Forage and Grazier Specialist

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Sustainable forage production provides an essential source of feed for ruminant livestock as well as a valuable product to sell. Forages also provide important agronomic and environmental benefits to Ontario's agricultural production system.

Help us transform new research and ideas into practical programs, products and services which will ensure Ontario's agricultural sector remains competitive and environmentally responsible both now and into the future.

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About the job

In this role, you will:

• act as the lead provincial specialist regarding forage production and the implementation of grazing systems
• lead Ontario's technology transfer activities through the development, coordination and implementation of strategies, policies and programs related to forage production
• coordinate projects designed to assess the applicability and sustainability of new and existing practices, products, technologies and programs
• prepare and deliver educational information and awareness building tools to facilitate change
• act as a liaison between the research community and industry
• manage contentious and high priority issues

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What you bring to the team

Mandatory requirement:

• In order to conduct site visits at rural and remote locations, you must hold a valid class 'G' driver's licence or equivalent as recognized by the Province of Ontario.

Technical knowledge:

• You have expert knowledge of scientific theories, principles and best practices related to forage production and forage management systems.
• You have expert knowledge of the best practices regarding the implementation of grazing systems.
• You have expert knowledge of the Ontario agricultural industry (e.g. economics, social importance, roles and mandates of farm and commodity organizations).
• You have knowledge of relevant acts and regulations that impact forage production.

Research, analysis, evaluation and problem-solving skills:

• You have knowledge of research methods and practices to investigate viability and applicability of new methods, techniques and technologies, analyze validity of findings and make recommendations on their suitability for Ontario conditions.
• You have the ability to identify and investigate issues, trends and development of crop production practices, economics and environmental sustainability.

Consultation and facilitation skills:

• You can conduct needs assessments and incorporate the results in the development of training and educational materials.
• You have an understanding of adult education principles and techniques to deliver training.
• You have an understanding of program evaluation methods.
• You can encourage and motivate agricultural and rural organizations to develop and support policies and programs that encourage the adoption and maintenance of sustainable practices in their agricultural and rural communities.

Communication and interpersonal skills:

• You can develop professional documents, reports and educational materials using clear, concise language.
• You can present information, options and recommendations in a clear, concise and logical manner.
• You have the proven ability to develop and present information in many formats and can determine the most effective way to transfer technical information.
• You have the proven ability to develop and maintain effective professional working relationships and partnerships with clients.

Other important skills:

• You have planning and coordination skills to manage project activities and resource requirements.
• You are proficient with a variety of computer applications, such as e-mail, internet, word processing, spreadsheet, statistical analysis and database software.

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Additional information:

Note:

• W-AF-104758/17

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Language requirements and assessment:
All external Ontario Public Service (OPS) job ads are posted in English and French. Check the "position(s) language" section at the top of each job ad for the language requirements. For all roles, candidates are assessed in English, the business language of the OPS. If the position is bilingual (English/French), you'll also need to pass a French-language proficiency test.

Exigences en matière de langue et évaluation:
Toutes les offres d'emploi externes de la fonction publique de l'Ontario (FPO) sont affichées en français et en anglais. Consultez la section « Langue du ou des postes » en haut de chaque offre d'emploi pour connaître les exigences linguistiques. Pour tous les postes, les candidats sont évalués en anglais, la langue d'affaires de la FPO. Si le poste est bilingue (anglais/français), vous devrez également passer un test de compétences linguistiques en français.