Assistant Deputy Minister, Primary Agriculture

Job Information

Job Title: Assistant Deputy Minister, Primary Agriculture

Job Requisition ID: 86527

Ministry: Agriculture and Irrigation

Location: Edmonton

Full or Part-Time: Full Time

Hours of Work: 36.25

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Scope: Open

Closing Date: August 21, 2026

Classification: Executive Manager 2

About Us

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. For more information, please visit: https://www.alberta.ca/about-the-alberta-public-service.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation provides strategic leadership to grow and diversify Alberta’s agriculture and agri-food economy. The ministry advances trade and investment opportunities, supports sustainable agricultural production and food security, enables innovation and regulatory excellence, and works with industry and partners to strengthen irrigation infrastructure, rural prosperity and the long-term competitiveness of Alberta’s agricultural sector.

For more information about the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation please visit our website at: https://www.alberta.ca/agriculture-and-irrigation.aspx.

Role

Reporting to the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, the Assistant Deputy Minister (ADM), Primary Agriculture Division provides strategic leadership for one of the department’s three core divisions. The division is responsible for developing policies, programs, and infrastructure that support the growth, competitiveness, and long-term sustainability of Alberta’s agriculture sector. The division leads key initiatives related to plant and animal health, disease management and assurance, science-based policy development, research, innovation, and knowledge transfer. It also oversees the stewardship and management of provincial water infrastructure that supports agricultural production, irrigation reliability, and water security across the province. Through strong governance, regulatory frameworks, assurance systems, and a commitment to science and innovation, the division enhances the resilience and sustainability of Alberta’s agriculture sector. The ADM’s deep understanding of the agriculture industry, combined with a strong stakeholder network and relationship-building expertise, will be critical to advancing strategic priorities, fostering collaboration, and delivering results for Albertans.

 

Qualifications

You bring extensive executive leadership experience with a proven ability to establish strategic direction, lead complex initiatives, and deliver results in dynamic and complex environments. You possess strong knowledge of agricultural policy, governance, and accountability frameworks, supported by an understanding of the economic, political, and social factors shaping Alberta's agriculture sector. Exceptional leadership, relationship management, communication, and change leadership skills enable you to influence policy, foster collaboration across government and industry, and effectively steward significant human and financial resources. A systems-thinking mindset, sound judgment, and strong analytical capabilities, combined with an understanding of economic growth, competitiveness, and industry development, will be critical to your success in the role. Extensive knowledge of dams, dam safety, water irrigation systems, and water management will be required, and will further support your effectiveness in this role.

A degree in science, agriculture, or a related discipline is preferred. Equivalent combinations of education and directly related experience will also be considered.

 

 

Salary

$7,212.78- $9,465.95 bi-weekly ($188,253.56 - $247,061.30 annually)

 

Notes

Travel will be required 25% - 50%

Final candidates will be required to undergo a security screening.

Links and information on what the GoA has to offer:

• Compensation Overview – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca
• Working for the Alberta Public Service – https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx 
• Pension plans:
  • Management Employees Pension Plan (MEPP) – https://www.mepp.ca
• Leadership and mentorship programs
• Professional learning and development
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca

 

Please see the attached position profile for more information on position responsibilities.  Search Profile

How to Apply

Click on the “Apply Now” button.

Candidates are required to apply for a job online. Please visit https://www.alberta.ca/navigating-online-jobs-application.aspx to learn more about creating a candidate profile and other tips for the Government of Alberta’s online application system.

If you are not currently an employee with the Government of Alberta, the first step in applying for a job is creating your candidate profile within our online application system, click here to access the main log in page where you are able to ‘Create an account’, reset your password (‘Forgot your password’) or ‘Sign In’ should you already have an account.

Existing employees should access the Career tile in 1GX to submit their application in order to be recognized as an internal applicant.

Once you have created your candidate profile, visit the Alberta Public Service job site to apply for jobs at https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-jobs.aspx.

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.

Resources for applicants:

https://www.alberta.ca/apply-for-jobs-with-the-alberta-public-service.aspx

https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-hiring-process.aspx

https://alis.alberta.ca/look-for-work/

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 recognized Canadian Credential Evaluator; please visit the Alliance of Credential Evaluation Services of Canada for more information.

 

 

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. Only individuals selected for interviews will be contacted.

If you require any further information on this job posting or a copy of the role profile, and/or require a disability related accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact Executive Search at psc.executivesearchservices@gov.ab.ca.

If this competition is closed as per the closing date noted above, please continue to check https://jobpostings.alberta.ca for a listing of current career opportunities with the Government of Alberta.