REPORTS TO:
Manager of Protective Services
WAGE BAND:
To be established through JJE
STATUS:
Temporary Full Time (April until October)
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Responsible for the education and enforcement of municipal bylaws and Provincial Statutes that are within their Council appointed authority.
- Provides agriculture and environmental advice, expertise, and information to the internal and external stakeholders, the Agriculture Service Board (ASB), Manager of Protective Services and Council as required.
- Assists with the selection of seasonal staff within the Agriculture and Environmental Services department.
- Effectively trains, mentors, and supervises seasonal staff.
- Provides rental equipment to the public for the control of weeds and agricultural pests.
- Provides educational information and materials for weed and pest control to internal and external stakeholders. Provides information to Manager of Protective Services to support the development of annual and long-range operational and capital budgets.
- Prepare reports and recommendations to the Manager of Protective Services as requested.
- Compiles and provide monthly performance statistics to the Manager of Protective Services that highlight Agricultural Fieldman activities.
- Oversees vegetation management, soil conservation and agricultural pest control on municipal land.
- Collects flora and fauna data from field surveys for department programs and for Alberta Agriculture, Forestry, and Rural Economic Development.
- Promotes and implements public workshops/projects for soil and water conservation within the Municipality.
- Ensures appropriate and timely response levels are maintained.
- Addresses customer concerns for investigation and resolution, or re-direct for appropriate followup.
- Acts as a resource to Municipal staff regarding environmental considerations, education and enforcement.
- Must be able to work independently on confidential, sensitive, and complex issues.
- Must be able to exercise good tact and sound judgement when dealing with difficult situations and the ability to recognize and react appropriately to potentially dangerous situations.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Abilities and Skills
- Extensive knowledge of agricultural, weed and pest control methods and practices.
- Extensive knowledge of local flora and fauna.
- Excellent communication (verbal and written), interpersonal, organizational, and time management skills.
- Superior customer service skills, a positive team orientated attitude, and the ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities.
- Ability to work independently and collegially in a team environment.
- High degree of proficiency with Microsoft Office suite and database software.
- Familiarity with finance and budgetary processes.
- Ability to interact tactfully with municipal staff, Council, and members of the public.
- Ability to organize and delegate the work of seasonal staff.
- Ability to work effectively with local not-for-profit and environmental groups.
- Good working knowledge of GIS, GPS and weed mapping software.
- Knowledge of safe work practices and Occupational Health and Safety is required.
- Demonstrated skill and experience interpreting and applying various levels of legislation.
Education and Experience
- Two-year diploma in Agriculture and/or Environmental Science.
- 2 years of experience in Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, or a related field.
- A valid Class 5 driver's license and the ability to provide a satisfactory annual abstract.
- Thorough knowledge of the following Alberta Acts & their Regulations: Weed Control Act, Agriculture Service Board Act, Agricultural Pests Act, Soil Conservation Act.
- Standard First Aid and basic CPR certificates
- Basic Emergency Management (BEM), ICS 100, 200or ability to obtain.
The following would be considered an asset:
- A Pesticide Applicator License
- Member of the Association of Alberta Agricultural Fieldman
- Degree in Agriculture, Environmental Science or related field.
Independence and Scope of Impact
This position has a significant independent component to it however the Manager of Protective Services will provide guidance for program direction and overall authority. Decisions and problems are varied, requiring the incumbent to use considerable judgement and discretion within policy, codes, and legislation. Supervision can be consulted in cases where several options are available. The incumbent may be required to assist with the development of policy or new methods of work.
Contacts
Internal – Regular contacts are maintained with other municipal departments, Council, and the Agricultural Service Board (ASB).
External – Regular contacts are maintained with the public, business owners, industry partners, neighboring jurisdictions, Fish and Wildlife, Alberta Invasive Species Council, Southwest Invasive Managers, Alberta Agriculture, Forestry, and Rural Economic Development. Regular contact is also maintained with contractors, CPR, TC Energy, Alberta Transportation, and the Association of Alberta Agricultural Fieldman members.
Supervision Given
The work involves the supervision of seasonal staff. The incumbent sets work priorities, assigns duties, and organises the resources needed for seasonal staff to accomplish assigned tasks. The incumbent is expected to lead by example and to ensure the quality of work meets established standards.
Working Conditions
The work is performed both indoors and outdoors. Indoor work is typically performed in an office environment involving periods of sitting, good lighting, even temperature control and low noise control. Outdoor work is performed in all weather conditions including cold, heat, wind, mud, dirt, dust and noise. The work is occasional physically strenuous and regularly requires the incumbent to bend, kneel, crouch and stand.
There are occasions when the conditions are extreme in terms of temperature, inclement weather, mud, dust, noise. The work is occasionally physically strenuous and regularly requires the incumbent to bend, kneel, crouch and stand.