Soil Health and Land Use Senior Policy Analyst
About The Position
The Ministry of Agriculture & Irrigation is responsible for policies, legislation, regulations and services necessary for Alberta’s agriculture and food sectors to grow, prosper and diversify; inspiring public confidence in the quality and safety of food; supporting environmentally sustainable resource management practices; leading collaboration that enables safe and resilient rural communities. As the Soil Health and Land Use Senior Policy Analyst, you will work with a high degree of independence, providing strategic leadership to develop and implement policies that strengthen soil health, support sustainable agriculture, and align with broader natural resource management goals within working landscapes. In this role, you will lead complex policy initiatives, collaborate with cross-ministry and intergovernmental partners, and provide expert advice grounded in science, data, and emerging practices. You’ll also represent the Government of Alberta in external forums and help advance key initiatives like the National Agricultural Soil Health Strategy. This position plays a central role in the implementation and ongoing evolution of soil health strategies, helping ensure that agricultural landscapes remain productive, resilient, and ecologically sustainable for future generations. You will be part strategist, part relationship-builder, and part problem-solver, connecting policy, science, and stakeholder perspectives to address emerging opportunities and challenges affecting Alberta’s agricultural lands.
Requirements
- University graduation in Agriculture, Environmental Science, Public Policy, Agrology, Biology, or a related field.
- Plus 4 years of related experience in policy development, land use planning, natural resource management.
- Equivalencies are considered on the basis of: 1 year of education for 1 year of experience; or 1 year of experience for 1 year of education.
Nice To Haves
- In-depth understanding of agricultural systems and working landscapes, including soil health, land-use practices, and environmental interconnections (soil, water, air, biodiversity).
- Professional Agrologist or Professional Biologist.
- Proven ability to design and implement evaluation frameworks, including methodological design, data collection (e.g., surveys), analysis, interpretation, and reporting.
- Strong knowledge of policy analysis and development processes, including issue identification, options analysis, decision support, implementation, and evaluation.
- Proficiency in data management and analytical techniques, with experience using tools for data analysis, visualization, and evidence-based reporting.
- Knowledge of extension practices and adult learning principles to effectively communicate complex information and support program and policy adoption.
- Demonstrated project management skills, including planning, coordination, resource allocation, and managing multiple priorities and deliverables.
- Awareness of current and emerging trends in agriculture and environmental management, with the ability to translate insights into policy and program development.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement policies that integrate soil stewardship, land-use planning, and biodiversity conservation.
- Lead priority projects, manage stakeholder input, and provide strategic advice to senior leadership.
- Monitor emerging trends, research, and beneficial management practices in soil health, biodiversity, and sustainable land management.
- Conduct in-depth research and analysis to inform policy decisions on soil health, land use, and agricultural sustainability.
- Evaluate and synthesize data and science-driven insights to develop policy recommendations.
- Participate in collaborative initiatives that help advance shared stewardship goals.
- Represent the ministry in intergovernmental and external forums, including partnerships with organizations like the Soil Conservation Council of Canada.
- Collaborate with provincial, federal, and non-governmental partners to align soil health policies with broader environmental objectives.
- Deliver well-structured briefings, materials, and presentations to support informed decision-making.
- Ensure policies are balanced, defensible, and aligned with long-term sustainability goals.
Benefits
- Management Employees Pension Plan (MEPP)
- Alberta Public Service Benefit Information
- Professional learning and development
- Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
- Leadership and mentorship programs.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
