Jarret Esslinger, MPA

I currently co-lead Indigenous engagement planning for a politically sensitive, interprovincial infrastructure initiative. The role involves providing senior-level advisory support, developing Alberta’s engagement approach informed by Indigenous governance and community-specific context, and coordinating cross-departmental and intergovernmental partners. Responsibilities include preparing executive and Cabinet-level materials, supporting Ministerial and Deputy Minister outreach planning, aligning engagement and communications sequencing, and managing delivery in a high-ambiguity, time-sensitive environment.

As Manager, Process Enhancement within the Aboriginal Consultation Office, I lead cross-government efforts to modernize Alberta’s Aboriginal Consultation Framework—strengthening consistency, accountability, and alignment across ministries, field offices, and Indigenous communities. My role focuses on system-level improvements to consultation policies, procedures, and standards. I identify areas of non-compliance or inefficiency and design practical, sustainable solutions that improve clarity, reduce administrative friction, and enhance trust in consultation processes. Key contributions include: - Leading enterprise-wide consultation modernization efforts that support reconciliation, economic development, and regulatory transparency. - Serving as a senior advisor to executive leadership on consultation risks, strategic alignment, and process integrity. - Overseeing cross-ministry coordination with Indigenous Relations, Environment, Energy, and other key departments. -Supporting emergency response planning and continuity of operations during crisis events (e.g., wildfire evacuations, regulatory suspensions). - Providing interim leadership coverage for Director-level roles, ensuring operational continuity and strategic momentum.

As Senior Advisor, I led cross-government coordination on Alberta’s climate policy and funding programs, building alignment across ministries, federal partners, and delivery organizations to support effective implementation of Alberta’s climate policies and commitments. My work focused on strategic oversight of the $148M Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund (LCELF), ensuring compliance with federal agreements while embedding climate adaptation into government-wide decision-making. I acted as a trusted liaison between internal teams and external partners, facilitating efficient approvals, improving grant governance, and supporting Alberta’s progress under the Pan-Canadian Framework on Climate Change. Key contributions included: - Coordinating inter-ministerial alignment across climate programs, reducing duplication and strengthening performance accountability. - Leading the design and delivery of grant programs with external delivery agents, including Indigenous and non-profit organizations. - Supporting negotiations with the federal government to maintain over $100M in climate funding during periods of political transition. - Preparing strategic briefings and recommendations for senior executives. - Co-authoring a national report for the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment on best practices of climate funding mechanisms.

In this role, I supported the delivery of Indigenous workforce development strategies by facilitating partnerships, analyzing labour market barriers, and coordinating funding programs with Indigenous communities and organizations. I worked closely with cross-ministry partners, external stakeholders, and program staff to ensure alignment with community priorities and government objectives. Key contributions included: - Played a lead role in delivering the Employment Partnerships Program and Alberta Indigenous Green Employment Program, facilitating partnerships and supporting equitable access to workforce opportunities. - Supported the development and implementation of $35M in Climate Leadership grant programs focused on energy efficiency, infrastructure resiliency, and Indigenous participation in the green economy. - Conducted policy and labour market analysis to inform workforce strategies aimed at reducing systemic barriers to Indigenous employment. - Collaborated with internal and external stakeholders to ensure Indigenous perspectives were meaningfully integrated into workforce planning. - Provided coordination and oversight support for consultant-led projects, performance reporting, and grant agreement administration.

As a Waste Policy Advisor, I supported the development and evaluation of provincial recycling and waste diversion policies through research, jurisdictional analysis, and stakeholder consultation. I contributed to the initial policy work on Alberta’s extended producer responsibility (EPR) policy models and collaborated with municipalities and industry groups to align program design with environmental and operational priorities. Key contributions included: - Conducted policy research and jurisdictional scans to support modernization of Alberta’s waste management system. - Provided input into strategic planning and performance reporting for Alberta’s recycling programs, identifying opportunities for continuous improvement. - Participated in advisory boards and cross-sector working groups to align government policy with municipal and industry perspectives. - Drafted internal briefing notes and supported legislative review processes related to environmental sustainability and EPR frameworks.

As the Town of Beaumont’s Environmental Sustainability Coordinator, I led the implementation of municipal waste diversion programs and public education initiatives that advanced local environmental goals in a rapidly growing community. I managed the town’s waste, recycling, and composting service contracts, supported regional sustainability initiatives, and worked closely with residents and council to improve service quality, reduce landfill waste, and enhance environmental awareness. Key contributions included: - Administered a $1.5M annual budget for waste services, ensuring contract compliance, cost-effectiveness, and high service standards. - Designed and executed public outreach strategies, resulting in a 10% increase in residential waste diversion. - Developed council reports, business cases, and performance metrics to support strategic decision-making. - Represented the Town on regional sustainability boards and working groups, advocating for municipal priorities at the regional level. - Elected by peers to serve as Chair of the Town’s internal Employee Relations Committee. Acted as liaison between staff and senior administration, surfacing employee concerns and presenting improvement strategies to executive leaders and municipal council.

Participated in the Government of Alberta’s Municipal Internship Program for Administration, designed to build leadership and management capacity in Alberta’s municipal governments. Rotated across key departments at the Town of Beaumont to gain a comprehensive understanding of municipal operations, governance, and strategic planning. Key contributions included: - Worked directly with Town Council and senior administration on policy analysis, bylaw drafting, and Council briefings. - Assisted in preparing capital and operating budgets, gaining foundational experience in municipal finance and business planning. - Researched policy issues related to infrastructure, land use, and service delivery, supporting long-term planning and decision-making. - Participated in hands-on, strategic projects across planning, public works, community services, and corporate services, building broad-based municipal leadership skills.

As an Employment Counsellor, I supported Métis clients in identifying and overcoming employment and training barriers through individualized career planning, resource navigation, and strategic referrals. My work involved both direct client support and community outreach to increase awareness of funding programs and employment services. Key contributions included: - Provided one-on-one employment advising, resume and interview preparation, and post-secondary planning for Métis clients across a range of ages and career stages. - Supported clients in accessing employment supports and training programs funded through Métis Employment Services (now Rupertsland Institute), ensuring alignment with client goals and eligibility requirements. - Acted as a community liaison for our branch, representing MES at job fairs, career expos, and local networking events to expand awareness of available services and funding options. - Helped build trust-based relationships within the community while ensuring culturally informed, client-centered service delivery.

At eCycle Solutions, I coordinated logistics operations and municipal service delivery for Canada’s largest e-waste recycling company. I managed daily inbound and outbound freight, served as the account lead for multiple municipal contracts across Alberta, and supervised a satellite warehouse with three direct reports. I also served as the site’s Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) Representative, supporting internal audits, compliance tracking, and staff training initiatives to ensure a safe and regulatory-aligned workplace. Key contributions included: - Managed product flow and vendor coordination across facilities, ensuring efficient and compliant logistics for electronic waste handling. - Served as primary liaison for municipal contracts, addressing service delivery, client engagement, and reporting requirements. - Supervised off-site warehousing operations, including scheduling, inventory, and daily operations for a small team. - Acted as OHS Representative, contributing to safety audits, hazard assessments, and continuous improvement of site safety practices in collaboration with leadership and front-line staff. - Prepared and submitted monthly reporting to provincial oversight bodies to ensure compliance and fulfill financial obligations.