Lands Officer

Role Responsibilities

Reporting to the Lands Team Lead, this technical position is responsible for operational delivery of the Lands Approvals Program, which may include industrial, commercial, recreation, bed and shore, and riparian activities on Crown lands within an assigned area.

The Lands Officer regulates land use and related activities through the review and conditioning of approvals of the various applications to use public lands, and determines end use of public land for different activities. Recommendations and decisions regarding approval of activities are determined through discussions with affected stakeholders and through referrals with other agencies (i.e. Fish and Wildlife Division) from which issues are identified and appropriate integrated solutions determined. The position subsequently ensures compliance with approved plans and disposition conditions through field inspections and audits, and follows up on incidents of non-compliance through investigations and recommended enforcement action. The review of applications and plans, and the subsequent compliance monitoring, is conducted in accordance with provincial legislation, departmental goals and policies, and the principles of integrated land management for all land use dispositions.

Key responsibilities include:

• Administering, inspecting and monitoring industrial, commercial, Parks and recreational dispositions and activities within the Slave Lake/High Prairie Lands Program
• Delivering extension services to meet applicant/client needs on all aspects of Crown land management and sustainable use
• Providing input into public land management and operational policy and program development
• Evaluating land to determine the highest and best sustainable use of Crown land
• Integrating decisions to facilitate a balance of sustainable land uses
• Administering vacant Crown land to provide a balance of development, use, and conservation while maintaining biodiversity
• Assisting other Divisions and agencies with program delivery as required

Qualifications

Requirements: 

• A related bachelor’s degree in a related field such as Environmental Science, Environmental Technology, Forest Technology or Natural Sciences 
• Four years of related experience with the principles and practices of integrated land management
• A valid Class 5 Driver’s License or equivalent

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 of education.

Additional assets:

• Preference will also be considered for candidates that have:
• Working knowledge and ability to interpret various legislation including Public Lands Act, Public Lands Administration Regulation, Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act, Weed Control Act, Forests Act, Forest and Prairie Protection Act and associated regulations, and the Mines and Minerals Act
• Working knowledge of Public Lands application process
• Experience with stakeholder engagement, both internal and external, such as with industry, recreation groups, environmental organizations, and municipalities
• Experience operating specialized equipment such as electronic information and tracking systems, ATVs, 4X4 trucks in off-highway conditions, GPS units, and trailer units
• Experience with ARC GIS

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.

The link below will assist you with understanding competencies: https://www.alberta.ca/assets/documents/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf

How Competencies will apply to this role:

• Agility – Ability to anticipate, assess, and readily adapt to changing priorities, maintain resilience and work effectively in changing environments. 
   
• Creative Problem Solving – Ability to assess options and implications in new ways to achieve outcomes and solutions.
   
• Develop Networks – Proactively building networks, connecting, and building trust in relationships with stakeholders
   
• Build Collaborative Environments –.Leads and contributes to the conditions and environments that allow people to work collaboratively and productively.
   
• Drive for Results – Knowing what outcomes are important and maximizing resources to achieve results that are aligned with the goals of the organization while maintaining accountability. 

Notes

• This is a full-time permanent position located in High Prairie or Slave Lake.
• Monday – Friday, 36.25 hours per week.

In your application, please a include cover page detailing your interest in the position, and role related experience. In your resume include dates (including months and years) associated with all education and work experience.

Links and information on what the GoA has to offer to prospective employees:

• Working for the Alberta Public Service – https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx 
• Pension plans: 
  • Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) – https://www.pspp.ca
• Professional learning and development
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca

Working and Living in High Prairie and Slave Lake. 
55th to 57th parallels retention allowance: This is an annual retention bonus of $6,000.00, less all lawful deductions.

For more detailed information on this perk check out this link: https://www.alberta.ca/premium-pay-directive.aspx