Agriculture Fieldman

The County of Vermilion River is seeking a highly motivated individual to join our safety-oriented team as permanent full time Agriculture Fieldman based in Kitscoty, Alberta. Reporting to the Assistant Chief Administrative Officer, the Agriculture Fieldman manages and coordinates various projects related to agricultural and municipal services. The primary purpose of this position is to implement agricultural and environmental policies and programs and manage the agricultural resources of the municipality.

This includes but is not limited to the planning, organizing, and coordinating of agricultural and environmental initiatives within the municipality and overseeing the delivery of various municipal services. In addition to field operations, this position involves planning and administration to ensure the County’s policies and strategic plans success.

Key Responsibilities

• Act in an advisory and administrative capacity to the Agricultural Services Board (ASB) and Council preparing reports and agenda items, reviewing policies and bylaws.
• Implementation of agricultural and environmental policies and programs with the County.
• Act as a designated officer of the municipality in carrying out the functions, duties, programs and powers of the municipality under any act relating to agriculture, including but not limited to, the Weed Control Act, Agricultural Pests Act, and Soil Conservation Act and requirements of the ASB grants environmental stream.
• Supervising and coordinating the work of departmental staff, including hiring, training and performance evaluation.
• Engaging with farmers, landowners, and agricultural stakeholders to facilitating communication and collaboration between the municipality and the agricultural community while addressing public enquiries, complaints, and concerns related to agriculture and municipal services.
• Implementing and overseeing initiatives to promote environmental sustainability in municipal operations and collaborate with other municipal departments to coordinate efforts and ensure alignment with overall municipal goals and priorities.
• Developing and managing department budgets as well as long term planning.
  
  

Knowledge Skills And Ability

• Knowledge of agricultural practices, including the applicable legislation related to the weed control, pest, and soil conservation acts.
• Familiar with Municipal Services including waste management, water supply and sanitation, drainage, wildlife control and open spaces.
• Capability to work under pressure in emergency situations requiring accurate and prompt decisions.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Communicate effectively and accurately, both orally and in writing.
• The ability to lead and motivate a diverse team of employees and contractors.
• The ability to adapt to change, unforeseen challenges, and evolving industry standards.
• Good organizational abilities.
• Able to deal responsibly with confidential information.
• Demonstrate high ethical standards and integrity in all aspects of team leadership and service delivery.
• Must possess reliable public relations and interpersonal skills to clarify facts, provide information and respond to complaints.
  
  

Qualifications

• Post-secondary diploma in Agricultural Science or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.
• Industrial, Agriculture and Landscape Alberta Pesticide Applicator License. Exterior Rodent Preferred.
• 5 years of related experience with 3 years of experience supervising staff preferably within a municipality.
• Experience in work order management would be an asset.
• Demonstrated strong organizational, time management, coordinating and prioritizing skills, and the ability to handle many tasks concurrently.
• Excellent understanding of Provincial policies and legislation as they affect municipal government and specific areas of responsibility.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office applications.
• Knowledge of GIS and GPS technology would be an asset.
• Valid Class 5 Driver’s License.