Competition ID:

J0722-1727

Job Type:

Temporary Full Time

Department:

Agriculture Services

Job Category:

Agriculture

Hours Per Week:

40

Salary:

$60,774.71-$79,974.52 per annum

Date Posted:

July 28, 2022

Closing Date:

August 18, 2022

Coordinates agricultural pest and weed surveillance functions, rural extension

activities and other programs to support Sturgeon County’s local agricultural sector.

·         Provide oversight to the County’s agricultural weed and pest inspection and surveillance programs including administration and enforcement of all relevant provincial legislation and County Bylaws applicable to the program.

• Direct, supervise and facilitate all required training for agricultural inspectors and ensure inspection tasks are performed safely, competently and in accordance with all applicable legislation.
• Fulfill the responsibilities of an appointed Agricultural Fieldman under the Agricultural Service Board Act including serving as an inspector under the Weed Control Act, the Agricultural Pests Act and the Soil Conservation Act.
• Enforce the landscape standards outlined in Sturgeon County Community Standards Bylaw 1433/19 on residential properties in Sturgeon County.
• Prepare local crop condition reports and moisture condition assessments regularly throughout the growing season to support informed municipal, provincial and federal decision making.
• Oversee the proper use and management of inspection data within the County’s record management software and GIS system and liaise with the County’s GIS Team to improve data collection and management processes as required.
• Oversee contracted service providers performing enforcement work to ensure adherence to contractual requirements and their responsibilities and accountabilities as outlined in the Sturgeon County Health and Safety Management System.
• Facilitate the timely and efficient recovery of debts incurred through enforcement of the Weed Control Act and the Community Standards Bylaw.
• Supervise, train and manage the performance of agricultural inspectors to ensure successful program delivery.
• Provide resources and technical assistance to landowners and agricultural producers on sound agronomic techniques, sustainable agricultural practices and land management.
• Provide exceptional customer service to County residents by responding to external and internal customer complaints and inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
• Assist agricultural producers in the completion of Environmental Farm Plans.
• Schedule and make all necessary arrangements for successful rural extension program delivery in areas of agronomy and sustainable agriculture including workshops, demonstrations, other event; Adapt topics and delivery methods as required to ensure that defined outcomes are achieved.
• Attend Agricultural Service Board meetings as required to report on program service levels and outcomes and to facilitate board member input into rural extension program development.

• Plan and coordinate the Annual Agricultural Service Board Tour.
• Develop and recommend programming that promotes public awareness and appreciation of the agricultural industry
• Support and provide information to residents regarding grant funding opportunities including Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) funding.
• Research external funding sources for program delivery and prepare proposals and applications to secure grant funding; Track all deliverables of programs and ensure that all required grant reporting is completed as required.
• Liaise with other community agencies/organizations regarding related services/initiatives to foster mutual understanding, coordination, and partnerships including the Alberta Woodlot Extension Society (AWES). the Land Stewardship Centre and the Classroom Agriculture Program (CAP).
• Coordinate Sturgeon County’s specialty agricultural equipment rental program.
• Prepare articles, publications, and website content to increase public awareness of County programs and sustainable agricultural practices.
• Review and provide input on inter-departmental referrals including subdivision and development applications and outline any potential impacts to agricultural resources.
• Monitor all program-related expenditures to ensure responsible fiscal management.
• Perform special projects and tasks as required.
• Adhere to applicable responsibilities and accountabilities as outlined in the Sturgeon County Health and Safety Management System.

·         Excellent organizational and time management skills and the ability to adapt programming to changing priorities and delivery methods.

·         Excellent verbal and written communication skills

·         Strong interpersonal and presentation skills and the ability to work with both internal and external stakeholders in a professional manner.

·         Skills in using Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, GIS and Outlook.

·         Ability to work efficiently and effectively with little supervision and in a team environment is important.

·         This job is performed in both an office setting and in a field environment.

·         A diploma or degree in an Agriculture-related discipline.

·         Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) designation or ability to obtain.

·         Pesticide Applicator License (Agricultural, Landscape or Industrial Classes) or the ability to obtain.

·         3-5 years of experience in the agricultural industry.

·         Experience in a municipal government setting considered an asset.

·         Experience with community engagement considered an asset.

·         Event planning and management experience considered an asset.

·         Strong understanding of agricultural practices pertaining to crop production and/or livestock production.

·         Strong understanding of environmental conservation and stewardship.

·         Standard First AidH2S Alive of the ability to obtain.

·         WHMIS 2015 or the ability to obtain.

·         Ability to wear a half mask with organic carbon filters when handling herbicides, and completion of a Respiratory User Screening Form as per the CSA Z94.4-11.

·         Physical ability to perform medium lifting up to 25 kilograms.