Greenhouse Floriculture Specialist

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Do you want to play a key role in supporting the competitiveness of Ontario's greenhouse floriculture sector?

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 greenhouse floriculture sector 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. It 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
Agriculture Development Branch is responsible for dealing with issues relating to agricultural production (crops and livestock), business management and marketing, and coordinates 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.

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About the job

In this role, you will:
• Act as the lead provincial specialist related to greenhouse floriculture production
• Lead Ontario's technology transfer activities through the development, coordination and implementation of strategies, policies and programs
• Coordinate research and projects designed to assess the applicability of new and existing practices, products, technologies and programs to Ontario's greenhouse floriculture production sector
• 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 greenhouse floriculture production sector

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What you bring to the team

Mandatory requirements

• 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 greenhouse floriculture production sector
• 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 greenhouse floriculture production sector
• Knowledge of relevant acts and regulations that impact on greenhouse floriculture production sector 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 greenhouse floriculture production

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 greenhouse floriculture production sector, 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, 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 demonstrated ability to 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, data base management and electronic communications as well as use of the Internet and social media

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Additional information:

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.
  
  W-AF-152082/20

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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.