development of irrigation infrastructure, and assessment of the effects of climate variability on irrigation water supply and demand. 
• Support the Section’s mandate with modelling projects, preparing reports and communicating findings to stakeholders. 
• Collaborate with modellers, engineers, agrologists, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and data analysts, and IT specialists as a team. 

Major responsibilities:

• Maintain, enhance, and perform quality control analysis on irrigation and water management databases to ensure data integrity and availability for modelling, analysis, and reporting.
• Support water modelling projects relating to irrigation demand and supply in Alberta through development and implementation of modelling scenarios, and analysis of results.
• Assess water availability under conditions of varying demand and supply as impacted by variable conditions.
• Support maintenance and enhancement of irrigation and water management applications essential for irrigation modelling.
• Collaborate with the irrigation sector on collecting and reporting information on the sector’s state.
• Provide technical support to other government departments and relevant external agencies.

This position requires strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, along with technical abilities to work with irrigation-related data, geospatial data, and support water demand modelling. A thorough understanding of Alberta’s irrigation sector is necessary for success.

The Job Description is provided for further details on 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.

• Drive for Results - Takes and delegates responsibility for outcomes by using a variety of resources to monitor performance standards, acknowledging even indirect responsibility, committing to what is good for Albertans even if not immediately accepted, and reaching goals consistent with APS direction.
• Develop Networks - Works on maintaining close relations with all stakeholders by identifying key relationships, engaging with a range of interested parties, actively incorporating the needs of a broader group, and influencing others through effective communication techniques.
• Agility - Works in a fast paced, changing environment and takes initiative to change by taking opportunities to improve work processes.
• Creative Problem Solving - Engages the community and available resources to address issues by seeking diverse perspectives to identify root causes, finding ways to improve complex systems, employing resources from various areas to solve problems, and encouraging debate and idea generation while managing risks.

Qualifications

A university degree in computer science, information technology, or a related discipline such as agriculture, environmental science or physical geography, supplemented by 2 (two) years of work experience with demonstrated expertise in database analysis and management, or equivalent as described below.

Equivalency:

• A related two-year diploma in computer technology or a related discipline from a recognized postsecondary institution and four years related experience; or
• A related one-year certificate from a recognized post-secondary institution and five years related experience.
• Equivalencies may be 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.

Required:

• Expertise in data manipulation, data QA/QC, data analysis, data visualization, and interpretation of results.
• Demonstrated experience in database management, including expertise in software and coding languages such as MS Access, advanced Excel (including macros), SQL, DB2, R, Python, and Visual Studio.
• Demonstrated experience in working with spatial model input data using GIS software (e.g. ArcGIS Pro).

Assets:

• Experience with water quantity models, identifying model code changes, and testing and validating model performance.
• Knowledge of irrigated agriculture as applicable to Alberta is also beneficial. 

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification.

Notes

Job Details:

• Office located in Lethbridge, AB (Agriculture Centre: 5401-1 Avenue S., Lethbridge, AB T1J 4V6).
• Hours of Work: 36.25 hours per week (permanent full time).
• Monday to Friday (08:15 am-16:30 pm).

Other Application Information:

• A cover letter is required with your application, outlining how your education and experience align with the role.
• Final candidates may be required to undergo a written test demonstrating writing skills and abilities pre or post interviews.
• Final candidates will 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.

Links and information on what we have to offer:

• Working for the Alberta Public Service.
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP)  
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information.
• Professional learning and development.
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool.
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.