Agriculture Services Supervisor

POSITION SUMMARY 

Job Profile

The Agricultural Services Supervisor provides technical expertise on agricultural and environmental programs within the County and administers and delivers programs under the Agriculture Service Board (ASB) and Resource Management Grants.

The Supervisor ensures that the municipal responsibilities under the ASB Act, Weed Act, Ag Pest Act, Soil Conservation Act, and Animal Health Act are met.

RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to:  Manager of Parks and Agriculture Services

Direct Reports:  Seasonal staff

Internal Contacts:  Infrastructure, Community Services, Agriculture Service Board

External Contacts: County ratepayers, community members, rural and intermunicipal partners.

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS: % range of focus

Leadership: (5 - 10%)

• Lead seasonal employees, provide ongoing direction, goal setting, and coaching
• Develop training plans and regularly evaluate performance
• Mentor, guide, and advise staff members to aid problem-solving
• Foster an environment of innovation and encourage continuous improvement
• Support the County’s Health & Safety program, lead by example, identify hazards, provide training, and require personal protective equipment for staff members

ASB Support and Administration: (35 – 45%)

• Provide agricultural and environmental technical expertise, support and information to the department, boards, committees, ratepayers, rural and urban communities.
• Coordinate the administration and delivery of agriculture and environmental extension programs, including program planning, communication, and delivery, including the Alberta Agriculture Extension Programming, Environmental Farm Plan program and other programs as directed by the ASB and the County.
• Coordinate and deliver the Land Care environmental programming under the
• Resource Management Grant.
• Collaborate with the Manager on the grant application, tracking and administration,
• Communicate and collaborate with ratepayers on grant availability.
• Support, utilize, and monitor funds available through provincial and federally funded agriculture and conservation grant programs.
• Produce monthly newsletter and ongoing communications (e.g., articles, social media) highlighting ASB and community events and highlights.
• Acts as recording secretary, participates in, and assists with ASB meetings.

Weed Program Management: (25 – 35%)

• Coordinate and supervise the seasonal staff in conducting urban and rural pest &
• weed inspections, control, surveys, and identification.
• Coordinate the Herbicide Spraying Programs with guidance from the Manager.
• Conduct and coordinate urban and rural pest and weed identification, inspections, and control.
• Complete surveys, maintain records, and reports for pesticide and herbicide programs.
• Maintain an updated inventory of chemicals.
• Communicate with ratepayers regarding weeds and pest control.
• Monitor maintenance and repair requirements of Ag equipment and vehicles.

Program Administration: (20 – 30%)

• Provide input into operating and capital budgets.
• Provide input, data, and research into departmental and County strategic planning.
• Prepare ASB meeting reports and other regular internal program reporting.
• Provide input, data, and research into departmental and County strategic planning.
• Draft and provide research for updates to policies, procedures, and bylaws.

Projects and Assignments

• Assist with Parks and Cemetery programming as needed.
• Participate in the Association of Agricultural Fieldmen activities.
• Complete other related work as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• High school diploma [required]
• Diploma or degree in agriculture or environmental studies [preferred]
• Strong knowledge of the Legislation the department operates in, including the ASB Act, Alberta Weed Control Act, Pest Control Act, Soil Conservation Act, Animal Health Act, and Cemetery Act.
• Will consider an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience

Experience

• 1 - 2 years’ experience in weed/pest identification and control, and knowledge as it pertains to the legislation [required]
• 1-2 years of supervisory experience [preferred]
• Experience as an Agricultural or Assistant Fieldman [asset]
• Experience in riparian management, soil conservation, grazing management, nutrient management, and extension activities [asset].
• Experience working on a farm [preferred]
• Experience with towing trailers, operating equipment, and off-road vehicles [required]
• Experience with ArcGIS and GPS [asset]
• Experience working with municipal governments [asset]

Other

• Valid Alberta Class 5 driving license [required]
• Alberta Pesticide Applicator Certificate of qualification in the categories of industrial, agriculture, and landscape [must hold or be eligible to obtain]
• License to issue pest control products; Form 7 from Alberta Agriculture [must hold or be eligible to obtain]
• Current First Aid/CPR certification [desired]

WORKING CONDITIONS (including equipment operated)

• Operate County vehicles (off-road vehicles, tractors, mowers, and other equipment)
• Field work required,
• Frequent exposure to outdoor elements [e.g., pollens, insects, dust, wildlife, varying weather conditions]
• Exposure to pesticides and spraying equipment/vehicles
• Occasional exposure to noise [vehicles, equipment, tools]
• Moderate to heavy physical fitness level of activity, including lifting/carrying over 50 lbs. on occasion. Perform a range of physical motions, including standing, lifting, crouching, walking, sitting, bending, raising arms above shoulders, climbing, etc.
• Operate standard office equipment

All employees within Kneehill County are expected to:

• Demonstrate commitment to County Staff Values.
• Follow all relevant policies and bylaws.
• Follow the guidelines, assigned responsibilities, and accountabilities as outlined in the Health & Safety Program Manual, and participate in safety training required for the position and County standards.

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