ROLE OF THE AGRICULTURAL FIELDMAN
An Agricultural Fieldman is a qualified person hired by the council and employed on a full
time basis. The ASB Act requires that once a council has established a board, that the
council, in consultation with the board, must appoint a qualified person as agricultural
fieldman to implement agricultural policies and programs and to manage the agricultural
resources of the municipality. The agricultural fieldman is a designated officer of the
municipality and is automatically appointed as an inspector under the
Weed Control Act
,
the
Agricultural Pests Act
and
Soil Conservation Act
by virtue of his position.
The typical duties of an Agricultural Fieldman can be broken down into five main
categories:
1.
Administration
·
Act in an advisory capacity to the ASB and council.
·
Coordinate ASB meetings and agenda with the chairman of the board.
·
Prepare and present annual ASB budgets, financial statements, and related progress
reports in accordance with the ASB business plan.
·
Apply for grants on behalf of the ASB.
·
Supervise full-time and temporary staff employed by the ASB.
·
Prepare and release timely and related news articles using available media
resources.
·
Keep up with the latest technology in weed control, pest control, soil conservation,
etc.
·
Organize field trips, courses, public meetings and demonstrations.
·
Compile and maintain complete office records of related activities.
2.
Policies and Programs
·
Recommend programs and policies targeted to maintain and improve agricultural
production.
·
Implement policies and programs approved by the board, and maintain a record of
budget expenditures for these programs.
·
Prepare annual reports on current programs.
·
Develop and evaluate program plans, budget and policy. During the evaluation
process, explore alternatives that would contribute to developing long-range plans.
·
Be involved with educational programs.
3.
Regulatory
·
Enforce the
Weed Control Act
through promoting, inspecting and enforcing the
control of noxious weeds on all lands within the boundaries of their jurisdiction.
·
Enforce the
Agricultural Pests Act
through promoting, inspecting and enforcing the
control of declared agricultural pests.
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