Vegetation Technician

Role Responsibilities

Are you passionate about the outdoors and eager to make a tangible difference in Alberta’s stunning natural landscapes? Do you thrive in a team environment, helping protect provincial parks and actively restore native plant communities?

Alberta Parks (South Region) is seeking enthusiastic, outdoor-oriented individuals for six (6) seasonal positions in our regional vegetation management program. You'll play a key role in controlling invasive species while supporting enhancement and reclamation efforts to promote healthy, resilient ecosystems across southern Alberta's provincial parks and provincial recreation areas.

This seasonal position starts in early May and is primarily based/staged out of Lethbridge and Park Lake Provincial Park. Daily travel throughout the South Region is required for fieldwork, with the possibility of overnight stays at various park sites (staff housing and travel allowance provided for out-of-town stays).

Key duties include, but not limited to:
•    Conducting herbicide applications and mechanical removal of invasive alien plant species, following best management practices (including mixing herbicide solutions, accurately identifying target plants, targeted application, detailed record-keeping, and cleaning/maintaining equipment such as backpack/vehicle sprayers, UTVs, trailers, weed-whippers, weather gauges, and iPads).
•    Using ArcGIS apps and program protocols to collect, map, and report Invasive Alien Plant Species (IAPS) data at Alberta Parks sites for monitoring and program evaluation.
•    Assisting with broader vegetation management and ecological restoration activities, such as native plant community enhancement such as, planting native species (e.g., willows for riparian stabilization and habitat improvement).
•    Supporting FireSmart initiatives where applicable.
•    Participating in daily safety meetings, hazard assessments, and team briefings to ensure safe operations in variable outdoor conditions.

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.

Agility – ability to anticipate, assess, and readily adapt to changing priorities, maintain resilience in times of uncertainty and effectively work in a changing environment.

Build Collaborative Environments – leads and contributes to the conditions and environments that allow people to work collaboratively and productively to achieve outcomes.

Systems Thinking – understands how the work done is part of a larger integrated environment. Looks beyond own area and considers how own work impacts the work and success of others.

Creative Problem Solving – ability to assess options and implications in new ways to achieve outcomes and solutions.

Develop Self and Others – a commitment to learning and the desire to invest in the development of the capability of yourself and others.

Qualifications

Education and Experience required:
•    Some high school education supplemented with courses related to the position assignment, such as post-secondary courses or majors in environmental science, conservation, biology, agriculture or another related field.
•    Equivalency: Directly related experience considered in lieu of courses on a one-for-one basis.

Additional Requirements:
•    Current recognized Standard First Aid + CPR Level C/AED (valid through the term).
•    Valid Class 5 Driver’s License (or equivalent).
•    Acceptable 5-year Commercial Driver’s Abstract issued within 30 days of application; maximum 8 demerits, or 4 for GDL; reimbursed upon hire). Previous experience as a commercial driver not required.
•    Physical fitness and ability to perform demanding tasks, such as carrying equipment up to 20–25 kg, hiking on uneven terrain, and working in variable weather conditions.

Assets:  

•    Proven experience working outdoors in various conditions. 
•    Hands-on experience with vegetation management equipment (e.g., weed-whipper, sprayers). 
•    Preference will be given to candidates with an active outdoor experience, career interest in environmental/ecological/agricultural sciences, or related work/volunteer experience. 
•    Experience operating ATVs/UTVs.
•    Experience operating one-ton trucks (e.g., Ford F-350) and trailering equipment.
•    Knowledge of invasive species management and native/non-native plant identification, with related experience in vegetation control or ecological restoration.
•    Strong organizational skills to plan daily duties and manage equipment.
•    Effective interpersonal relations, communication, self-motivation, and dependability.

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

Terms of Employment:
•    This is a seasonal wage opportunity from Early May until Late August.
•    Office work: Regular 5-day work week, 40 hours of standard time.
•    Field work: Compressed 4-day work week, 40 hours of standard time (4 days on, 3 days off).
•    Primary work locations: Park Lake Provincial Park and Lethbridge, with operations conducted throughout the South Region.
•    Travel requirements: Occasional out-of-town assignments may require staying away for the duration of the work week. Travel allowances will be provided in accordance with policy, and staff housing will be provided when working out of town. 
•    Valid Alberta Class 5 Driver’s License or equivalent will be required. 
•    Final Candidates will be required to provide an acceptable 5-year Commercial Driver’s Abstract prior to commencement (cost reimbursed upon hire).
•    A recognized and current Standard First Aid and CPR Level "C"/AED Certificate is required.
•    Successful candidates must adhere to the Alberta Parks Uniform Policy. All required personal protective equipment will be provided. Certified safety footwear is not provided; however, a portion of the cost will be reimbursed in accordance with policy.
•    These positions will require outdoor work in a variety of weather and environmental conditions.
•    Mandatory training sessions will take place at the start of employment (Early May).

Interviews:
•    Interviews are scheduled to take place in February and will continue until all six positions are filled with qualified candidates.
•    Those selected for an interview will need to supply three work related references.

Any initial costs associated with obtaining required documents/checks as noted will be the responsibility of the candidate. However, some reimbursements may occur. Interview travel expenses will not be reimbursed. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in.

Continued Notes

Instructions for your Resume:
•    Include date ranges (month and year) associated with all education and work experience – we are unable to assess resumes without this information. 
•    Indicate whether your work experience was casual, part-time or full-time.
•    Example: Camp Counsellor: Jan 2016 – June 2019 (PT, 3 eight-hour shifts per week).

What We offer:

•    Working for the Alberta Public Service – https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx
•    Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits
•    Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool - https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca
•    Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive 
•    Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
•    Mentorship Programs.

Resources for applicants:

•    https://www.alberta.ca/apply-for-jobs-with-the-alberta-public-service.aspx
•    https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-hiring-process.aspx
•    https://alis.alberta.ca/look-for-work/