Agricultural Water Specialist

Full job description
Job Information

Job Requisition ID: 70345
Ministry: Agriculture and Irrigation
Location: Lethbridge County
Full or Part-Time: Full Time
Hours of Work: 36.25 hours per week
Permanent/Temporary: Permanent
Scope: Open Competition
Closing Date: June 11, 2025
Classification: Technologies 6
Salary: $2,6+4.27 to $3,537.86 bi-weekly ($70,320- $+2,338 per year)


Role Responsibilities
The Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation is seeking a motivated Agricultural Water Specialist to provide technical support to agricultural producers and groups relative to on-farm water issues specific to the southern region, such as providing advice regarding siting and construction of dugouts or water wells for the purposes of livestock watering and farm site development.

The position provides support to facilitate the growth of a sustainable, competitive agriculture industry by addressing farm water issues including supplies, conservation, drought and variable climate impacts, water quality, treatment and protection. As a member of the Farm Water Supply section, the Agricultural Water Specialist out of the southern region works with a provincial team of specialists. The Agricultural Water Specialist participates in projects relating to technology transfer, tool development and program development and delivery.

Responsibilities:


Provide tech transfer to agricultural producers and other stakeholders relative to on-farm surface and groundwater issues and on-farm water supply management.
Support sustainable land and water resource management through government programs and initiatives, such as the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership Water Program On-Farm Water Supply Stream.
Support the development of new technology, tools, and knowledge relating to on-farm water management.
Provide technical assessment of farm water management issues on topics such as dugouts, water wells, livestock watering, cyanobacteria, and water needs for small market gardens.
Represent department mandates, positions, etc. while on multi-stakeholder groups and represent agricultural regions and clients to the department.
Relay information back and forth in different roles and bring forward issues, challenges and opportunities.


Please

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.

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following APS Competencies:

Creative Problem Solving: Engages the community and resources at hand to address issues.
Agility: Being able to anticipate, quickly adapt, take advantage of opportunities, and make effective decisions by proactively seeking new opportunities. Encourages innovative thinking, identifies and responds to shifting needs and priorities, and can work with some autonomy to lead and manage projects.
Develop Networks: Proactively building networks, connecting and building trust in relationships with different stakeholders.
Build Collaborative Environments: The applicant needs to tap into various resources within the organization and act on opportunities to partner with other groups to achieve desired outcomes. Considers how changes might impact colleagues, clients and stakeholders and actively seeks their input or involvement regarding those changes.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies:


Qualifications
Minimum Requirement for this Role:

A 2-year diploma in water, agriculture or environmental sciences is required.
Plus, six years of experience (project management, technical assessments, groundwater or surface water projects, agriculture incentive or education programs, or a related area).
A valid Class 5 Driver’s License.


Equivalency: Directly related education or experience considered on the basis of:

1 year of education for 1 year of experience; or
1 year of experience for 1 year of education.


The following will be considered assets for this position:

Related field experience in the subject areas and within agricultural or rural settings.
Practical knowledge and experience with agricultural water systems, such as dugouts and water wells.
Knowledge of surface and groundwater systems in southern Alberta.
Familiarity and knowledge of Alberta's agriculture industry and production systems.
Familiarity of legislation, programs and policies affecting the development and management of agricultural water supplies.
Strong written, communication and presentation skills.
Ability to work independently and with a team.


Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification.
Refer to

Notes
This is a permanent, full-time position working 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

This position covers the southern agricultural region of Alberta. It is currently located in Lethbridge. The following link will take you to a map of the agricultural regions of Alberta:

The final candidate for this position will be asked to undergo pre-employment checks (including criminal record check).

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 GoA has to offer to prospective employees.

Working for the Alberta Public Service -
Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) -
Alberta Public Service Benefit Information -
Professional learning and development -
Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool –
Positive workplace culture and work-life balance
Leadership and mentorship programs.
How To Apply
Applicants are advised to provide information that clearly and concisely demonstrates how their qualifications meet the advertised requirements, including education, experience, and relevant examples of required competencies.

It is recommended that applicants include the assessment certificate from IQAS or any other educational assessment service as part of their application.

Closing Statement
This competition may be used to fill future vacancies, across the Government of Alberta, at the same or lower classification level.

We thank all applicants for their interest. All applications will be reviewed to determine which candidates' qualifications most closely match the advertised requirements. Only individuals selected for interviews will be contacted.

If you require any further information on this job posting or require an accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact Sam Thomas Mathew at Sam.Thomasmathew@gov.ab.ca.