Assistant Agricultural Fieldman

JOB TITLE:  Assistant Agricultural Fieldman
DEPARTMENT:  Agricultural Services
REPORTS TO:  Agricultural Fieldman

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

The Assistant Agricultural Fieldman is under the supervision of the Agricultural Fieldman.  In addition, the Assistant Agricultural Fieldman will work closely with the Agricultural Service Board (ASB), Municipal Council, all internal Municipal Departments, and external organizations in the performance of their duties.  This position is responsible for assisting in the formulation and direction of the work schedule for the Agricultural Services Department.

OUTLINE OF DUTIES:

1. Assists in the supervision of all positions in Agricultural Services Department.
2. As the Assistant Agricultural Fieldman, you will be appointed as a designate under the following Acts. As a designate you have the authority to carry out the Regulatory duties and powers contained in the following Provincial Acts of Legislation:
3. Agricultural Service Board Act (ASB Act)
4. Weed Control Act (WCA)
5. Soil Conservation Act (SCA)
6. Agricultural Pests Act (APA)
7. Forest and Prairie Protection Act
8. The Assistant Agricultural Fieldman will assist in all aspects of the Provincial ASB Grant Programming and must ensure that the Resource Management and Rat Control components are co-ordinated, completed and within budget.
9. Participation in and coordination of agricultural pest surveys including but not limited to diamondback moth, bertha armyworm, grasshoppers, clubroot and rats.
10. Identification of Regulated Weeds and engaging with landowners to coordinate control efforts. Some spraying projects may be required. Continuously conducting inspections for Regulated Weeds through filed season on roadsides, on private and public land, and industry.
11. Compiling information into a weed database for multi year tracking.
12. Collection of seed cleaning plant samples and assisting in annual licensing of plants.
13. Adherence to safe work procedures and continuous hazard assessment.
14. Maintenance of existing department programming including but not limited to administration of the annual municipal calendar photo contest.
15. Monitoring of Municipal Tankloaders and performing routine checks.
16. Issuance of Fire Permits.
17. Assisting ratepayers in the completion of Environmental Farm Plans (EFP) and promoting relevant grant programs, such as the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (S-CAP).
18. Prepare reports, agendas, and minutes for ASB meetings. Coordinate logistics for out-of-town ASB functions.
19. Adherence to approved Department budget. Coding invoices and organizing payments for ASB members.
20. Ability to attend multi day conferences throughout the year.
21. Maintain an active membership within the following organizations:
22. Alberta Association of Agricultural Fieldman (AAAF)
23. Professional Vegetation Management Association (PVMA).
24. Alberta Invasive Species Council (AISC)
25. Any other affiliation that is deemed in the best interest of the Municipality.
26. Required to collaboratively develop programs, demonstrations, meetings, workshops, newsletters, and various awareness and extension material for ratepayers as prescribed by the Agricultural Service Board.
27. Respond to ratepayer inquiries regarding any Municipal agricultural concerns in accordance to approved procedures.
28. Assist in ensuring all Municipal weed and brush control work is done according to Municipal Policy.
29. Ensure up to date safety equipment and manuals are available to all Agricultural Services employees.
30. Assist in ensuring that all employees are qualified and proficiently trained for their duties.
31. Timely completion of reports and projects.
32. Other duties as directed by Supervisor.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITY AND SKILLS:

This person must be able to work with no supervision required.  The ability to maintain good public relations with ratepayers is essential.  Experience with vegetation management and computerized spraying equipment is an asset.  This position requires a valid “Pesticide Application Certificate of Qualification” with a minimum of Industrial and Agricultural designations.  Practical knowledge of current agricultural practices would also be required. Some supervisory experience is required.

COMPREHENSION AND JUDGMENT: 

The work requires the ability and willingness to cooperate with other staff members and departments.  A high degree of independent action and supervision of employees in a team environment is required.