The Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation (AGI) is seeking a talented and experienced Animal Health Manager to lead its Animal Health Programs Unit in Edmonton. If you are passionate about promoting animal health and supporting Alberta’s livestock industry, this is an exciting opportunity to take charge of critical initiatives that contribute to biosecurity, disease control, and the economic stability of Alberta’s agricultural sector.
As an Animal Health Manager, you will oversee livestock disease surveillance programs, including Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy (TSE) surveillance, Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) Surveillance Program, and Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) surveillance. This leadership role requires strategic oversight, stakeholder collaboration, and operational management to maintain the highest standards of food safety and disease control.
To be considered for this role, applicants must meet the following criteria:
University graduation in Agriculture, Veterinary Science, or a related field.
Minimum six (6) years of experience in food animal agriculture, program management, and animal health.
Strong background in livestock disease surveillance, biosecurity, and animal health regulations.
Proven experience in program and policy management, preferably within a public sector environment.
Strong organizational and leadership skills with a track record of overseeing personnel, facilities, and financial resources.
Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to collaborate across government, industry, and academic institutions.
Knowledge of disease control strategies, regulatory compliance, and emergency response procedures.
Experience in managing budgets and financial programs.
Must have the right to work in Canada.
Completion of a security screening process is required.
Responsibilities
Lead and oversee national and provincial livestock disease surveillance programs, ensuring compliance with industry and government regulations.
Manage budgets, financial programs, and resources to support efficient program delivery.
Collaborate with industry stakeholders to enhance awareness and promote best practices in animal health.
Ensure compliance with food safety, health, and biosecurity regulations, including FOIP and Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP) program requirements.
Supervise and manage the Edmonton postmortem room staff, ensuring proper pathology and toxicology diagnostic services to support disease surveillance and meat inspection activities.
Oversee and maintain Containment Level 2 (CL2) biosecurity standards for laboratory and facility operations.
Develop and implement policies related to livestock disease control, biosecurity measures, and risk assessment strategies.
Contribute to emergency response efforts, providing leadership and technical expertise during animal health crises.
Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness, identifying areas for continuous improvement and implementing necessary changes.
Support federal-provincial-territorial agricultural grant programs, including defining criteria, evaluating funding requests, and overseeing administration.
Lead staff development initiatives, fostering a collaborative and skilled team environment.
Benefits
This role offers a competitive salary, pension plan (MEPP), and comprehensive benefits package. Additional benefits include:
