Manitoba Water Stewardship Project
Location: Southern Manitoba
Term: TBD January 2022 – July 2023
Reports to: ALUS Canada
POSITION OVERVIEW
This position includes farmer engagement, and water-related stewardship information gathering for Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) standard implementation. The successful candidate will act as a liaison between farm and ranch participants, the project team and the project steering committee (made up of several multi-national agri-food sector corporations, ALUS, and the Water Council). S/he will support the delivery of implementation of the Alliance for Water Stewardship standard in southern Manitoba. This position will report to the Manitoba Water Stewardship Project steering committee.
This position requires a wide breadth of skills and expertise including agronomy, outreach and communications. It is a part time contract position. Travel is required to provide ongoing support to participating farmers and ranchers. Training will be provided on implementation of the AWS standard.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
The innovative and collaborative water stewardship project in the Lake Winnipeg Basin will focus on collective action in the agri-food supply chain for positive water outcomes and other environmental co-benefits. The project will engage farmers and ranchers to pilot the AWS standard in Manitoba, which includes identifying land and nutrient management opportunities for water stewardship and environmental outcomes.
The AWS Standard offers a credible, globally applicable framework for major water users to understand their own water use and impacts, and to work collaboratively and transparently with others for sustainable water management within the wider water catchment context. Implementers follow the steps and guidance in the AWS Standard to achieve good water stewardship practices that improve site water performance and contribute to wider sustainability goals.
This project will be piloting the AWS standard implementation. Results from the project will inform scaling to other agriculturally intensive watersheds in North America. This project aims to:
- Use a supply chain perspective to ensure AWS standard provides incentives to align farmer actions with positive watershed outcomes that mitigate water-related risks.
- Liase with regional water-focused organizations and programs (e.g. AAFC’s Living Lab) to understand BMP water outcomes and incorporate research findings into the AWS standard implementation processes.
- Link project analysis and outcomes to supply chain value, including for farmers, crop input providers, food processors and manufacturers (e.g., water related corporate needs/targets/objectives).
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Farmer engagement, working closely with four to six farmers
- Implementation of AWS water stewardship standard:
a. Development of watershed level water risk and opportunities analysis (drawing largely on existing stakeholder documentation) for AWS standard process, - Identify need and opportunities for farm on-field and edge of field projects for second phase of the project (YR2 – project implementation is planned for spring 2022).
- Coordinate project team meetings,
- Preparation of project reports and updates,
- Regular communication with project leaders, regional partners and community members (esp. farmers).
SKILLS, ATTRIBUTES AND EXPERIENCE
- University or college degree or equivalent experience
- 5+ years’ experience in an agronomy and/or management position (agricultural or environmental field an asset)
- This position requires registration with the Agrologists Institute in Manitoba.
- Background in or deep understanding of farming in the project region
- Understanding of field practices that support sustainable Ag outcomes (water, biodiversity, soil health, GHGs)
- Practical understanding of ecological restoration and agricultural practices
- Outstanding communication skills
- Ability to interact with and engage with multiple stakeholders from multi-stakeholder groups
- Able to multi-task and handle multiple priorities with tight deadlines.
- Time management and the ability to work independently.
ALUS ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION
www.alus.ca
ALUS is a national charitable organization that helps farmers and ranchers build nature-based solutions on their lands to support agricultural and climate resiliency and increase biodiversity for the benefit of communities and future generations. ALUS operates in more than thirty communities across Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec and Prince Edward Island.
ALUS works with more than 1,100 farmers and ranchers who deliver ecosystem services in their communities, such as cleaner air, cleaner water, carbon sequestration, erosion control, flood and drought mitigation, pollinator and wildlife habitat. On more than 32,000 acres, these farmers and ranchers restore wetlands, install riparian buffers, plant windbreaks and ecobuffers, manage sustainable drainage systems, create pollinator habitat and establish other ecologically beneficial projects.
COMMITMENT TO EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
ALUS believes that all people are entitled to equal employment opportunity. It is the policy of ALUS that all personnel actions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, compensation, benefits, transfers, layoffs, and terminations will be taken without regard to race, age, religion, marital status, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, ancestry, sexual orientation or any other class protected by law. ALUS is committed to maintaining a work environment that is free of discrimination based upon any of these factors.
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit your resume and cover letter as one document with your name and “water stewardship project” in the title (Microsoft Word or Adobe pdf) to jobs@alus.ca by December 30, 2021. Only those candidates requested for an interview will be contacted.