Aquaculture and Aquaponics Specialist

Do you want to play an integral role in ensuring a competitive and environmentally responsible agri-food sector in Ontario?

If so, this is your opportunity to lead the transfer of new and existing best practices, products, technologies to the aquaculture and aquaponics sectors.

What can I expect to do in this role?

As a Provincial Specialist, you will:

• consult with clients and industry organizations and agencies to identify concerns, issues, trends and new developments in the aquaculture and aquaponics industries
• work collaboratively with clients, industry stakeholders and other levels of government to implement various programs and projects
• lead the development and delivery of educational materials, training tools and other programs to assist clients improve their competitive position
• use performance measures to ensure that industry needs are addressed efficiently and effectively
• serve as a liaison between the research community and industry to help establish research priorities/activities
• work collaboratively with the research community and industry to determine the applicability of new technologies, tools, products and practices for Ontario's conditions
• provide expertise to senior management related to the aquaculture and aquaponics sectors across Ontario
• represent provincial or ministry interests on working groups to develop provincial, national or international initiatives related to the aquaculture and aquaponics sectors

How do I qualify?

Mandatory requirement:

• You are able to travel to rural areas not accessible by public transportation.

Technical expertise:

• You have expert knowledge of aquaculture and aquaponics production theories, principles and best practices.
• You have expert knowledge and understanding of scientific theories, industry practices and principles of production, economics, business management, and marketing within the aquaculture and aquaponics sectors to develop expert leading edge information and educational materials to assist clients improve their competitive position.
• You have knowledge of Ontario's agri-food industry (e.g. economics, social importance, marketing practices, environmental issues, role of commodity organizations).
• You have an understanding of related disciplines in the agricultural industry enabling you to review new and existing methods, techniques, programs and policies in order to investigate and identify their suitability for Ontario conditions.

Communication and interpersonal skills:

• You have oral and written communication skills to develop and deliver information using a variety of methods (e.g. reports, workshops, speaking engagements, media releases, internet).
• You have interpersonal skills to develop and maintain effective partnerships with multiple levels of government as well as industry stakeholders and clients.
• You are able to assert influence to motivate producers, agri-businesses and agricultural organizations to develop and support policies and programs that encourage the adoption and maintenance of sustainable agriculture and environmental practices.

Research, analysis and problem solving skills:

• You have knowledge of research methods and practices to investigate the viability and applicability of new methods and technologies.
• You have research skills to investigate industry issues, trends and developments.
• You have analytical and problem solving skills to analyze research findings and develop innovative strategies and solutions that align with client and industry needs.

Training and group facilitation skills:

• You have knowledge of needs assessment techniques and tools to assist with the establishment of training priorities.
• You have knowledge of adult education principles and techniques to develop and deliver educational and training programs.
• You have knowledge of training evaluation techniques.

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 (e.g. e-mail, internet, word processing, spreadsheet, statistical analysis, database).

Please be advised that the results of this competition may be used to form an eligibility list of qualified candidates to potentially fill future vacancies represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU). In accordance with the Collective Agreement, eligibility lists are shared with OPSEU representatives. By applying to this competition, you are providing consent that your name may be shared with OPSEU representatives.

All external applicants (including former employees of the Ontario Public Service) applying to a competition in a ministry or Commission public body must disclose (either in the cover letter or resume) previous employment with the Ontario Public Service. Disclosure must include positions held, dates of employment and any active restrictions as applicable from being rehired by the Ontario Public Service. Active restrictions can include time and/or ministry-specific restrictions currently in force, and may preclude a former employee from being offered a position with the Ontario Public Service for a specific time period (e.g. one year), or from being offered a position with a specific ministry (either for a pre-determined time period or indefinitely). The circumstances around an employee's exit will be considered prior to an offer of employment.

Remember: The deadline to apply is Monday, June 3, 2019 11:59 pm EDT. Late applications will not be accepted.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for further screening or an interview will be contacted.