Forestry Investigator Job Edmonton area,Slave Lake Alberta Canada,Government

Location: Slave Lake

Role Responsibilities

Forestry Investigations are a critical component of Alberta’s forest management compliance and enforcement framework, ensuring the responsible and sustainable use of forest and natural resources. Reporting administratively to the Slave Lake Forest Area Manager and functionally to the Senior Provincial Wildfire and Forestry Investigators, this position enhances provincial investigative capacity through the delivery of specialized investigation and enforcement services. The role leads complex, high-risk investigations into alleged contraventions of provincial legislation governing forest management, natural resource use, and related regulatory requirements.

Through the application of investigative best practices, evidence collection, and enforcement procedures, the position supports accountability, compliance, and the protection of Alberta’s forest resources.

This position operates with significant autonomy and subject-matter expertise, leading investigations that may result in administrative penalties, regulatory prosecutions, or civil litigation. The position works closely with the ten forest areas across the province, providing support and expertise in completion of investigations. The role directly supports the Forestry and Parks regulatory compliance mandate, ensuring investigations are conducted to a standard that withstands legal scrutiny and supports defensible enforcement outcomes.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Leading complex investigations into forestry-related non-compliance under legislation such as the Forests Act, and Forest and Prairie Protection Act.

Applying advanced investigative techniques, including evidence collection and preservation, judicial authorizations, interviewing, and analytical assessment of economic benefit and proceeds.

Preparing comprehensive investigation files to support administrative penalties, regulatory prosecutions, and civil litigation, including cost recovery actions.

Appearing as a Crown witness in court and administrative proceedings and providing expert evidence.

Collaborating with Alberta Justice, Crown Prosecutors, law enforcement agencies, and other regulatory bodies to advance enforcement outcomes.

Issuing enforcement actions such as violation tickets, written warnings, and orders under applicable legislation.

Providing expert advisory support to departmental staff and leadership on compliance and enforcement matters.

During wildfire season, supporting the provincial wildfire investigations unit, as required, by providing surge capacity.

Contributing to the development of compliance policy, investigative procedures, and operational standards.

Delivering training and mentoring to staff to build investigative capacity across the department.

Participating in provincial and inter-agency working groups to advance compliance and enforcement practices.

The is provided for further details on this position.