Rangeland Agrologist

Government of Alberta • High Prairie, AB

31d

About The Position

At the Department of Forestry and Parks, Lands Operations Division, we manage lands under the Public Lands Act and Forest Reserve Act for agricultural use, providing immense value to Alberta’s agricultural community. These lands offer cultivation, haying opportunities, and forage for grazing. Reporting to the Rangeland Team Lead, the Rangeland Agrologist is responsible for the assessment, regulation, and management of agricultural use on Alberta Crown lands under the Public Lands Act and Forest Reserves Act. The role ensures that agricultural dispositions such as grazing, haying, and range use are managed to maintain ecological integrity while supporting sustainable agricultural developmentThis position applies professional agrology expertise to make regulatory and land management decisions, conduct field and administrative audits, and support integrated land-use planning in collaboration with government agencies, Indigenous communities, and stakeholders.The Rangeland Agrologist provides scientific and professional expertise to clients, agricultural producers, government and industry professionals on soils, range and riparian health, and tame and native ecosystems to support rangeland stewardship and sustainability.

Requirements

• A completed university degree in Agriculture, Environmental Sciences, or a related field.
• Minimum 3 years of related experience.
• Currently registered as a Professional Agrologist from the Alberta Institute of Agrologists (AIA).
• A valid Class 5 Driver’s License (or equivalent) with a clean driving record.
• Defensive driving certificate.
• Standard First Aid and Basic CPR.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in contract and project administration, including participation in tendering processes, contract issuance, and monitoring of stewardship or operational agreements (e.g., grazing reserves and municipal weed control programs).
• Ability to use geospatial and land management systems (e.g., GLIMPS, GRMS, AltaBase, ArcMap, ArcPad) to complete mapping, spatial analysis, and land evaluation tasks in support of operational decision-making.
• Demonstrated ability to apply knowledge of ecosystem health and function, including range and riparian systems, rangeland health assessment, forage production, livestock production systems, plant identification, plant community classification, soil science, weed science, reclamation techniques, water resources, and agricultural capability ratings to support evidence-based land management decisions.
• Ability to interpret and apply multiple legislative and regulatory frameworks, including the Public Lands Act, Forest Reserves Act, Parks Act, Weed Control Act, Water Act, Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act, Species at Risk Act, Agrology Profession Act, and associated regulations, policies, and operational directives.
• Capacity to assess and integrate competing land-use values (e.g., agriculture, forestry, wildlife, recreation, industrial development, and water management) into balanced land management recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Administer and manage vacant public land in accordance with applicable legislation, regulations, policies, and directives, ensuring a balanced approach to development, land use, and conservation while maintaining biodiversity.
• Deliver technology transfer initiatives independently or in partnership with stakeholders through workshops, publications, and direct client engagement, as well as collaboration with local governments to enhance knowledge and capacity related to rangeland resources.
• Identify and escalate strategic issues requiring policy development to the Rangeland Team Lead and/or Program Manager.
• Evaluate rangeland dispositions under the Public Lands Act and Forest Reserves Act to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, disposition conditions, and standards for land stewardship, conservation, and reclamation.
• Communicate identified deficiencies and required corrective actions to activity holders, and act as a liaison between grazing associations and industrial stakeholders.
• Assess public lands in accordance with established policies, directives, and procedures to determine agricultural capability, suitability for sale or disposition, and to appraise market value and rental rates.
• Review and analyze competing land-use requests and develop balanced land management solutions that integrate multiple uses such as grazing, oil and gas development, forestry, and wildlife habitat conservation, including protection of endangered species.
• Ensure Ministry resources are managed efficiently, effectively, and in alignment with organizational objectives.

Benefits

• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP)
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information
• Professional learning and development
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance
• Leadership and mentorship programs

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees