Seed Orchard Crew Member

Role Responsibilities

The seed orchard crew member contributes to maintaining, measuring and harvesting crops from the government’s tree improvement assets located at the Alberta Tree Improvement and Seed Centre and other locations in Alberta.

As a valued part of this dedicated team, you will work with co-workers to ensure tasks are clearly understood so they can be completed effectively and safely. The centre receives various tours and drop in inquiries so professional demeanor and approach to any interactions is necessary.

This position also offers the opportunity for personal growth, you will experience the opportunity to enhance your technical skills, refine your decision-making abilities, improve your communication and teamwork, and build greater responsiveness and resilience, all while working in the great outdoors.

As a Seed Orchard Crew Member you will:
•    Implement annual seed orchard field work plan: fertilizing, irrigation, pruning, mowing, pollen and phenology monitoring and cone harvests.
•    Complete trial measurements and vegetation management activities: height, diameter, health codes, brushing and weeding.
•    Assist horticulture specialist with greenhouse related work: weeding, watering, seedling conditioning and packing.
•    Assist reforestration program assistant with seed bunker inventory and transactions.

If you are ready to take on a challenging and rewarding role that will have a real impact on Forestry and Parks, we want to hear from you!

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.

About your Competencies:

Agility: Anticipate, evaluate, and swiftly adapt to shifting priorities while maintaining resilience during uncertain times and exceling in a dynamic work environment.
 
Building Collaborative Environments: Take the lead in creating conditions and atmospheres that foster effective collaboration, enabling individuals to work together productively to achieve shared objectives. Demonstrates respect for others’ input and expertise by encouraging open and considerate discussion of issues.
 
Systems Thinking: Recognize that tasks performed within the Alberta Public Service (APS) are part of a broader, interconnected environment. It is essential to comprehend that activities within one segment of the APS can have far-reaching impacts on other groups and projects, both within and outside the organization.

Creative Problem Solving: Evaluate options and consequences in novel ways to develop innovative solutions to achieve desired outcomes.

Drive for Results: Set goals to prioritize work and proactively seek advice or guidance when needed. Recognize program objectives and ones’ own contributions through service delivery, performance, and interpersonal interactions to ensure future success.

Develop Self and Others: Take initiative to stay current on skills, approaches, and technologies. Reflect on own performance to understand success, participate in developmental activities, and contribute to team learning by sharing information, knowledge, as well as experiences.

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

Education and Experience: 
High school diploma plus some related experience (i.e. up to 12 months).

Equivalency:
Directly related experience or education considered on the basis of: one year of experience for one year of education or one year of education for one year of experience.

Special Requirements:
•    Physically able to perform position duties.
•    Knowledge of forestry and agriculture practices with an aptitude for operating equipment such as mowers, tractors and brush saws is an asset. 
•    Any agricultural experience- farming or horticultural and forestry is an asset.

Assets:
Mowers
Wheel loader
Skid steer
Any agricultural experience- farming or horticultural experience or forestry.
First aid
Aerial lift/boom lift

The following conditions are not required at time of application, but must be provided prior to start date: 
•    A valid, unrestricted Alberta Class 5 Driver’s License, or equivalent.
•    A minimum 3-year Driver's Abstract, showing a record of seven (7) demerits or less (obtained within 30 days of your commencement date and presented to management prior to commencement).
•    A valid Standard First Aid certificate with CPR certification.
•    A current Defensive Driving certificate.
 
All candidates must be 18 years of age or older as of April 1, 2025, or prior to start date.

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

This competition is for seasonal wage Seed Orchard Crew Member position with weekly hours up to 36.25 and projected terms of employment of up to 6 months, starting in April or May 2025. Those selected for an interview are requested to bring three work-related references.

What We Offer:
Wage employees receive 11.2% in addition to regular wage earnings in lieu of benefits and vacation leave:
5.2 percent of regular wage earnings instead of paid holidays.
6 percent of regular wage earnings instead of annual vacation pay.

Application Information:
•    In your application, please a include cover page 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: Assistant (PT three 8 hrs. shifts/week).
•    Three (3) work-related references are required for those selected for an interview.

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.