Forestry Investigator

Government of Alberta•Slave Lake, AB

1d•CA$76,613 - CA$100,492•Onsite

About The Position

The Alberta Public Service works to build a stronger province for current and future generations. We make a difference in the lives of Albertans through rewarding and diverse career opportunities. As the Ministry of Forestry and Parks we are responsible for fostering Alberta’s environmentally responsible forest management practices, including management of wildfires. We preserve our provincial parks for the recreation and enjoyment of Albertans. As well as enabling access to public lands for recreational and commercial purposes while prioritizing conservation. Forestry and Parks also manage public lands and balances sustainable rangelands and grazing leases for Alberta producers. The Forestry Division, within the Ministry of Forestry and Parks, works to enhance the economic, environmental, and social contributions of our forests and forested lands to Albertans.

Requirements

A related bachelor’s degree (4 years) and 2 years of related experience. Related degrees include Forestry, Natural Resource Compliance, Conservation Enforcement, or similar. (Demonstrated regulatory investigation experience)
A related two-year diploma plus 4 years related experience.
Additional related education considered in lieu of experience on a one-for-one basis.
Extensive experience conducting complex investigations in a regulatory or enforcement environment.
Strong knowledge of provincial and federal legislation relevant to forestry and environmental enforcement (e.g., Forests Act, FPPA, EPEA, Public Lands Act, Criminal Code, Charter).
Demonstrated ability to lead investigations that may result in administrative, civil, or judicial outcomes.
Experience preparing court briefs, administrative records, and legal documentation.
Ability to be appointed as a Peace Officer under the Peace Officer Act.
Advanced skills in evidence collection, interviewing, and investigative analysis.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including courtroom testimony.
Ability to work independently in a dynamic and often high-pressure environment.
Class 5 Driver’s Licence.

Nice To Haves

Eligible for registration with Alberta Association of Forest Management Professionals (RPF or RPFT).
Completion of FI-210 and FI-310 Wildfire Investigations Training Courses.

Responsibilities

Leading complex investigations into forestry-related non-compliance under legislation such as the Forests Act, and Forest and Prairie Protection Act.
Applying advanced investigative techniques, including evidence collection and preservation, judicial authorizations, interviewing, and analytical assessment of economic benefit and proceeds.
Preparing comprehensive investigation files to support administrative penalties, regulatory prosecutions, and civil litigation, including cost recovery actions.
Appearing as a Crown witness in court and administrative proceedings and providing expert evidence.
Collaborating with Alberta Justice, Crown Prosecutors, law enforcement agencies, and other regulatory bodies to advance enforcement outcomes.
Issuing enforcement actions such as violation tickets, written warnings, and orders under applicable legislation.
Providing expert advisory support to departmental staff and leadership on compliance and enforcement matters.
During wildfire season, supporting the provincial wildfire investigations unit, as required, by providing surge capacity.
Contributing to the development of compliance policy, investigative procedures, and operational standards.
Delivering training and mentoring to staff to build investigative capacity across the department.
Participating in provincial and inter-agency working groups to advance compliance and enforcement practices.