Job Description

The Senior Advisor of Agriculture Initiatives is responsible for leading the Agricultural Framework for Strathcona County. This position will create strategic plans and programs to support organizational goals and the Agricultural Framework. To support the planning and delivery of Agriculture programs and projects within a multi-disciplinary branch, this position will supervise the Agriculture Initiatives Team while ensuring compliance with municipal, provincial and federal policies and legislation.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure the implementation of the Agricultural Framework and any associated strategies or programs
• Ensure programs comply with municipal, provincial and federal strategic direction, policy and legislation
• Coordinate organizational alignment and inter departmental relationships to encourage a shared leadership of the Agricultural Framework
• Contribute to the design, development and implementation of branch programs and projects, specifically to support the Agricultural Framework and Environmental Framework
• Coordinate the connection of the Agricultural Service Board with appropriate provincial opportunities as they arise and ensure opportunities for engagement and participation of the Agricultural Service Board to comply with provincial legislation
• Facilitate public meetings and make presentations to community or multi disciplinary groups related to agriculture
• Oversee and monitor all operating expenses for the Agricultural Initiatives Team and participate in the annual operating budget preparation, empowered to make key decisions regarding team operations, budget and strategic initiatives
• Supervise the Agriculture Initiatives Team through promoting a safe working environment by ensuring all staff perform their tasks safely by developing and implementing safe work practices and procedures
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, training and ongoing performance management relating to all staff within the Agriculture Initiatives Team
• Direct consultants and contractors to ensure work is performed in compliance with policies, standards, legislation and safety requirements
• Provide customer service including accurate technical information to the public, other jurisdictions, consultants/contractors/developers and other departments
• Liaise with different orders of government, stakeholders and partners

Qualifications & Skills

• Degree in Agricultural or Environmental studies with a minimum of 5 years of experience in the agricultural or environmental field or a Diploma in Agricultural or Environmental studies with a minimum of 7 years of experience in the agricultural or environmental field
• Knowledge of municipal, provincial and federal policies and legislation is an asset
• Supervisory experience to support a small team
• Eligible for designation as an Agricultural Fieldman, Assistant Agricultural Fieldman, Professional Agrologist, Registered Technologist in Agrology or Professional Biologist is a requirement

Conditions of Employment:

• Valid Alberta Class 5 Driver’s licence and submission of a 5-year Driver’s Abstract with less than 7 demerits

Who We Are:

Strathcona County is a specialized municipality located in the heart of Alberta. Our vision is to become Canada’s most livable community, where our workplace culture and identity are supported by our people plan and values of integrity, respect, safety, collaboration, and accountability.

Why Join Strathcona County: (depending on position)

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, which includes:
• Extended health and dental coverage
• Health and wellness spending account
• Life and disability insurance
• Retirement and pension programs
• Earned day off program
• Employee and family assistance program
• Commitment to employee development, through internal and external training and development opportunities
• Well-being programs and a safety culture focused on physical and psychological health in the workplace

Equivalencies of education and experience may be considered. This role may be eligible to participate in our hybrid work program.

This competition may be used to fill future vacancies for similar positions within the next 6 months.

Strathcona County is committed to an inclusive, respectful, and equitable workplace that represents the community we serve. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who can contribute diverse perspectives and experiences.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.