Soil fertility management is critical component of sustainable agriculture. 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.
About the job
In this role, you will:
• act as the lead provincial specialist on soil fertility
• lead Ontario's technology transfer activities through the development, coordination and implementation of strategies, policies and programs related to soil fertility with an emphasis in field crop soil fertility
• coordinate projects designed to assess the applicability of new and existing practices, products, technologies and programs to Ontario's field crop production sector
• prepare educational and awareness building tools to facilitate change
• act as a liaison between the research community and industry
• manage contentious and high priority issues related to soil fertility
What you bring to the team
Mandatory requirement:
• in order to conduct site visits at rural and remote locations, you must hold a valid Ontario driver's licence
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 interpersonal skills to develop and maintain effective provincial, national and international working relationships and partnerships with clients
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
• you can develop innovative strategies and solutions in response to client requirements
• you can investigate issues, trends and developments related to soil fertility
Consultation and facilitation skills:
• you can conduct needs assessments and incorporate results in the development of training and educational materials
• you have an understanding of adult education principles and techniques to deliver training materials
• 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
Technical knowledge:
• you have expert knowledge of scientific theories, principles and practices of Ontario soil fertility
• you have expert knowledge of Ontario field crop production practices and economics related to soil fertility
• you have knowledge of the Ontario agricultural industry (economics, social importance, roles and mandates of farm and commodity organizations)
• you have knowledge of how soil fertility practices may impact the environment
• you have knowledge of environmental issues that are impacted by soil fertility practices
• you have an understanding of related disciplines in the agricultural industry to review new and existing methods, techniques, programs and policies in order to investigate and identify their suitability for Ontario conditions
• you have knowledge of relevant acts and regulations (e.g. Source Water Protection , Nutrient Management Act )
Other important skills:
• you have planning and coordination skills to manage project activities and resource requirements
• you have financial administration skills to administer contracts for service providers and forecast and monitor project budgets
• you are proficient with a variety of computer applications (e.g. e-mail, internet, word processing, spreadsheet, statistical analysis, database, etc.)
OPS Commitment to diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and anti- racism:
We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.
We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.
Visit the
OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the
OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.
We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's
Human Rights Code. Refer to the application instructions below if you require a disability-related accommodation.
OPS COVID-19 Safe Workplace Directive
Effective October 1, 2021, the OPS COVID-19 Safe Workplace Directive requires all Ontario Public Service employees to provide proof they are fully vaccinated, meaning they are fully vaccinated as defined by the Ministry of Health (refer to:
COVID-19 Fully Vaccinated Status in Ontario), including 14 calendar days have passed since receiving their final dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Employees who do not provide proof of full vaccination will be deemed ‘not vaccinated' under the Directive and will be required to attend a vaccine education program and undergo regular rapid antigen testing. Employees who are not vaccinated under the policy with a valid medical exemption will not be required to attend a vaccine education program but must undergo regular rapid antigen testing.