Agricultural Fieldman

Are you an experienced agricultural leader ready to oversee strategy, staff, and statutory responsibilities in a dynamic rural municipality?

Smoky Lake County is seeking a Full-Time Permanent Agricultural Fieldman to lead and oversee all Agricultural Services operations.

 As the Agricultural Fieldman, you serve as the senior departmental leader and statutory authority under provincial legislation. You are responsible for strategic direction, policy development, operational oversight, budgeting, regulatory enforcement, and staff leadership within the Agricultural Services Department. This role oversees personnel, programs, compliance, and community engagement to ensure the effective delivery of municipal agricultural services.

Smoky Lake County is characterized by diverse and robust industry sectors, including thriving agriculture, oil and gas, forestry, aggregate, and tourism. Our core focus is a steadfast commitment to public service, supporting agricultural producers, and enhancing rural sustainability.

Department Leadership & Strategy

• Provide overall leadership and direction to the Agricultural Services Department.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate departmental business plans, programs, and long-term strategies.
• Advise Council and Administration on agricultural matters, policy development, and emerging issues.
• Prepare and manage departmental budgets, capital plans, and financial reporting.

Staff Oversight & Supervision

• Supervise and mentor the Assistant Agricultural Fieldman and seasonal staff.
• Oversee recruitment, performance management, training, and succession planning.
• Foster a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with all occupational health and safety standards.

Legislative & Regulatory Authority

• Act as the designated Agricultural Fieldman under the Weed Control Act and Agricultural Pests Act.
• Exercise statutory authority including inspections, enforcement orders, compliance actions, and appeals.
• Ensure municipal compliance with all applicable provincial and federal legislation.

Program & Operational Oversight

• Oversee vegetation management programs, pest control initiatives, and municipal spray operations.
• Ensure equipment, processes, and service delivery meet safety, regulatory, and operational standards.
• Monitor program effectiveness and implement continuous improvements.

Stakeholder & Producer Relations

• Serve as the primary contact for agricultural producers, industry partners, and external agencies.
• Build collaborative relationships with neighboring municipalities, provincial representatives, and agricultural organizations.
• Represent Smoky Lake County in regional committees and industry forums.
  
  

We are seeking a confident, solutions-focused leader who combines technical agricultural knowledge with strong administrative and leadership capability.

• Strategic Thinker: Able to balance long-term planning with day-to-day operational oversight.
• Experienced Leader: Comfortable supervising staff and making sound, defensible decisions.
• Legislative Knowledge: Understands municipal agricultural legislation and regulatory processes.
• Strong Communicator: Engages effectively with Council, producers, staff, and the public.
• Decisive & Professional: Handles enforcement matters fairly, consistently, and respectfully.
• Adaptable: Prepared for seasonal workload fluctuations and rural operational demand.
  

Qualifications

• Education: Diploma or Degree in Agriculture, Environmental Sciences, Natural Sciences, or a related field.
• Experience: Progressive experience in municipal agriculture, regulatory enforcement, or agricultural operations, including supervisory experience.
• Licensing:
• Valid Class 5 Driver’s License.
• Valid Pesticide Applicator License.
  

• Assets:
• Experience working within a municipal environment.
• Knowledge of Alberta agricultural legislation and ASB operations.
• Blasting Certificate.
  
  

Smoky Lake County offers a competitive salary reflective of senior-level responsibility, along with a comprehensive benefits package. This permanent leadership position offers stability and long-term career growth within municipal government.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Interested applicants are invited to submit their resumes and cover letters to

Chyenne Shaw
Chief Administrative Officer
Smoky Lake County
cshaw@smokylakecounty.ab.ca