On-Farm Water Supply Specialist

Role Responsibilities

The Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation is seeking a motivated Agricultural Water Specialist to provide technical support to agricultural producers and groups relative to on-farm water issues specific to the peace region. The position provides support to facilitate the growth of a sustainable, competitive agriculture industry by addressing farm water issues including supplies, conservation, drought and variable climate impacts, water quality, treatment and protection. As a member of the Farm Water Supply section, the Agricultural Water Specialist out of the Peace region works with a provincial team of specialists. The Agricultural Water Specialist participates in projects relating to technology transfer, tool development and program development and delivery.

Responsibilities:

• Provide tech transfer to agricultural producers and other stakeholders relative to on-farm surface and groundwater issues and on-farm supply management.
• Support sustainable land and water resource management through government programs and initiatives. 
• Support the development of new technology, tools, and knowledge relating to on-farm water management. 
• Provide technical assessment of farm water management issues.
• Represent department mandates, positions, etc. while on multi-stakeholder groups and represent agricultural regions and clients to the department.
• Relay information back and forth in different roles and bring forward issues, challenges and opportunities. 

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

Qualifications

Minimum Requirement for this Role:

• A 2-year diploma in water, agriculture or environmental sciences is required.
• Six years of experience (project management, technical assessments, groundwater or surface water projects, agriculture incentive or education programs, or a related area).
• A valid Class 5 Driver’s License with Air Brakes (Q-endorsement) is required.
  • A Class 3 Driver’s License with Air Brakes (Q-endorsement) is preferred.

Equivalency: Additional directly related experience may be considered in lieu of education on a one-for-one basis.

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.

The following will be considered assets for this position:

• Related field experience in the subject areas and within agricultural or rural settings.
• Practical knowledge and experience with agricultural water systems.
• Knowledge of surface and groundwater systems.
• Familiarity and knowledge of Alberta's agriculture industry and production systems.
• Familiarity of legislation, programs and policies affecting the development and management of agricultural water supplies.
• Strong written, communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and with a team.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviours 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.

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following competencies:

• Creative Problem Solving: Engages the community and resources at hand to address issues.
• Agility: Being able to anticipate, quickly adapt, take advantage of opportunities, and make effective decisions by proactively seeking new opportunities. Encourages innovative thinking, identifies and responds to shifting needs and priorities, and can work with some autonomy to lead and manage projects.
• Develop Networks: Proactively building networks, connecting and building trust in relationships with different stakeholders.
• Build Collaborative Environments: The applicant needs to tap into various resources within the organization and act on opportunities to partner with other groups to achieve desired outcomes. Considers how changes might impact colleagues, clients and stakeholders and actively seeks their input or involvement regarding those changes.

Notes

This position covers the Peace Agricultural Region of Alberta and is currently located in Peace River but may be relocated to Grande Prairie or another location within the Peace region.
The following link will take you to a map of the agricultural regions of Alberta: https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/af-asb-regions-map.pdf.
 

What We 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
•    Leadership and mentorship programs
•    Professional learning and development
•    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 agreements.
•    Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca