Program Specialist

Job Information

Job Title: Program Specialist Job Requisition ID: 88042 Ministry: Agriculture and Irrigation Location: Open to any location

Full or Part-Time: Full time Hours of Work: 36.25 hours per week Permanent/Temporary/Wage: Permanent

Scope: Open Competition Closing Date: October 9, 2026 Classification: Program Services 3 Salary: $2,935.39 to $3,850.29 bi-weekly ($76,614 - $100,493/year)

The Alberta Public Service works to build a stronger province for current and future generations. We make a difference in the lives of Albertans through rewarding and diverse career opportunities.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation is responsible for the policies, legislation, regulations, programs, and services that enable Alberta’s agriculture and food sectors to flourish and contribute to Alberta’s economic recovery and growth. The ministry’s role is diverse, ranging from food safety and industry growth and diversification to increasing investment and supporting growth in rural Alberta. The ministry also supports foundational programs like irrigation and agricultural societies that help create strong rural communities and resilient agriculture sectors.

Role Responsibilities

Passionate about programs that make a difference? This is your opportunity to drive the success of Agricultural Societies grant programs, from design and delivery to reporting and evaluation, helping support Alberta’s agricultural sector and rural communities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Grant Program Administration: Administer, review, and process grant applications in collaboration with the Agricultural Societies Program Team, ensuring funding is delivered accurately, consistently, and in alignment with program requirements.

• Grant Monitoring and Compliance: Assess recipient reports to ensure compliance with funding agreements and program requirements, following up as needed to address reporting gaps and obtain additional information.

• Program Development and Continuous Improvement: Conduct research, environmental scans, and best-practice reviews to identify emerging trends and opportunities. Support the design of new grant initiatives and the ongoing enhancement of programs, policies, processes, and service delivery.

• Reporting and Performance Measurement: Improve reporting tools and processes to effectively capture program outcomes and performance indicators, enabling meaningful evaluation and informed decision-making.

• Data Analysis and Evaluation: Analyze program, stakeholder, and funding data to identify trends, measure outcomes, assess program effectiveness, support risk management, and drive continuous improvement.

• Stakeholder Engagement and Communications: Develop and deliver clear, effective communications for agricultural societies, stakeholders, and ministry leadership, including reports, briefing materials, presentations, dashboards, and other decision-support resources.

Please click on this link to read 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.

Systems Thinking Considers inter-relationships and emerging trends to attain goals:

• Seeks insight on implications of different options
• Analyzes long-term outcomes, focus on goals and values
• Identifies unintended consequences

Build Collaborative Environments Facilitates open communication and leverages team skill:

• Leverages skills and knowledge of others.
• Genuinely values and learns from others.
• Facilitates open and respectful conflict resolution.
• Recognizes and appreciates others.

Develop Networks Works on maintaining close relations with all stakeholders:

• Identifies key stakeholder relationships.
• Has contact with range of interested parties.
• Actively incorporates needs of a broader group.
• Influences others through communication techniques.

Drive for Results Works to exceed goals and partner with others to achieve objectives:

• Plans based on past experience.
• Holds self and others responsible for results.
• Partners with groups to achieve outcomes.
• Aims to exceed expectation.

Qualifications

University graduation in Agriculture, Communications, Education, or related, plus two (2) years progressively responsible related experience such as Grant Administration, Program Implementation; or equivalent as described below.

Equivalencies maybe considered - directly related education or experience considered on the basis of:  

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

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Knowledge of the agriculture and agri-food sector, rural communities, and stakeholder organizations.
• Experience with grant administration, funding agreements, and contracting processes.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, relationship-building, and collaboration skills.
• Proven ability to work effectively with diverse groups and navigate differing perspectives.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Skilled at interpreting data, identifying trends and risks, and developing evidence-based recommendations.
• Experience leading and delivering programs, projects, and initiatives.
• Strong project management, planning, and resource development capabilities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Teams, Power BI, and data visualization tools.

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

Notes

• Any Alberta office location may be considered.
• Hours of Work: 36.25 hours per week (permanent full time).
• Monday to Friday (08:15 am-16:30 pm).
• A cover letter is required with your application, outlining how your education and experience align with the role.
• Final candidates may be required to undergo a written test demonstrating writing skills and abilities pre or post interviews.
• Final candidates will be required to undergo a security clearance.

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.

How To Apply 

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

Candidates are required to apply online. Please see Job Application Resources for more information.

In your resume, please include dates (including months and years) associated with all education and work experience. For example, January 2006 - June 2009 (part-time). This example is provided for illustrative purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to present their information clearly and thoroughly, using a format that best conveys their experience.

It is recommended applicants who have completed post-secondary studies from outside of Canada obtain an evaluation of their credentials from the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) or from a recognized Canadian Credential Evaluator; please visit the Alliance of Credential Evaluation Services of Canada for more information.

It is also recommended that applicants include the assessment certificate from IQAS or any other educational assessment service as part of their application.

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 Sam Thomas Mathew at Sam.Thomasmathew@gov.ab.ca.