SUMMARY
Reporting to the Director of Community & Protective Service, the fulltime Agricultural Fieldman position is responsible for the planning, organizing, directing, controlling and evaluation of the Agriculture Services Operations for Big Lakes County. Including but not limited to Vegetation Management, Pest Control, Soil Conservation, Extension Activities and Rental Equipment.
Key Responsibilities Include:
- Supervisory Responsibilities; the Assistant Agricultural Fieldman, Weed/Pest Inspectors (seasonal staff) and contractors. Which includes staffing, training, daily report assessments, performance reviews, coaching, advising, and discipline.
- Oversee the field operations of Agriculture Services in accordance with Legislation, Regulations, Permits and Approvals and County Policies & Procedures.
- Act as a resource to the Agricultural Advisory Committee and direct the meetings.
- Seasonal vegetation management program (seeding, pesticide application, weed inspecting).
- Stay familiar with, interpret, implement, and act as an inspector under the Agricultural Service Board Act, Weed Control Act, Soil Conservation Act, Agricultural Pests Act, Animal Health Act.
- Planning of public information meetings regarding Agriculture programs.
- Draft correspondence, reports, and agendas for Director of Community Services & Protective Services with relation to Agriculture Services.
- Development of programs, policies, and procedures in consultation with Director of Community & Protective Services for all aspects of Agriculture Services.
- Preparation of the annual Agriculture Services Strategic Plan, work plan, budget, project tracking and expenditure control.
- Coordinate and supervise all contract work for Agriculture Services projects.
- Coordinate and Oversee the Agriculture Service Board rental equipment program.
- Maintain accurate records as per Acts, Policies and County procedures.
- Attend Agricultural Advisory Committee meetings and other meetings as required.
- Coordinate with Public Works staff regarding the vegetation maintenance of registered drainage and brushing schedules.
- Research and apply for appropriate funding for Agriculture Services projects.
- Prepare and coordinate tenders for Agriculture Services projects.
- Support local agricultural research organizations (SARDA-Smoky Applied Research & Demonstration Association and PCBFA – Peace Country Beef & Forage Association).
- Meet with and assist landowners with decisions on agronomic practices concerning weed control, pest control and soil conservation issues.
- Preparation of tenders/contracts for supplies, contractors, and equipment as required by Agriculture Services.
- Ensure inventories of Agriculture Services supplies are maintained.
- Other duties as required.
Requirements:
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
- Post-secondary education in Agriculture, Environmental Science, or a combination of equivalent education and experience is required.
- A minimum 3 years’ experience in Agriculture Services Industry including supervisory experience.
- Pesticide Applicators Certificate (Agriculture, Industrial and Landscape classes) or the ability to obtain is required.
- Member in good standing with the Association of Alberta Agricultural Fieldman or the ability to qualify.
- Valid Class 5 driver’s license and provision of an annual driver’s abstract.
- Criminal Record Check.
- Transportation of Dangerous Goods Certificate (TDG) – preferred
- First Aid Certification – preferred.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to interact and respond to inquiries from Agricultural Advisory Committee, Management, Employees, and Ratepayers.
- Basic accounting skills and familiarity with finances and budgets.
- Trouble shooting and problem-solving skills.
- Must maintain confidentiality.
- Must be self-motivated, and able to work with minimal supervision.
- Ability to interpret, implement and adhere to organizational policies and procedures.
- Weed and Crop identification and knowledge.
- Pesticide application knowledge and experience.
- Mechanically inclined.
- Map reading skills.
- Working knowledge of Geographical Positioning System (GPS) & Geographic Information System (GIS).
SUBMIT COVER LETTER AND RESUME, INCLUDING REFERENCES TO:
Deadline for applications: Open until suitable candidates are found.
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.
Additional Job Information:
Posted Date: Aug 19, 2021
Closing Date: Sept 18, 2021