Got Goat? Edmonton does and is hiring a chief goat herder

The city of Edmonton has recruited the best animals for the job of eating weeds in city parks and now wants to hire a chief goat herder.

Goats are the best animals for the job because they are mobile in all terrain. They move easily on steep slopes and heavily-vegetated areas that are not safely accessible to people.

Edmonton, the capital of Alberta, first brought in goats because the critters have special enzymes in their stomachs that allow them to eat plants that are poisonous to other animals.

For those worried about goat poop, it’s not a problem. Goat poop is actually a great fertilizer, it’s dry, breaks down quickly and doesn’t smell or attract flies.

Grasses and other vegetation left behind are given a natural boost.

Goats working in Rundle Park have been trained to eat key weed species. They are ideal for ecologicallysensitive areas where herbicides or other control methods are impractical or inappropriate.

They’re never left alone and that’s why a skilled shepherd is needed on site 24 hours a day to watch over the goats indulging in the salad bar aka city park.

Got what it takes to be a goat coordinator? The city is looking for someone to provide central coordinator and able to work with goats, human individuals, contractors and researchers to fulfill the program goals and engage Edmontonians in all that is Goats.

Other requirements:

  • Administer and coordinate GoatWorks and other Beautification and Greening Initiatives Programs, as needed
  • Be familiar with integrated pest management tools and techniques; including alternate weed control methods
  • Coordinate public Meet and Bleat events; while assisting in the development of new and additional engagement opportunities
  • Develop and administer agreements and contracts
  • Act as a central contact to other departments, citizens and partners including representing the program to the media
  • Ongoing evaluation and continuous improvement of the GoatsWork project
  • Manage program budgets and look for alternative funding sources to support program initiatives (e.g. grants and sponsorship)
  • Assist in preparation of communications materials, while working collaboratively with Community Relations and Corporate Communications
  • Volunteer coordination and partnership data management
  • Identify and foster new partnership opportunities to leverage resources in support of program goals
  • Understand and follow relevant municipal and provincial standards and policy

Qualifications

  • University Degree focused in Horticulture, Forestry, Parks, Recreation, Environment or a related degree
  • 3 years experience in coordination of urban greening, vegetation management, urban forestry, horticultural, gardening, environmental/outdoor education, or recreation related programs and events
  • Experience with vegetation management and basic knowledge about plant health needs
  • Software experience including Google Applications, GIS and Volunteer Management Software is an asset
  • Grant writing and sponsor management experience
  • Excellent oral and writing skills
  • Experience conducting public input processes

The pay is pretty good for 40-hour work weeks with occasional weekends and evenings at a salary range of $34.784 – $43.721 (Hourly).

 

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Peg Fong is also in recovery from newspapers

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