The Assistant Agricultural Fieldman is responsible for the delivery of the vegetation management control programs, ALUS projects, extension programming, and the supervision of seasonal agricultural staff.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
· Act as inspector under the Weed Control Act and Agricultural Pests Act.
· Provide leadership in supervising and guiding the summer staff on inspecting (weed monitoring and pest surveys) roadside herbicide applications, and roadside mowing operations.
· Perform vegetation management control on both private and municipal lands, including hamlets, roadside ditches, agricultural lands, municipal building yard sites, waste transfer sites, and gravel stockpiles.
· Assist in inspections for and the delivery of predation control programs.
· Coordinate with the Agriculture Services Manager to carry out planning and implementation of workshops, seminars, and field tours to the public (mainly fall through winter) and for creating and providing other educational materials.
· Assist in administering the shelterbelt and equipment rental programs.
· Administer and deliver the ALUS program including GIS/mapping, working with the Partnership Advisory Committee (PAC), liaising with agricultural producers, promoting the ALUS program, and forming relationships with partnering organizations.
· Assist agricultural producers with Environmental Farm Plans (EFP) and grant applications.
Education & Experience
· Degree (B.Sc.) or diploma in Agriculture or Environmental Sciences is desirable.
· Pesticide Applicators License preferred or able to obtain upon employment.
· Good physical condition to perform both field and office duties.
· Familiarity with ALUS Canada.
· Valid Alberta Class 5 Operator’s license.
· Current (5yrs) drivers abstract.
· Provide a current Criminal Records check.
· Certification or willingness to obtain: WHMIS, TDG, Standard First Aid/CPR, and/or other training as required.
Knowledge, Skills & Attributes
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines effectively.
- Strong confidentiality and integrity in handling sensitive information.
- Self-motivated with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to respond well to inquiries from employees and ratepayers.
Health & Safety:
- All personnel working at Big Lakes County are governed by the County’s Health & Safety Policy.
- Ensures all operations are conducted in a safe manner and in accordance with County Policies and Occupational Health & Safety Regulations.
- Required to wear correct P.P.E as per safe job procedures.
- Must check in as per Working Alone legislation.
- Must follow all safe job procedures.
Working Conditions & Physical Environment
· Work normal business hours, but with the possibility of overtime in the summer and occasional evenings (workshops) and out-of-county trips (conferences).
· Work is performed at various outdoor work sites within the County during the summer and is primarily office work in the winter.
· Use and operation of vehicles.
· Work may be performed in extreme temperatures.
· Physical job requirements: May require lifting and carrying of up to 23 kg, bending, twisting, kneeling, squatting, crawling.
· Exposure to outdoor conditions.
· Dust and fumes.
· Seasonal work with pesticides.
· Frequent public interactions.
Compensation:
Big Lakes County offers an excellent benefit and pension package with a competitive salary.
Hours of work:
8:15am-4:00pm Mon-Fri
Submit Cover Letter and Resume, Including References to:
Eunice McCauley, Human Resources Manager
Big Lakes County
Box 239, High Prairie, AB T0G 1E0
Phone: 780-523-5955
humanresources@biglakescounty.ca
Deadline for applications: November 28, 2025
Big Lakes County thanks all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Visit our website at www.biglakescounty.ca for more information.
