Position Responsibilities

Reporting to the CAO and /or designate, the Agricultural Fieldman is the Administrator for the Agricultural Service Board (ASB) and is responsible for the implementation of all Agricultural Services and Integrated Vegetation Management programs, activities, and associated services within the Municipal District of Lesser Slave River.

AGRICULTURAL SERVICES

• Provide agenda items and background materials for the ASB meetings and attend all ASB meetings.
• Provide the CAO and /or designate and the ASB with pertinent information, advice, and recommendations
• Participate in meetings and committees as directed or requested by the CAO and/or designate or ASB
• Assist the CAO and /or designate in the preparation and monitoring of the annual budget
• Provide program reports as required to the CAO and/or designate
• Prepare and maintain adequate records and files of agricultural programs, services, and activities
• Compile statistical reports on matters relating to Agriculture Services within the Municipal District, and provide reports to various committees as required
• Assist in the Preparation and submit grant applications and expenditure reports for submission to Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development and other granting agencies
• Verify and approve invoices relating to the ASB operations
• Prepare reports, draft correspondence, conduct field inspections and dialogue with Agricultural Producers
• Supervise and coordinate activities of Agricultural Services seasonal staff inclusive of the weed inspection program, Roadside Integrated Weed Control Program and Special Weed Control Partnership Program
• Prepare a five year business plan, reviewing it annually and track activities throughout the year
• Present to Council with an annual Business Plan Final Report
• Organize an annual fall social
• Attend and participate in local trade fairs, parades, and other community functions
• Partner with the local schools to facilitate agricultural programming                        
• Maintain an agricultural equipment rental program
• Organize information update producer meetings and workshops
• Produce and distribute quarterly (as required) information update mail-outs (“Rural Roots”) to all producers
• Facilitate & partner to establish plots, demonstrations & research projects
• Manages and supervises the Integrated Vegetation Management plan for the MD inclusive of all Municipality owned, leased and or controlled lands of various specific uses. These include road allowances, playgrounds, beaches, parks and open spaces, facilities grounds, and boulevards.
• Actively manage and assist in the development and operation of horticultural and beautification programs of MD properties.
• Maintain the Veterinary Services Incorporated (VSI) Program
• Provide a diagnostic service for weeds, crops, trees, insects, and diseases to area residents
• Provide unbiased agronomic information on crop, forage, and livestock production
• Foster extension, cooperation, networking, and information sharing amongst farmers, governments, business, community organizations and industry
• Attend and participate in other agriculture/environmental meetings, seminars, and workshops
• Partner with AMA/Northlands for the bi-annual Farm Family Award
• Participate in inter-municipal and inter-governmental projects and programs (i.e.: Grasshopper Survey, Drought Monitoring, Weed Survey, Crop Reports, etc.)
• Partner with other agricultural organizations, business, community groups and industry to organize meetings, seminars, workshops, and tours
• Administer, direct, and enforce delegated provincial legislation (ASBA, WCA, APA, SCA, and AHA), municipal policy and bylaws in an equal, consistent, and effective manner within the financial and human resource constraints of the municipality
• Draft and enact policies and programs that meet the needs of the ASB
• Provide information, direction and assistance on municipal, provincial, and federal government agricultural programs and services to ratepayers
• Maintain a data base of information (program details, contact numbers, application forms, and deadlines) on current agricultural and environmental programs and services
• Other duties as required

QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION/EXEPERIENCE

• Grade 12 Diploma – Required
• Degree or Diploma in Agriculture, Environmental, or Biological Sciences – Required
• Pesticide Applicators Certificate – Industrial, Agricultural and Landscape – Required
• Supervisory or mentoring experience – min. 3 to 5 years - Required
• Valid Alberta Class 5 Driver’s License – Required
• 5 years experience as in a municipal agricultural role – Required
• Proficiency with computers and Microsoft Office programs, with the ability to independently create and edit a variety of documents and spreadsheets – Required
• Ability to utilize Digital data base software, i.e., Muni-site in inspection and land service mapping - Required
• Ability to multi-task and supervise and mentor multiple crews performing multiple tasks - Required
• Superior social, communication, and relationship management skills – Required
• Ability to work well under pressure, individually and as part of a team – Required

Salary Range: $49.70 – 65.41 per hour, dependent on qualifications and experience.  

Please submit your application to Recruitment@mdlsr.ca referencing “Competition #AF-2025”

This competition will remain until suitable candidates are hired. We thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.