Irrigation Management Engineer

Role Responsibilities

Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation is seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking professional with a passion for irrigation infrastructure and water management.

We are looking for a skilled Irrigation Management Engineer to support the Basin Water Management Section in its mandate to enable continued improvement of the irrigation sector in water conservation, efficiency and productivity. Sustainable water management now and into the future is critical to Alberta's irrigated agriculture industry, and to ensuring water for all uses in the province.

Reporting to the Section Manager, you will take a leadership role in delivering innovative irrigation infrastructure programs and projects within the Natural Resource Management Branch. You will lead the Irrigation Management Engineering team in condition evaluation, construction monitoring and assessment of proposed and implemented projects. You will provide analytical reports and expertise to the department and to the Irrigation Secretariat in support of Irrigation Council. You will build internal and external relationships to deliver on your role, including with the irrigation districts and irrigation infrastructure sector in the province.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assess irrigation district scale infrastructure projects that increase irrigation water conveyance efficiencies, improve water operational control and promote water conservation.
• Lead technical support, analysis, evaluation, and reporting of irrigation infrastructure management projects and department irrigation initiatives. 
• Provide delivery support for the Branch’s irrigation infrastructure grant programs and funding initiatives for irrigation water management projects through timely and efficient analysis, monitoring, and reporting.
• Maintain department standards, guidelines and procedures for infrastructure construction.
• Lead data collection, analysis, and verification for aspects of irrigation water modelling and grant program management and support geospatial district infrastructure data by analyzing and verifying accuracy of data.
   

To be successful in this position you will require:

• A broad knowledge of irrigation infrastructure, irrigation water management, hydrology and water flow hydraulics.
• Thorough understanding of infrastructure construction and rehabilitation practices, maintenance of irrigation works, current and emerging technologies, and design standards.
• Strong communication, collaboration and interpersonal skills for coordinating all aspects of the position.

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.

Systems Thinking - Takes a long-term view towards organization’s objectives and how to achieve them:

• Takes holistic long-term view of challenges and opportunities. 
• Anticipates outcomes and potential impacts.

Creative Problem Solving - Engages the community and resources at hand to address issues:

• Engages perspective to seek root causes. 
• Finds ways to improve complex systems. 
• Employs resources from other areas to solve problems. 
• Engages others and encourages debate and idea generation to solve problems while addressing risks.

Drive for Results - Takes and delegates responsibility for outcomes:

• Uses variety of resources to monitor own performance standards. 
• Acknowledges even indirect responsibility. 
• Commits to what is good for Albertans even if not immediately accepted. 
• Reaches goals consistent with APS direction.

Build Collaborative Environments - Facilitates open communication and leverages team skill:

• Leverages skills and knowledge of others.
• Genuinely values and learns from others. 
• Facilitates open and respectful conflict resolution. 
• Recognizes and appreciates others.

Qualifications

Minimum Recruitment Standard:

• University graduation in Civil, Agricultural or Environmental Engineering or another related Engineering field. 
• Plus five years’ experience (Irrigation, Water Infrastructure or related). 

Equivalency: 

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

Additional Requirements: 

• Eligible or Registered as a P.Eng. with APEGA as a Professional Member.
• Valid class 5 driver’s license.
• Ability to interpret engineering plans, CAD drawings, and GIS databases.

Assets:

• Competence in AutoCAD and ArcGIS Pro software.
• Broad knowledge of irrigation or water management principles, infrastructure and technology.
• Understanding of relevant legislation, including the Irrigation Districts Act.
• Ability to interpret technical information/concepts including construction drawings, standards and requirements. 
• Ability to prepare and present information to technical and non-technical individuals.
• Experience in quantitative and qualitative assessment of water-related infrastructure projects, including design, construction and condition evaluation. 
• Ability to apply engineering principles to solve problems while documenting assumptions and methodologies. 
• Knowledge of engineering hydrology and water flow hydraulics, and irrigation water management.

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

Position Information:

• Office located in Lethbridge: Agriculture Centre, (5401-1 Ave S., Lethbridge, AB).
• Hours of Work: 36.25 hours per week (permanent full time).
• Monday to Friday (8:15 am- 4:30 pm).
• Travel: Some travel up to 25% will be required.

Other Application Information:

• A cover letter is required with your application, outlining how your education and experience align with the role.
• Final candidates may be required to undergo an assignment to demonstrate skills and abilities pre or post interviews.
• This position will require final candidates to undergo a security clearance.
• 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.

Links and information on what the GoA have to offer to prospective employees.

• 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.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.