Agrologist Team Lead

Role Responsibilities

Are you passionate about Alberta's public rangelands and eager to make a significant impact on their conservation and stewardship? We are seeking an Agrologist Team Lead who will be responsible for the development, delivery, and oversight of a broad range of programs in their respective region; programs which include, but are not limited to, the Rangeland Management, Forest Reserve and Provincial Grazing Reserve programs. 

Reporting to the Lands Manager, this senior position will be tasked with providing advice, leadership, facilitation, evaluation, planning, as well as analysis and interpretation of policies, programs, and business solutions for their area. This will also include providing leadership and supervision to a diverse team of technical and professional staff that are responsible for the delivery of regional approvals and monitoring programs. The Team Lead will be expected to manage high profile and complex files while ensuring that the team is delivering on outcomes within the given regulatory guidelines and timeframes.     

Responsibilities include, but not limited to:

• Implementing procedures developed by the management team to ensure the integration of forest, water, range, land, environmental practices, and strategic higher-level plans in program approvals.
• Supervising direct reports to ensure consistency of provincial and regional policies and procedures on all rangeland approvals and monitoring programs within the current regulatory framework, while providing training and mentoring to staff.
• Oversee the regional delivery of the Provincial Grazing Reserve Program, including the annual allotment process and developing working relationships with the Board of Directors.  Work with provincial staff to ensure the effective and consistent operation of the PGR,   complete  contracts and expenditures as per the delegated authority and supporting policy.
• Implementing programs to monitor rangeland disposition holders in respects to the issued disposition agreement. Work with direct reports and Compliance staff to enable effective and defendable compliance actions. 
• Taking the lease role under the Recreation Access Regulation and coach RangelandAgrologists in dealing with recreational access under the Public Lands Act and associated regulations to address disputes regarding recreational access on agricultural leases and PGRs.

Please click this link to view the job description.

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.

• Build Collaborative Environments: Leads and contributes to the conditions and environments that allow people to work collaboratively and productively to achieve outcomes. Facilitates communication, collaboration, and commitment. 
• Creative Problem-Solving: Uses wide range of techniques to break down problems. Allows others to think creatively and voice ideas. Brings the right people together to solve issues. Identifies new solutions for the organization.
• Systems Thinking: Takes holistic long-term view of challenges and opportunities. Anticipates outcomes and potential impacts, seeks stakeholder perspectives. Works towards actions and plans aligned with Alberta Public Services (APS) values. Works with others to identify areas for collaboration.
• Develop Networks: Looks broadly to engage stakeholders. Open to perspectives towards long-term goals. Actively seeks input into change initiatives. Maintains stakeholder relationships.
• Drive for Results: Uses variety of resources to monitor own performance standards, while maintaining accountability. Knows what outcomes are important and maximizes resources to achieve results that are aligned with the goals consistent with APS direction. 

Qualifications

Required:

• A completed Master's degree in Agriculture, Environmental Sciences or a related field.
• Minimum 4 years of field experience in range or environmental regulatory management.
• Currently registered as a Professional Agrologist or eligible for in-training status (AIT) from the Alberta Institute of Agrologists (AIA).
• A valid Class 5 Driver’s License (or equivalent) with a clean driving record.

Equivalencies may be considered: Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture or a related field plus 7 years directly related, senior level experience. 

Assets:

• Experience with applicable legislation, regulations, and guidelines (i.e. Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act, Water Act, Mines and Minerals Act, Public Lands Act and Forests Act) and related administrative procedures applicable to the delivery of the Rangeland Management, Forest Reserve and Provincial Grazing Reserve programs. 
• Experience with range management, soil conservation, plant ecology, pasture rejuvenation and related agricultural principles, range resource use, conservation practices, local ranching, and farming methodology. 
• Experience operating ATVs and 4x4 trucks in an off-highway capacity and navigating the area by aircraft to conduct monitoring or inspection. 

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 is a full-time, permanent position based in one of the following locations: Whitecourt, Lac La Biche or Bonnyville.
 
Monday – Friday, 7.25 hours per day / 36.25 hours per week.

Instructions for your Resume:

For Employment Experience:

• Please indicate duration of employment (month, year).
• Please specify employment status (i.e. casual, part time or full time).
• Example: Foreman, January 2006 - June 2009, Part time (three, 8 hour shifts/week).

For Post-Secondary Education:

• Please specify your major and length of program.
• Please specify the year you graduated.
• Example: Bachelor of Science, 4-year Degree (Graduated 2017).

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. 

What the GoA has to 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.
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits.
• Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive.
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca.
• 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 agreement.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.