Role Responsibilities

Make a province-wide impact as the Deputy Chief Provincial Veterinarian, driving the strategic direction of Alberta’s animal health programs and leading emergency preparedness and response initiatives alongside the Chief Provincial Veterinarian (CPV).

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting the development and implementation of provincial and national animal health programs, policies, and legislation, including surveillance, disease response and regulatory compliance.
• Apply scientific expertise to design and oversee programs that support industry sustainability, public health, and market access.
• Contribute to emergency preparedness and response planning for emerging and foreign animal diseases in collaboration with Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and other government and industry stakeholders.
• Support clear communication of Alberta’s livestock health status through stakeholder engagement, development of technical content, and media/communications activities.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with government partners, industry stakeholders, and national/international networks; participate in committees and forums on animal health issues.
  
  

Provide leadership within the Animal Health and Assurance Branch, including contributing to strategic direction, supporting teams, leading during emergency responses, and representing the Ministry in intergovernmental forums.

This position requires a strong commitment to animal health, excellent communication skills, and the ability to lead in high-pressure situations.

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 - Integrates broader context into planning:

• Plans for how current situation is affected by broader trends.
• Integrates issues, political environment and risks when considering possible actions.
• Supports organization vision and goals through strategy.
• Addresses behaviors that challenge progress.
  
  

Creative Problem Solving - Creates the environment for innovative problem solving:

• Generates new ways of thinking; ensures right questions are being asked about a problem.
• Eliminates barriers to creativity and innovation.
• Encourages a culture of innovation.
  
  

Agility - Identifies and manages required change and the associated risks:

• Identifies alternative approaches and supports others to do the same.
• Proactively explains impact of changes.
• Anticipates and mitigates emotions of others.
• Anticipates obstacles and stays focused on goals.
• Makes decisions and take action in uncertain situations and creates a backup plan.
  
  

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.
  
  

Develop Networks - Builds trust to fairly represent every party:

• Uses network to identify opportunities.
• Establishes credibility and common purpose with a range of people.
• Actively represents needs and varying groups.
• Creates strategic impression by inspiring and connecting with values and beliefs.
  
  

Build Collaborative Environments - Creates an open environment of communication:

• Promotes sharing of expertise.
• Initiates strategic communication systems.
• Anticipates and addresses potential conflict areas.
• Inspires with a bold, complete and shared vision.
• Leads cross-functional collaboration.
  
  

Develop Self and Others - Encourages development and integration of emerging methods:

• Shapes group learning for team development.
• Employs emerging methods towards goals.
• Creates a shared learning environment.
• Works with individuals to develop personal development plans.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirement for this Role:

• University graduation with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), plus five (5) years experience in livestock veterinary practice and/or public veterinary practice, demonstrating expertise in animal health and welfare.
  

Equivalency:

• Master or PhD level training may be considered in lieu of experience on a one-for-one basis.

Additional Requirements:

• Eligibility for licensure with the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
  
  

Assets:

• Advanced education, such as an MPH, MSc or PhD in a related field of study.
• Expert knowledge of livestock disease dynamics, including pathogenesis, diagnosis, epidemiology, and control strategies for endemic and foreign animal diseases, particularly those impacting public health, food safety, and market access.
• Comprehensive understanding of national and international animal health policies.
• In-depth awareness of Alberta’s livestock health status and emerging risks.
• Strong knowledge of modern livestock production systems and their implications for animal health and welfare.
• Expertise in epidemiology, risk assessment, and disease surveillance, including analysis, management, communication, and use of statistical methods to support evidence-based policy and emergency response.
• Extensive experience in animal health and disease control, including leadership in emergency response, policy development, and stakeholder engagement.
• Extensive knowledge of Alberta’s Animal Health Act and related regulations.
• Experience with GIS and related analytical tools.
  
  

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:

• Edmonton is preferred (office located in the O.S. Longman building), but other locations such as Airdrie and Red Deer will be considered. Please list preferred location below in the pre-screen question section.
• Hours of Work: 36.25 hours per week (permanent full-time).
• Monday to Friday (08:15 am-16:30 pm).
• Evening and weekend work is sometimes required.
• Some travel within the province to meet with industry stakeholders, attend conferences/ speaking engagements is required for this role. There may occasionally be a need for out of province or out of country travel.

Additional Applicant 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 a written assignment demonstrating writing skills and abilities pre or post interviews.
• This position may 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 Government of Alberta has 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.