Agroforestry Specialist

Job Summary
The Agroforestry Specialist supports the design and delivery of community-based agroforestry
initiatives across Alberta, with a focus on prairie and boreal ecosystems. This role advances
sustainable agriculture, climate adaptation, and ecological restoration by working collaboratively
with farmers, landowners, Indigenous communities, and partner organizations. The Specialist utilizes
scientific knowledge with local land stewardship practices to develop resilient, plant-based
agroforestry systems.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, lead and support planting projects and grant programs

- Design and implement agroforestry systems suited to Alberta landscapes (e.g., shelterbelts,
ecobuffers, riparian buffers, silvopasture, and alley cropping)
- Conduct site assessments considering soil health, moisture regimes, native species, and
climate risks (e.g., drought, wind erosion)
- Develop planting prescriptions and work with landowners to achieve desired goals on their
property
- Manage and coordinate seedling inventory, organize lifts for shipping seedlings and care of
seedlings while in AWES possession- including care of nursery bed stock
- Collaborate with Indigenous communities to support land stewardship initiatives that respect
Indigenous knowledge and cultural values
- Develop and deliver workshops, webinars, field demonstrations, and one-on-one technical
support to farmers, landowners, the public, and participating partners
- Monitor and evaluate program outcomes
- Contribute to funding applications and reporting for grant programs (e.g., federal and
provincial grants, environmental stewardship funds)
- Build partnerships with municipalities, conservation organizations, and agricultural networks
- Advocate for agroforestry through outreach, education, and policy engagement
- Assist with grounds maintenance in the form of pruning, planting, mowing and other forms of
labour to support the office site.

Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Agroforestry, Forestry, Agriculture, Environmental Science, or related
field
- 2–5 years of relevant experience in agroforestry, conservation, horticulture or sustainable
agriculture in Alberta
- Knowledge of prairie, boreal, or temperate agroecosystems
- Experience working with farmers, rural communities, NGOs, government, or Indigenous
partners
- Strong communication and facilitation skills
Preferred
- Familiarity/experience with Canadian agricultural and environmental funding grant programs
(e.g., Canadian Agricultural Partnership, On-Farm Climate Action Fund, ALUS, FRIAA, etc.)
- Experience with Avenza, Theodolite, or Google Earth
- Experience in nonprofit program delivery or community-based projects
- Any knowledge in greenhouse operations/horticultural experience
Skills & Competencies
- Native plant identification, planting knowledge and horticultural experience
- Community engagement and relationship-building
- Project coordination and adaptive management
- Strong organizational and reporting skills
- Ability to translate technical knowledge into practical, accessible guidance
- Passion for environmental sustainability and social impact

Working Conditions
- Frequent travel to rural sites across central Alberta
- Fieldwork in variable weather conditions, including early spring, summer, and late fall
- Combination of independent work and collaboration with diverse partners
- Early mornings and weekend watering of seedling stock required through warmer months
- Occasional evening or weekend work for community engagement activities throughout year
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary range: $55,000-60,000, depending on experience
- Benefits may include Health Spending Account, and professional development support
- Hybrid position- minimum 3 days in office per week, 2 days from home

Please send your resume and CV to [email protected]. Only successful candidates will be contacted.