Maple, Tree Nut and Agroforestry Specialist
If so, this is your opportunity to help assess the applicability of new research, technologies, best practices, policies and programs to Ontario conditions, to support Ontario’s maple syrup, tree nut and agroforestry sectors to remain competitive and environmentally sustainable now and into the future.
The Ministry
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs helps to build a stronger agri-food sector by investing in the development and transfer of innovative technologies, retaining and attracting investment, developing markets, providing regulatory oversight, and providing effective risk management tools. The ministry also helps enable rural Ontario to build strong, vital communities with diversified economies and healthy social and environmental climates.
The Division
The Economic Development Division is responsible for programs and services to support information technology transfer. Staff work with farmers, agri-businesses, municipalities, and other partners in the agriculture and rural sectors to identify needs and opportunities, adopt new technologies and make sound business decisions. The division is responsible for expanding Ontario food and agricultural sales in export and domestic markets, and providing support to the processing industry through investment attraction, investment retention and sector development.
The Branch
The Agriculture Development Branch is responsible for dealing with issues relating to agricultural production (crops and livestock), business management and marketing, and coordinating the delivery of technology programs across Ontario. The branch promotes high-quality agricultural production through the application of best management practices, on-farm quality assurance programs, and plant and animal health strategies.
Why work for the Ontario Public Service?
The Ontario Public Service (OPS) is committed to being an employer of first choice, creating a positive and inclusive work environment.
We offer:
• A defined benefit pension plan
• Maternity and parental leave top-up benefits, which include adoptive parents
• Comprehensive Health Plan
• Life and Disability insurance
• Flexible work arrangements
• Collegial and professional work culture
• Career growth and development opportunities across multiple business areas
• On-the-job training to support your success in the role
The OPS has been recognized as a top employer. We are proud to have been acknowledged as one of:
• Canada’s Best Diversity Employers
What can I expect to do in this role?
In this role, you will:
• act as the lead provincial specialist related to maple syrup, tree nut and agroforestry production
• lead Ontario’s technology transfer activities through the development, coordination and implementation of strategies, policies and programs for maple syrup, tree nut and agroforestry production
• coordinate research and projects designed to assess the applicability of new and existing practices, products, technologies and programs to maple syrup, tree nut and agroforestry production in Ontario
• prepare educational and awareness-building training and tools to facilitate change
• act as a liaison between the research community and industry
• manage contentious and high-priority issues
• represent provincial and ministry interests on multidisciplinary working groups to develop provincial, national or international initiatives related to the maple, tree nut and agroforestry sectors
Location: Guelph
How do I qualify?
Mandatory
• You have a valid Ontario class “G” driver’s licence with the ability to travel in rural areas not serviced by public transportation
Technical Knowledge
You have:
• Knowledge of scientific theories, principles and practices of production, economics, business management and marketing related to the maple, tree nut and agroforestry sectors
• Knowledge of the agricultural industry, and the roles and mandates of farm and commodity organizations in the rural community, to assess the relevance and impact of new policies, program initiatives and practices on the maple, tree nut and agroforestry sectors
• Knowledge of relevant acts and regulations that impact on maple, tree nut and agroforestry sectors, organizations, producers, and agri-businesses
• Knowledge of current economic development issues, research accomplishments, environmental impacts and issues, production practices, marketing trends and theories as well as programs and services provided provincially, nationally and internationally by governments, universities and private institutions in maple, tree nut and agroforestry sectors
Training and Facilitation Knowledge
You have:
• Knowledge of techniques and methods of adult education and training in order to develop educational and training materials for clients and colleagues as well as conduct training on new products and techniques
• Knowledge of consultation and group facilitation techniques as well as needs assessment techniques and program evaluation methods
Research, Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills
You have:
• Knowledge of research methods and practices in order to investigate viability and applicability of new methods, techniques and technology, analyze validity of research findings, prepare reports and provide recommendations on their suitability and applicability for Ontario conditions
• Analytical and problem-solving skills to assess information, education and training needs of agriculture and rural clients, and provide information, services and alternative innovative strategies and solutions
• Evaluative skills to investigate issues, new trends and developments related to production, management and marketing in the maple, tree nut and agroforestry sectors, community economic development and environmental sustainability
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
You can:
• Communicate effectively in writing through the compilation and preparation of technical reports, briefing notes, and articles, and electronic media
• Establish and enhance partnerships, coalitions and networks to facilitate program delivery, sharing of information, education and training
• Develop and maintain effective provincial, national and international working relationships, and develop partnerships with clients
• Present information, outline options/recommendations on how technologies, policies and programs can be applied, facilitate understanding and promote acceptance
Project Management and Organizational Skills
You can:
• Manage concurrent projects and activities
• Plan and coordinate activities in consultation with clients and stakeholders
• Identify time and resource requirements in order to address agriculture and rural issues
Computer Skills
• You have proficiency with computer applications, including statistical analysis, database management and electronic communications, as well as the use of the Internet and social media
Additional information:
• 1 Permanent, 1 Stone Rd W, Guelph, West Region
Note:
• The information that you provide for the purpose of this competition and the results from this competition may be used to fill other positions These positions may be of various tenures, including short-term assignments. Your information and the results from this competition will be retained for the purpose of filling vacancies in accordance with the applicable collective agreement or policy provisions.
Please apply online, only, by Monday, September 21, 2020, by visiting www.ontario.ca/careers and entering Job ID 152081 in the Job ID search field. Please follow the instructions to submit your application. Faxes are not being accepted at this time.
If you require accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please contact us at www.gojobs.gov.on.ca/ContactUs.aspx to provide your contact information. Recruitment Services staff will contact you within 48 hours. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.
The Ontario Public Service is an inclusive employer. Accommodation will be provided in accordance with Ontario’s Human Rights Code.
www.ontario.ca/careers
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