County re-examining job description for weed inspectors

In preparation for its annual spring job postings, Strathcona County will be re-examining its weed inspector job titles, following the federal legalization of cannabis this past October.

“We’ve noticed an abnormally high volume of applicants for our weed inspector positions, and let’s just say the qualifications aren’t entirely related to the duties traditionally related to this role,” says MJ Blunt, recruiting specialist at Strathcona County. “I’ve never seen so much excitement around this position in all my years at the County.”

Recent resumes for the County’s weed inspector job postings have highlighted applicants’ experiences in taste testing, strain identification, dried cannabis rolling techniques and cannabis seed planting.

“Instead of cannabis, our weed inspectors will be focused on prohibited and noxious weeds such as the Bighead Knapweed, Orange Hawkweed and the Flowering Rush,” added Blunt. Applicants should have experience with weed identification and the Weed Control Act.

A focus group, made of residents who were born on April Fool’s Day, will examine alternate job titles for weed inspectors, and report back their recommendations for future consideration.

To learn more about noxious and prohibited weeds, visit strathcona.ca/weeds. 

Set in the centre of Alberta’s energy and agricultural heartland, Strathcona County is a thriving, successful and vibrant community of over 98,000 residents. Strathcona County is made up of the urban area of Sherwood Park and a large adjacent rural area of farms, acreages and smaller hamlets. It is home to 75 per cent of refining in Western Canada. With a focus on economic, governance, social, cultural and environmental sustainability, Strathcona County is committed to balancing the unique needs of its diverse community.

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Contact: Strathcona County Communications, 780-410-6595