Public Land Policy Specialist

Government of Alberta; Edmonton; Hybrid; CAD 82,000 - 108,000; Full time

Job summary

Government of Alberta, Forestry and Parks Ministry, is seeking a Senior Public Lands Policy Advisor in Edmonton to lead policy development and strategic action on public lands. This permanent, full-time role focuses on balancing environmental stewardship with Indigenous interests, recreation, agriculture, and industrial activities.

You will collaborate across ministries and with Indigenous communities, industry, and stakeholders to deliver practical, evidence-based policies and regulatory

Qualifications

• 4-year degree in Natural Resource Management, Public Administration, Public Policy or related field.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in project and issues management or related field.
• Strong understanding of Crown land legislation, regulations, policies and management principles.
• Excellent research, analytical and information-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and implementation of public lands policies, directives, standards, guidelines, and strategies that support responsible activities while aligning with Government priorities.
• Lead complex, multi-stakeholder policy projects from issue identification to evaluation with work plans and timelines.
• Conduct evidence-based policy analysis and develop strategic recommendations and regulatory options.
• Provide strategic advice to senior leaders through briefings, reports, and recommendations on public lands issues.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with Indigenous communities, municipalities, industry, recreation and environmental groups and other stakeholders.
• Collaborate across ministries to align public lands policies, regulations, and practices.
• Lead policy implementation, engagement materials, staff training, and place-based approaches.

Skills

Policy leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical thinking

Written & verbal communication

Project management

Education

4-year degree in Natural Resource Management, Public Administration, Public Policy or related field

Job description

Job Information Job Title: Public Land Policy Specialist Job Requisition ID: 87568 Ministry: Forestry and Parks Location: Edmonton Full or Part-Time: Full time Hours of Work: 36.25 hours per week Permanent/Temporary/Wage: Permanent Scope: Open Competition Closing Date: October 5, 2026 Classification: Program Services 4 Salary: $3,148.2 to $4,126.82 bi-weekly ($82,168 - $107,710 /year)

The Ministry of Forestry and Parks support the well-being of Albertans through sustainable development and management of Alberta’s lands, forests, and parks. The ministry addresses land management, access, compliance and enforcement, and appeals and dispute resolution with respect to public lands in Alberta. It provides Albertans and visitors with opportunities to explore unique natural landscapes, engage in nature-based experiences and outdoor recreational activities.

As a Senior Public Lands Policy Advisor, you will provide strategic policy leadership for the management and use of Alberta’s public lands. You will lead complex policy initiatives and develop practical, evidence-based policies, directives, standards, guidelines, and regulatory approaches that balance environmental stewardship, economic development, Indigenous interests, recreation, agriculture, and industrial and commercial activities, while advancing Government of Alberta priorities and Alberta’s economic prosperity.

You will provide expert advice, analysis, and recommendations to senior department officials and government decision-makers on complex and emerging public lands issues. Working collaboratively with other ministries, municipalities, Indigenous communities and organizations, industry, environmental organizations, recreation groups, research institutions, and other partners, you will bring diverse perspectives together to develop integrated, place-based solutions that are practical, sustainable, and aligned with Alberta’s legislative and regulatory framework.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of public lands policies, directives, standards, guidelines, and strategies that support responsible industrial, commercial, agricultural, recreational, and rangeland activities while advancing Government of Alberta priorities.
• Lead complex, multi-stakeholder policy projects from issue identification and project planning through analysis, engagement, implementation, and evaluation, including the development of work plans, timelines, resources, and deliverables.
• Conduct evidence-based policy analysis and develop strategic recommendations, including jurisdictional reviews, environmental scans, risk assessments, policy options, and identification of legislative or regulatory gaps.
• Provide strategic advice to senior leaders and decision-makers through briefings, reports, presentations, and recommendations on public lands issues, emerging risks, regulatory initiatives, and matters requiring Ministerial or Cabinet consideration.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with Indigenous communities and organizations, municipalities, industry, recreation and environmental organizations, research institutions, and other stakeholders to support meaningful engagement and shared stewardship of Alberta’s public lands.
• Collaborate across ministries and levels of government to align public lands policies, legislation, regulations, and operational practices, working with partners such as Environment and Protected Areas, Agriculture and Irrigation, Energy and Minerals, and Municipal Affairs.
• Lead policy implementation, communication, and continuous improvement, including developing engagement and training materials, supporting operational staff, promoting practical and place-based approaches, and advancing responsible, low-footprint land use that balances environmental, social, and economic outcomes.

The Job Description is provided for further details on this position.

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.

Agility: Identifies alternative approaches, explains the impact of change, and helps others adapt effectively. Anticipates obstacles, manages risks and emotions, makes decisions in uncertainty, and develops backup plans.

Creative Problem Solving: Seeks different perspectives to understand root causes and improve complex systems. Engages others, encourages ideas and debates, and uses available resources to develop practical solutions while managing risks.

Systems Thinking: Considers broader trends, political environments, organizational risks, and their impact when making decisions. Aligns actions with organizational vision and goals while addressing behaviours or barriers that may limit progress.

Develop Networks: Builds strong relationships with the right stakeholders and ensures diverse needs and perspectives are represented. Actively listens, ensures needs are understood, and goes beyond expectations to support stakeholders effectively.

Qualifications

Required:

• A completed 4-year Degree in Natural Resource Management, Public Administration, Public Policy or a related field.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in Project and Issues Management or a related field.

Equivalency:

• 1 year of education for 1 year of experience; or
• 1 year of experience for 1 year education

Assets:

• Strong understanding of Crown land legislation, regulations, policies and management principles.
• Strong project management skills, including leading and coordinating policy development initiatives from research through implementation.
• Excellent research, analytical and information-management skills, with the ability to analyze complex issues and develop evidence-based recommendations.
• Technical and scientific understanding of environmental issues and their implications for Crown land management.
• Knowledge of Government of Alberta strategic planning, policy development and decision-making processes.
• Ability to assess issues using evaluation, risk assessment and decision-making methodologies.
• Strong strategic and systems-thinking skills, including the ability to anticipate emerging issues and assess their impacts on ministry mandates, strategies and commitments.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary projects and integrate diverse perspectives to achieve organizational objectives.
• Strong stakeholder relationship-building and collaboration skills, with the ability to balance competing interests and develop practical, mutually beneficial solutions.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment and manage multiple priorities and competing deadlines.
• Superior written, verbal and presentation skills, including the ability to communicate complex information clearly to diverse audiences

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification.

• This competition is full-time Permanent position located in Edmonton
• Monday – Friday, 7.25 hours per day / 36.25 hours per week.
• Applicants are required to provide a cover letter with clear and concise specific examples that demonstrate how their qualifications meet the advertised requirements and competencies.
• Candidates may be required to complete an assessment as part of the recruitment process.

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 we have to offer:

• Working for the Alberta Public Service
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP)
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information
• Professional learning and development
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.

Closing Statement This competition may be used to fill future vacancies, across the Government of Alberta, at the same or lower classification level.

We thank all applicants for their interest. All applications will be reviewed to determine which candidates' qualifications most closely match the advertised requirements. If you require any further information on this job posting or require an accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact Rashi Vaktania at [e-mail]