Manager, Aquatic Health & Biosecurity (Edmonton, AB) bei Government of Alberta | Alberta.ca

Role Responsibilities

Are you passionate about protecting Alberta’s aquatic ecosystems and leading efforts to safeguard biodiversity? The Ministry of Environment and Protected Areas is seeking an experienced professional to lead the province’s Aquatic Health and Biosecurity programs.

As the Manager, Aquatic Health & Biosecurity, you will provide strategic leadership to programs that mitigate risks from aquatic invasive species (AIS) and fish diseases across Alberta. Reporting to the Director of Conservation Risk Mitigation, you will oversee operations such as watercraft inspection and decontamination, fish disease laboratories, and biosecurity initiatives that support sustainable fisheries and healthy aquatic ecosystems.

This role offers the opportunity to make a province-wide impact by advancing Alberta’s environmental stewardship and representing the province in national and international initiatives on aquatic health.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead a team of scientific, technical, and operational staff delivering AIS prevention and fish health programs.
• Manage watercraft inspection/decontamination programs and provincial fish disease labs.
• Provide policy and program input on emerging aquatic health issues.
• Collaborate with government, stakeholders, researchers, and conservation organizations to strengthen biosecurity initiatives.epresent Alberta at interprovincial, federal, and international forums on aquatic health and biosecurity.
• Ensure sound program planning, risk management, and fiscal responsibility.

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.

Position Specific Competencies:

• Drive for Results: Delivers high-impact aquatic health and biosecurity programs within established budgets and timelines. Ensures operational excellence in watercraft inspection, fish disease labs, and risk mitigation initiatives while aligning with departmental goals.
• Develop Networks: Builds and maintains strong partnerships with internal colleagues, external stakeholders, academic institutions, and other jurisdictions. Leverages networks to share knowledge, strengthen collaboration, and enhance Alberta’s leadership in aquatic health and biosecurity.
• Creative Problem Solving: Applies scientific knowledge, risk assessment, and innovative thinking to develop practical, evidence-based solutions for aquatic health challenges. Balances scientific, operational, and policy considerations to resolve complex issues.
• Develop Self and Others: Provides mentorship and professional development opportunities for technical and scientific staff. Encourages learning and continuous improvement to keep pace with emerging research, diagnostic techniques, and best practices in biosecurity.
• Build Collaborative Environments: Fosters a culture of teamwork and inclusiveness within multi-disciplinary teams. Engages with other ministries, conservation organizations, and the public to ensure effective delivery of programs that benefit all Albertans.

Qualifications

Requirements

Education:

• A post-secondary degree in Biological sciences, Environmental sciences, Ecology, Fish and Wildlife Diseases, Fisheries Management, Fisheries Conservation, or a related discipline.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of directly related experience in Biological or Aquatic Invasive Species Management, Fish and Wildlife Diseases, Laboratory Science and Diagnostics, or Ecology, including:
  • Supervising or leading teams of technical or professional staff.
  • Managing programs or projects, including planning, delivery, and evaluation.

Other:

• A Valid Class 5 Driver’s License (or equivalent).

Equivalency:

• Related education or experience may be considered as an equivalency on a one-for-one basis.

Assets:

• Experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating operational and scientific programs.
• Experience with fish disease laboratories, diagnostics, and surveillance programs.
• Knowledge of fish and wildlife biology, ecology, physiology, and fish culture practices.
• Familiarity with relevant provincial legislation, including the Alberta Fisheries Act, Water Act, Public Lands Act, and federal legislation such as the Fisheries Act and Species at Risk Act.

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 based in Edmonton and is a full-time permanent role working 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday. This role involves occasional travel across Alberta and beyond for field visits, stakeholder meetings, and conferences. Work is conducted in a combination of office, laboratory, and field environments, and may require flexibility to respond to emergent aquatic health and biosecurity issues. The position includes leadership responsibilities, cross-ministry collaboration, and representing Alberta at provincial, national, and international forums.

Please submit a cover letter and an updated resume. In your resume, clearly indicate the duration of each role by providing the month and year, and specify the employment status (e.g., casual, part-time, or full-time). For example: Biologist, July 2018 to December 2022, Full-time.

For your post-secondary education, specify your degree or diploma, major, length of program, and year of graduation. For example: Bachelor of Science in Fisheries Conservation, 4-year program, Sept 2014 to June 2018.

Final candidates will be required to undergo a security screening.

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.
• Management Employees Pension Plan (MEPP) - https://www.mepp.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.