Role Responsibilities

Reporting to the Head, Education & Interpretation at the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village (UCHV), the Farm Program Coordinator is responsible for delivering all aspects of the UCHV Historic Farm Program. This position leads the planning, execution, and evaluation of the Historic Farm Program, which is an integral component of the overall visitor experience at the UCHV. This is achieved through leadership in the presentation of historic farming techniques and practices, the coordination of historical agricultural crop and field management, and livestock management, all carried out in line with the site mandate. The overall goal of the program is to preserve and present the agricultural history of east central Alberta.

This position provides daily supervision, mentoring and leadership to seasonal staff (up to 3-4 individuals) and volunteers to ensure a safe and accurate delivery of programming to the site's audiences.

Some of the key responsibilities include:
 

• Livestock Management
  • Undertake needs assessment, develop, implement, and evaluate all programs relating to the acquisition, training, healthcare, and management of all livestock for the UCHV.
  • Manage the feeding, health, and care of a herd of 6-8 horses year-round, and poultry, pigs, cattle and/or sheep seasonally.
  • Manage after-hours care for livestock as required.

• Horticulture Program
  • Establish rotation of field crops based on soil needs, livestock feed requirements, program operational needs, interpretive needs, and historical appropriateness.
  • Ensure fields are prepared, planted, maintained, and harvested.

• Seasonal Staff & Volunteer Training, Support, and Supervision
  • Supervise seasonal teamsters (wagon drivers), teamster assistants, and volunteers.
  • Plan, develop, deliver, and evaluate training programs and resources for Historic Farm Program staff.

• Customer Service
  • Deliver all programs and interactions with the public in a professional, courteous, and customer-focused approach.
  • Work to ensure visitor safety and well-being through implementation of site safety policies and emergency response plans.

• Program Administration
  • Initiate and monitor expenditures to ensure adequate supplies and materials to allow the program to operate efficiently.
  • Acquire, manage, and maintain an inventory of tools and equipment used by Historic Farm Program staff and ensure they are maintained in a safe operating condition

• Support of Other Public Programs
  • Provide interpretive messages, delivery, and orientation in response to interpretive and education program requests.
  • Participate in the planning and delivery of UCHV interpretive programs as part of the Education & Interpretation team.

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The successful applicant must have the ability to produce, process, and retain information, and follow instructions. They must also communicate effectively in verbal and written formats to clients and staff in a tactful, diplomatic, and professional manner. This position is a front-line position in daily contact with visitors and clients of the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village.

This position also requires the ability to respond to emerging and urgent livestock care or visitor services needs and challenges, and to lead the initial response and problem solving of those issues.

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

• Agility: As a front-line worker, this role must lead by example and manage the changing environment of farming demands and visitor services. Adapting programs and services to meet changing needs is also done on a regular basis.
   
• Develop self and Others: The role is expected to champion self-development and improvement. The incumbent supports an accountable, goal-driven workplace culture by leading by example.
   
• Build Collaborative Environments: Being the first point of contact for questions onsite, the incumbent needs to be well-rounded and have a clear understanding of key player roles and responsibilities.
   
• Drive for Results: The role is required to support operational goals and mandates on a daily basis by promoting a culture of accountability and client-care focus.

Qualifications

University graduation in a related field (e.g. agriculture, animal health or science) no experience required; or equivalent as described below.

Equivalency:
 

• 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

Requirements and Skills:
 

• Extensive knowledge of and experience with livestock care and management. A minimum of five years experience in handling livestock is preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of and experience with modern and historic farming and agricultural practices.
• Ability to harness, hitch and drive with draft horses.
• Experience in supervision, leadership, mentorship, or training is required.
• Proven experience in a position dealing with the public is required. 
• Position requires the individual to be well-organized and be able to work independently with fixed deadlines and defined resources.
• Ability to work independently as well as a member of a team.
• Ability to work flexible schedule including weekends.
• Physical work, lifting up to 50 lbs, and outdoor work is required.
• Valid driver's license is required.
• St. John Ambulance Standard First Aid is required.

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 is one permanent position. 
• Hours of work: 36.25 hours/week. 

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 has 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.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.