Job Specification
Position Title:
Weed Management (HORTICULTURE) Program Lead
Job Code:
12124 - Industrial Development Officer 3
Purpose of Position :
To be the lead Ontario technology transfer expert on horticultural crop weed management linking provincial, national and international expertise to respond to needs of advisory staff, public and private consultants, interest groups and the agricultural and rural community by providing information, technical advice and expertise. Provide two-way liaison between the research community and industry to identify and determine technology transfer and research and service priorities. To coordinate projects designed to assess the applicability of new practices/products/research within Ontario. To communicate the results through techniques such as training workshops, speaking engagements, media releases and the use of technologies such as the Internet.
Duties / Responsibilities :
1. Providing an effective liaison between the research community and industry to provide input into the establishment of research and service priorities, actively participate in research projects and to communicate results.
2. Assessing research findings to determine applicability to Ontario conditions, providing leadership in the development and application of new technologies and methodologies.
3. Linking provincial, national and international expertise to respond to needs of advisory staff, public, private consultants and the agricultural and rural community through developing leading edge information and educational materials, including developing seminars and courses, writing information packages, designing and implementing demonstrations of new techniques/products.
4. Providing ongoing expert analytical and technology transfer support to industry, public and private extension consultants and the Ontario and international research and extension communities on applied industry issues, and evaluations of new and emerging technologies and trends.
5. Leading the creation of and the coordinated delivery of technology transfer information packages adapted for Ontario including electronic and print training packages, from local and international sources to provide for the transfer of leading edge technology to Ontario industry.
6. Providing back-up consultative capability to support ministry advisory and specialist staff, private sector practitioners and industry organization staff in finding solutions to problems, and opportunities facing specific business operations and the industry as a whole.
7. Maintaining an expert level of knowledge on current economic development issues, research accomplishments, production practices, marketing trends and theories as well as programs and services provided locally and internationally by governments, universities and private institutions, as the province's key resource in horticultural crop weed management.
8. Maintaining a close working relationship with individuals and associations, universities, national and international research community, other extension specialists and marketing/industry analysts to determine the ongoing extension/technology transfer initiatives and priorities in Ontario and to maximize the extension opportunities for the industry by coordinating activities.
Staffing and Licencing :
Valid Ontario drivers licence.
Knowledge :
Job requires knowledge and understanding of scientific theories, principles and practices of production, business management and marketing related to weed management, and knowledge/understanding of related disciplines in the horticultural industry to review new production methods and techniques, new technologies and investigate/identify whether suitable for Ontario conditions/environment. Job requires knowledge of common production practices and economics within the commodity to develop expert leading edge information and educational materials that will assist clients with improving their competitive position. Job requires knowledge of research methods and practices in order to: investigate viability and applicability of new agricultural production methods, techniques and technology; analyse validity of research findings; and prepare reports/make recommendations on their suitability and applicability for Ontario. Job requires knowledge of techniques and methods of adult education and training to develop educational and training materials for clients and colleagues and conduct training on new products/techniques.
Skills :
Job requires capacity to communicate concisely, professionally and effectively in writing through the compilation and preparation of technical reports and articles and electronic media, and orally through group presentations and one on one dialogue. Job requires interpersonal skills to develop and maintain effective provincial, national and international working relationships and demonstrated ability to develop partnerships with clients. Job requires project planning skills to design and implement initiatives and ability to organize workload. Job requires demonstrated ability and experience in interpreting research results, conducting economic impact analyses and identifying and measuring program results. Job requires ability to use computer applications for statistical analysis, data base management and electronic communications including the use of the Internet.