District Recreation Engagement Officer

Role Responsibilities

Working within the Recreation, Education & Partnerships Unit, and reporting to the Recreation Management Specialist, this position serves a key role as interface between the Department and the public. The District Recreation Engagement Officer, working with provincial education and engagement staff, will develop and deliver a District education and engagement program to provide information and assistance to the public regarding recreation and responsible use of Crown Land. They will recruit, train, equip, and direct seasonal staff for program delivery within the District.
 

The District Recreation Engagement Officer will work with minimal direct supervision, at times in remote locations and adverse weather conditions. This position will also conduct patrols of recreation sites, document observations, and collect relevant data. The position implements the Public Lands Administration Regulation through signs and notices, under direction of the Recreation Operations Lead.  The position will conduct routine maintenance of recreation communication infrastructure, such as signs, maps, and kiosks.
 

The District Recreation Engagement Officer works as part of the District recreation program to develop and foster relationships with organized recreational stakeholder groups, provide advice and oversight, and support partnership initiatives such as projects and stewardship days. The position is a key liaison with enforcement agencies and other external stakeholders.
 

With direction from the Recreation Operations Lead, develop a District-level education program and annual plan that supports Departmental outcomes for recreation while addressing local priorities and issues. You will:
 

• Recruit, train, and direct a seasonal wage compliment of Recreation Engagement Officers.
• Educate the public on responsible recreation stewardship and advise them on regulations, permitted activities, and restrictions.
• Deliver regulatory, wayfinding, and safety information to the public through regular public engagement.
• Direct public to further resources regarding availability of public land recreational opportunities and responsible recreational use of public land.
• Maintain a regular visible presence in the field at known recreation sites. 
• Assist recreational planners by providing recreational user perspectives.
• Provide data and information that will help identify and prioritize trails and random use sites that require management or maintenance.
• Assist in the identification and relationship building of stakeholder groups interested in partnership and collaborative development and maintenance of recreational trails and infrastructure.
• Communicate GOA's objectives with key stakeholders.
• Educate organized recreational users regarding required approvals for organized events on public land and direct them to appropriate resources and approval pathways.
• Attend and engage groups during organized events, such as races, poker rallies and club trail maintenance/clean-up days.
• Coordinate and facilitate clean up sites of recreational waste on public land.

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies: https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.

Creative Problem Solving: Ability to gather information from varied sources, analyze and interpret information to formulate reports and make decisions related to case planning.

 
Agility: Ability to prioritize competing workload pressures in an effective manner and contribute to the organizational goals.

Drive for Results: Set and accomplish goals and priorities in order to deliver outcomes consistent with departmental objectives as well as directives.

 
Developing Networks: Interact positively, build relationships and work effectively with others.

Qualifications

• A related two-year diploma in outdoor recreation, land or resource management, forestry, enforcement, or comparable areas
• 3 years of related experience.
• Previous experience working in the outdoors, and comfortable working alone in remote areas.
• Valid Driver’s License (Class 5)

Equivalencies will be considered on the basis of one year of experience for one year of education or one year of education for one year of experience.

Assets:
 

• Knowledge of Public Lands Act, Public Land Administration Regulation (PLAR).
• OHV and snowmobile certification.
• Wilderness First Aid.
• Defensive driving certificate. 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential. 
• The position requires strong communication and collaboration skills in developing and maintaining functional working relationships in a team environment.
• This position requires the ability to work independently and adjust to changing priorities, comfortable working alone in the backcountry, and working-level technical knowledge and skills to work with volunteers and educate members of the public.
• Additional skills to support the recreation program include contract management, project management, partnership collaboration, and supervisory skills for field staff.
• This position must have excellent interpersonal skills to deliver messaging to people with varying levels of understanding and differing perspectives. The incumbent requires an alert level of situational awareness and understanding of conflict management. Skill in verbal judo is an asset.  
• Must be comfortable and competent working in remote backcountry locations with a minimum of supervision. Must demonstrate proficiency in the safe operation of off-highway vehicles. Knowledge and certification in wilderness survival and first aid is an asset.   
• Requires familiarity with GPS use for navigation and data collection.  
• Proficiency in GIS is an asset.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

This position is located in Hinton, Grande Prairie or Peace River. Other Northwest locations may be considered.

You will be required to travel throughout the North Region.

Hours of Work: Monday to Friday, 36.25 hours per week. There is a requirement to work weekends during peak operating season.

 
Applicants are advised to provide a cover letter summarizing information that clearly and concisely demonstrates how their qualifications meet the advertised requirements including education, experience and relevant examples of required competencies. 

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in. 

Links and information on what the GoA have to offer to prospective employees:

• Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx.
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.ca.
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits.
• Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive.
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca.
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
• Opportunity to participate in flexible work arrangements such as working from home up to two days per week and modified work schedule agreement.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.