Program Development Specialist

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Job Information

Job Title : Program Development Specialist

Job Requisition ID : 76197

Ministry : Advanced Education

Location : Edmonton

Full or Part-Time : Full Time

Hours of Work : 36.25 hours per week

Permanent / Temporary : Permanent

Scope : Open Competition

Closing Date : January 26, 2026

Classification : Program Services 4

Salary : $3,056.50 to $4,006.62 bi-weekly ($79,774 - $104,572 / year)

Advanced Education supports Albertans by providing the education and training opportunities they need to prepare for the workforce. This is accomplished by approving programs of study; funding public post‑secondary institutions and other adult learning providers; providing financial aid for learners; registering and certifying apprentices; and supporting academic research and innovation. Programs and services are driven by three outcomes : 1) Adult learning opportunities are accessible and affordable for all Albertans; 2) High‑quality education, skills development and research make a positive contribution to Alberta’s economy, society, culture and environment; and 3) The adult learning system is accountable and coordinated. For more information on the Ministry of Advanced Education, please visit : https : / / www.alberta.ca / advanced-education.aspx.

The Ministry of Advanced Education has an exciting opportunity and is looking for a Program Development Specialist to join our team!

The position of Program Development Specialist (PDS) develops and maintains post‑secondary apprenticeship education programs (AEP) that result in the issuance of a post‑secondary education credential from the department’s Registrar. Reporting to the Senior Manager, the PDS advances the department’s goal of ensuring Alberta remains a destination of choice for professionals and is a leader in the Apprenticeship Education Model (AEM) while maintaining Alberta’s nationally and internationally recognized certification standards in the designated skilled trades professions.

The PDS provides leadership in applying pedagogical knowledge in the development and maintenance of AEP products and the curriculum development cycle for assigned AEPs. The position provides leadership, psychometric and information management expertise in assessment design, development, administration, scoring and reporting activities within the unit, branch, and division. This position is responsible to ensure the validity and reliability of scores through psychometric analysis for theory and practical assessments.

The PDS provides advice, expertise, and services to the Alberta Board of Skilled Trades (ABST or Board) regarding the legislated certification standards (scope of profession, restricted activities and certification requirements and pathways) for each of the current 59 designated skilled trades.

Responsibilities

• Advise the Registrar regarding apprenticeship education programs (AEPs), industry‑training programs (ITPs), expansion of new AEPs or ITPs or any other matter requested by the Registrar.
• Set criteria for examinations and other assessments of learning or competencies to be conducted by post‑secondary or industry training providers providing training to trainees in ITPs, and by the department as required.
• Engage external industry Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and PSI / training provider SMEs in development, implementation, maintenance, review and revision of all related education products and standards to ensure the department’s education programs meet industry needs.
• Coordinate the development, maintenance and modification of national Red Seal Occupational Standards (RSOS) and Red Seal Inter‑Provincial (IP) assessments with inter‑jurisdictional stakeholders according to the province’s participation in the federal harmonization initiative under the Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship (CCDA).
• Engage with external industry SMEs to develop, implement, maintain, review and revise the certification standards for each designated skilled trade profession through the related legislation.
• Recruit, interview, recommend and evaluate performance of participants (instructional staff and industry SMEs) for assigned RSOS and IP assessment workshops.
• Prepare meeting schedules, notices, agendas, statistical data, minutes and reports for the industry network.
• Prepare reports, briefings and recommendations for the Board, the department and, in some instances, for consideration to receive ministerial and cabinet approval.
• Develop and maintain program administration instruments that establish equivalencies to components of apprenticeship education programs and industry training programs.
• Contribute to and develop program policy, regulation and administrative procedures in collaboration with other department branches or units.
• Provide strategic guidance and advice to internal and external stakeholders to foster movement toward system goals and priorities.
• Lead varied methods of research, projects, analysis and consolidate information from a variety of sources to address specific education and certification topics and issues.
• Provide issues management expertise and guidance to the branch’s Director by researching and analyzing information and reviewing draft communications and products and providing potential resolutions as required.

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

Competencies

Qualifications

Equivalency – Directly related education or experience considered on the basis of :

Assets

Notes

This is a permanent, full‑time position working 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

This position is based in Edmonton. We require you to attach a Cover Letter with your application explaining your qualification and suitability for this role.

In your resume, please include your tenure of employment for each employer (in months and years, e.g., April 2023‑May 2024) associated with all education and work experience.

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents / checks as noted or interview travel expenses will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out‑of‑province applicants can obtain the required documents / checks from the province they currently reside in.

Benefits

How To Apply

Applicants are advised to provide information that clearly and concisely demonstrates how their qualifications meet the advertised requirements, including education, experience and relevant examples of required competencies. It is recommended that applicants include the assessment certificate from IQAS or any other educational assessment service as part of their application.

Closing Statement

This competition may be used to fill future vacancies across the Government of Alberta, at the same or lower classification level. We thank all applicants for their interest. All applications will be reviewed to determine which candidates’ qualifications most closely match the advertised requirements. Only individuals selected for interviews will be contacted.

If you require any further information on this job posting or require an accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact Annie Ostopowich at Annie.Ostopowich@gov.ab.ca.

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