Agricultural Inspector

Rural Municipalities of Alberta; Alberta; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organization is seeking a temporary Agricultural Inspector to conduct inspections and monitor compliance with the Alberta Weed Control Act and related regulations. The ideal candidate will be enrolled in a related post-secondary agriculture or science program and possess a valid driver's license. This role involves significant fieldwork including herbicide application and communication with landowners. Strong organizational and problem-solving skills are essential. This position offers full-time hours from Monday to Friday.

Qualifications

• Valid Class 5 Driver’s license and clear driver’s abstract.
• Authorized Assistant Pesticide Applicator Certification.
• Standard First Aid certification.
• H2S Alive or ability to obtain.
• WHMIS 2015 or ability to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Administers the Alberta Weed Control Act on public and private property.
• Inspects properties for compliance with Sturgeon County Community Standards.
• Utilizes GIS-based software to maintain detailed records of work activities.

Skills

Plant identification including regulated weeds

Agricultural pest identification including regulated crop pests

Ability to communicate clearly and professionally

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Programs

Strong public relation problem solving skills

Education

Enrolled in a post-secondary diploma or degree in Agriculture or Science

Job description

Sturgeon County is hiring a temporary, full-time (approximately 17 weeks, May 4 – August 28, 2026) Agricultural Inspector. This position conducts inspections and monitors for compliance with the Alberta Weed Control Act, Alberta Agricultural Pest Act and Community Standards Bylaw 1433/19 on both private and public lands within Sturgeon County.

This is a safety sensitive position as it applies herbicide and operates applicable and various equipment on County worksites and private land.

The positions works Monday to Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm.

Key Responsibilities

Investigating Concerns and Performing Inspections (85%)

• Administers the Alberta Weed Control Act on public and private property which includes investigating landowner concerns, performing inspections, identifying regulated weeds, preparing correspondences, issuing notices, and arranging for enforcement activities as required.
• Administers the Alberta Agricultural Pest Act on public and private property which includes performing inspections, identifying regulated pests, investigating landowner concerns, preparing correspondences, issuing notices, and arranging for enforcement activities as required.
• Inspects properties for compliance with the Landscape Standards outlined in Sturgeon County Community Standards Bylaw 1433/19; issue Enforcement Orders and arranges for enforcement activities as required.
• Communicates with landowners, internal departments, and other stakeholders regarding the impacts of weeds and pests, advises on management approaches, and assists in the development of multi-year weed and pest management plans.
• Utilizes GIS-based software to maintain detailed records of all work activities, including interactions with landowners.

Other Related Duties (15%)

• Performs vegetation management activities such as mechanical weed control and handpicking.
• Assists with the planning and facilitation of weed and pest-related public education activities.
• Performs other related assigned duties as required.
• Adheres to applicable responsibilities and accountabilities as outlined in the Sturgeon County Health and Safety Management System.
• Adheres to all of Sturgeon County’s policies, bylaws, procedures and processes, as well as align work to the Sturgeon County values.

Requirements

Required:

• Enrolled in a post-secondary diploma or degree in a related Agriculture or Science field of study.
• Valid Class 5 Driver’s license and clear driver’s abstract.
• Authorized Assistant Pesticide Applicator Certification
• Standard First Aid
• H2S Alive of the ability to obtain.
• WHMIS 2015 or the ability to obtain.
• Plant identification including regulated weeds.
• Agricultural pest identification including regulated crop pests.
• Understanding of agricultural practices pertaining to agricultural or environmental inspection and weed and pest control.
• Must have the ability to wear a half mask with organic carbon filters when handling herbicides, and completion of a Respiratory User Screening Form as per the CSA Z94.4-11.
• Ability to work in a team environment or independently.
• Ability to take initiative, be independent, resourceful, work well and effectively under pressure and meet deadlines in an organized manner.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally verbally and in writing, including being adaptable, receptive, timely, and in a calm and friendly manner when communicating with others.
• Strong public relation problem solving skills.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and to prepare written reports.
• Proficiency when using all Microsoft Office Programs (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, etc.).

Assets:

• A minimum of 2 years of experience in the agricultural industry.
• Experience in a municipal government setting considered an asset.
• Experience with community engagement considered an asset.