Knowledge Mobilization Specialist

Fixed Term Contract: June 2024 – December 2025
Application Deadline: April 28, 2024

The Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) is a unique not-for-profit farm organization whose diverse membership has a significant presence in all agricultural areas of the province and across all major sectors. The mission of OSCIA is to facilitate responsible economic management of soil, water, air and crops through development and communication of innovative farming practices.

The Department of Research and Knowledge Transfer supports this mission by administering on-farm applied research initiatives, supporting those initiatives’ stakeholders and participants, and sharing the results of those projects with the membership and the industry.

The Department’s activities are supported by the Knowledge Mobilization Specialist, who reports to the Director of Research and Knowledge Transfer. We are seeking a Knowledge Mobilization Specialist to cover a fixed period of 1.5 years. This full-time (36.25h/week) contract will run from June 2024 until December 2025 (exact start and end dates reasonably negotiable).

Responsibilities:

 Support the development, delivery, promotion, reporting, and evaluation of OSCIA’s onfarm research programs and their associated Knowledge Translation and Transfer (KTT) products for Ontario farmers

 Facilitate and support the delivery of educational/demonstration/KTT/knowledge sharing/knowledge mobilization initiatives that stem from cost-share programs

 Synthesize and communicate research program results and industry knowledge in a meaningful way to various audiences including industry stakeholders, programming partners, and farmers

 Build and maintain highly functional relationships with research partners and farmer cooperators who generate and supply knowledge transfer content

 Develop and facilitate programming surveys to satisfy performance measures and build meaningful insight into partners’ and farmers’ experiences with KTT products

 Coordinate, lead and facilitate discussions and meetings with internal staff and external stakeholders, e.g., government, academia, conservation authorities, farmers, etc.

 Support development and reporting performance measures and program deliverables for the research programs’ KTT aspects

 Support the Director of Research and Knowledge Transfer in reaching and coordinating agreements with project stakeholders and partners, including Communications Strategies, KTT plans, subcontractor agreements, and knowledge mobilization commitments

 Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Experience:

 Post-secondary education in an agricultural or environmental-related field (e.g. soil science, agronomy, agricultural business, resource management, geography)

 A minimum of 2-3 years industry experience, preferably based in communications and/or extension services

 A strong understanding of agriculture, soil health and water quality, and agronomic principles, and how farmers synthesize and grasp those principles

 Strong organization, verbal and written communication, and presentation skills

 Proficiency in computer programs including Microsoft applications, Adobe applications, CANVA or similar communications product development software

 Ability to work independently and take initiative, environment, consistently producing quality work and meeting deadlines under competing priorities, and evolving programs

 Ability to work through times of high administrative and reporting requirements, but remain innovative and creative, seeking opportunities for improvement

 Demonstrated aptitude for teamwork and effectiveness in a collaborative environment

 Excellent problem solving and critical thinking skills

 Must be flexible to travel as-needed in Ontario and have a willingness to work outside of normal office hours when required to attend events, meetings etc.

 French language skills are an asset

 Valid Driver’s License.

What we offer:

 A collaborative, constructive and dynamic work environment

 The ability to make meaningful contributions to leading-edge agricultural programming

 Hybrid work opportunity: OSCIA staff work from our Guelph head office a minimum of two days per week, and are supported in an ability to work off-site for up to three days per week

 Progressive policies to support work-life balance and professional development

 Onsite parking is available at no cost  A competitive salary commensurate with experience level.

Location: 1-367 Woodlawn Road West, Guelph, Ontario

OSCIA is committed to providing accessible employment practices that follow the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodation for disability during any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know. OSCIA strives to foster a workplace that reflects the diversity of the community it serves and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates.

Please apply to careers@ontariosoilcrop.org by April 28 with a resume and cover letter. We would like to thank all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.