The Department of Agriculture is committed to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility. Our goal is to build a public sector workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve and to promote welcoming, diverse, inclusive, respectful workplaces that are accessible to all. We welcome all interested individuals including Indigenous People, persons with disabilities, Black, racialized, ethnic and culturally diverse groups, as well as people regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identities, and gender expressions. Those looking for more information are invited to visit our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy.
The Soil and Water Conservation Engineer in Training (EIT) position aims to build capacity in agricultural engineering experience and skills for the Department and for the industry in the region. The temporary position will support the Department’s Soil and Water Conservation Engineers in program development, program and service delivery, and implementation of projects related to soil erosion control, irrigation, manure management and storage, water use and water quality. The EIT will build an understanding of the agriculture industry on PEI, increase technical skills and build relationships with producers and key contacts with industry stakeholders in the provincial and federal government, industry, and academia. The EIT is also responsible for providing in-field project services to producer projects, including survey and drafting support and client and file management.
Duties will include but are not limited to:
- Under the guidance of the soil and water conservation engineers, provide professional advice to agricultural producers and landowners;
- Develop skills to provide technical advice and assistance in protection of soil and water resources and on-farm water use efficiency to Island producers;
- Use survey grade UAV technology, perform manual topographic surveys using GPS survey gear; process UAV and manual survey data to create topographic data and use CAD programs to display topographic data outputs;
- Conduct evaluations using various topographical surveys and modeling software;
- Assess the degree of environmental risk of agricultural operations and guide those clients/applicants to departmental programs and advising on beneficial management practices and project details that address those risks;
- Build knowledge, skills, and experience toward serving as a Provincial Management Specialist under the Agricultural Crop Rotation Act (ACRA), assess producers cropping practices using soil modelling software and advise Island producers and landowners in the development and implementation of crop management plans and soil health improvement plans;
- Ensure that program needs are met, that the program is delivered effectively, and that the program provides positive outcomes for clients, through working closely with Program Officers and other Agriculture Resource Division staff;
- Provide direction to Program Officers in maintaining an accurate database and GIS layer which monitors clients enrolled under the Program and other program information;
- Create, implement, and report on performance indicators to ensure programs continue to meet ongoing objectives;
- Provide support and gain experience in the research and development of new and relevant beneficial management practices that address soil loss, improve soil health, water quality or water use and irrigation efficiency; including determining project construction guideline standards;
- Under the guidance of the Soil and Water Conservation Engineers, identify, design and implement applied research and demonstration projects on-farm and analyzing project results; including partnering and coordinating with multiple stakeholders in industry, academia, and other governments; an example includes applied research trials under the Living Laboratories Initiative.
- Develop working relationships and networks with other stakeholders engaged in agri-environmental initiatives, including provincial or industry working groups, or academia, for environmental projects and initiatives as they relate to agriculture;
- Provide support for the research and development of recommendations into ways to measure or model soil loss or soil health, for example exploring improvements to existing tools, techniques or software for quantification of soil loss and soil condition index;
- Build and maintain knowledge and expertise related to soil and water quality, manure management, water supply, irrigation systems and riparian area management and as it relates to agriculture; including knowledge and expertise related to soil erosion control structures, crop rotation, water resources and water management, design and implementation of water supply and wastewater systems;
- Support the provision of professional expertise and engineering expertise to the Department and to other government departments relating to soil resources, soil erosion, land use, ACRA, water supply, water use efficiency, and agricultural irrigation;
- Other assigned duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Degree (Bachelors of Science) in Engineering, Bioresource Engineering, Biosystems Engineering, or related field of study with coursework or specialization in; Water resource engineering and hydrology, Soil and water conservation, or Irrigation design and management.
- Demonstrated equivalencies will be considered.
- Must be eligible for membership in the Association of Professional Engineers of PEI.
- Must have an understanding of the agriculture industry relevant to local agricultural production and practices.
- Training or experience in computer applications including Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Word.
- Must have excellent skills in communication and organization.
- Must have a valid driver’s license.
Other Qualifications:
- Experience in engineering, agriculture or project management is considered an asset;
- Training or experience in computer applications including geospatial data, AutoCAD or GIS software (ArcGIS) considered an asset.
Please Note: Please ensure the application clearly demonstrates how you meet the noted qualifications as applicants will be screened based on the information provided. We would like to thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those who are selected for an interview will be contacted.
Where possible, submitting an electronic resume or job application is preferred. Otherwise, please return forms to PEI Public Service Commission, P.O. Box 2000, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, C1A 7N8. Applications may be sent by fax to (902) 368-4383.
IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE APPLICANT TO CONFIRM RECEIPT OF THE APPLICATION, BY TELEPHONE OR IN PERSON PRIOR TO THE CLOSING DATE.
Please ensure that the appropriate Posting ID number is stated on all application forms. You can apply online or obtain an application form by visiting our web site at www.jobspei.ca. Forms may also be obtained by contacting any PEI Government office, ACCESS PEI Centre, Regional Services Centre, or by telephone (902) 368-4080.
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