Description

Position Description
Agricultural Fieldman

Position Responsibilities

Reporting to the CAO and /or designate, the Agricultural Fieldman is the Administrator for the Agricultural Service Board (ASB) and is responsible for the implementation of all Agricultural Services and Integrated Vegetation Management programs, activities, and associated services within the Municipal District of Lesser Slave River.

AGRICULTURAL SERVICES

Provide agenda items and background materials for the ASB meetings and attend all ASB meetings.
Provide the CAO and /or designate and the ASB with pertinent information, advice, and recommendations
Participate in meetings and committees as directed or requested by the CAO and/or designate or ASB
Assist the CAO and /or designate in the preparation and monitoring of the annual budget
Provide program reports as required to the CAO and/or designate
Prepare and maintain adequate records and files of agricultural programs, services, and activities
Compile statistical reports on matters relating to Agriculture Services within the Municipal District, and provide reports to various committees as required
Assist in the Preparation and submit grant applications and expenditure reports for submission to Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development and other granting agencies
Verify and approve invoices relating to the ASB operations
Prepare reports, draft correspondence, conduct field inspections and dialogue with Agricultural Producers
Supervise and coordinate activities of Agricultural Services seasonal staff inclusive of the weed inspection program, Roadside Integrated Weed Control Program and Special Weed Control Partnership Program
Prepare a five year business plan, reviewing it annually and track activities throughout the year
Present to Council with an annual Business Plan Final Report
Organize an annual fall social
Attend and participate in local trade fairs, parades, and other community functions
Partner with the local schools to facilitate agricultural programming
Maintain an agricultural equipment rental program
Organize information update producer meetings and workshops
Produce and distribute quarterly (as required) information update mail-outs (“Rural Roots”) to all producers
Facilitate & partner to establish plots, demonstrations & research projects
Manages and supervises the Integrated Vegetation Management plan for the MD inclusive of all Municipality owned, leased and or controlled lands of various specific uses. These include road allowances, playgrounds, beaches, parks and open spaces, facilities grounds, and boulevards.
Actively manage and assist in the development and operation of horticultural and beautification programs of MD properties.
Maintain the Veterinary Services Incorporated (VSI) Program
Provide a diagnostic service for weeds, crops, trees, insects, and diseases to area residents
Provide unbiased agronomic information on crop, forage, and livestock production
Foster extension, cooperation, networking, and information sharing amongst farmers, governments, business, community organizations and industry
Attend and participate in other agriculture/environmental meetings, seminars, and workshops
Partner with AMA/Northlands for the bi-annual Farm Family Award
Participate in inter-municipal and inter-governmental projects and programs (i.e.: Grasshopper Survey, Drought Monitoring, Weed Survey, Crop Reports, etc.)
Partner with other agricultural organizations, business, community groups and industry to organize meetings, seminars, workshops, and tours
Administer, direct, and enforce delegated provincial legislation (ASBA, WCA, APA, SCA, and AHA), municipal policy and bylaws in an equal, consistent, and effective manner within the financial and human resource constraints of the municipality
Draft and enact policies and programs that meet the needs of the ASB
Provide information, direction and assistance on municipal, provincial, and federal government agricultural programs and services to ratepayers
Maintain a data base of information (program details, contact numbers, application forms, and deadlines) on current agricultural and environmental programs and services
Other duties as required

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION/EXEPERIENCE

Grade 12 Diploma – Required
Degree or Diploma in Agriculture, Environmental, or Biological Sciences – Required
Pesticide Applicators Certificate – Industrial, Agricultural and Landscape – Required
Supervisory or mentoring experience – min. 3 to 5 years - Required
Valid Alberta Class 5 Driver’s License – Required
5 years experience as in a municipal agricultural role – Required
Proficiency with computers and Microsoft Office programs, with the ability to independently create and edit a variety of documents and spreadsheets – Required
Ability to utilize Digital data base software, i.e., Muni-site in inspection and land service mapping - Required
Ability to multi-task and supervise and mentor multiple crews performing multiple tasks - Required
Superior social, communication, and relationship management skills – Required
Ability to work well under pressure, individually and as part of a team – Required