Do you have knowledge and understanding of and experience with new, emerging or existing practices, products, technology, and research and innovation related to agricultural sustainability with a focus on the horticulture sector? Do you want to play a key role in supporting the competitiveness of Ontario's agri-food sector? If so, consider this opportunity to join this team as a Horticulture Sustainability Specialist!
In this exciting role, you will be coordinating projects designed to assess the applicability of new or existing practices, products, technology, research, programs and policies, innovative and new and emerging horticulture technologies, which will ensure a competitive, sustainable and environmentally responsible agri-food sector. The role provides technical expertise to assist the horticulture sector in managing crop nutrient inputs, outputs and by-products while limiting environmental impacts. Projects may include nutrient loss mitigation (phosphorous, nitrogen), sustainable waste management (wastewater, vegetable processing by-products), organic amendments and sustainable horticulture management.
The MinistryThe 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
• Follow us on Twitter
The BranchAgriculture Development Branch is responsible for dealing with issues relating to agricultural production (crops and livestock),. 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 to ensure a competitive and environmentally responsible agri-food sector.
About the job
As a Provincial Specialist, you will:
• Identify concerns, issues, trends and new and emerging developments related to sustainability in the horticulture sector
• Provide an effective liaison between the research community and industry to determine the applicability of new, emerging and innovative technologies
• Develop seminars and courses, electronic and print information packages as well as design demonstrations of new, emerging and innovative techniques and products
• Facilitate delivery of program information services, education and training across commodities and disciplines
• Represent Provincial or Ministry interests on multidisciplinary working groups
• Provide expertise to senior management regarding the development, coordination, and implementation of strategies, policies, and programs related to agriculture sustainability (environmental, social and
economic) in the horticulture sector across Ontario
• Maintain regular contact with clients and partners and develop coalitions and networks
• Conduct field sampling and related reporting activities during emergency response
What you bring to the team
Mandatory requirements
• You have a valid class G Driver's Licence to travel in rural areas not serviced by public transportation.
Horticulture and Agricultural Knowledge:
• You have proven knowledge of scientific theories, principles and practices of production, economics, business management and marketing as it relates to sustainability in the horticulture sector and agricultural industry.
• You have demonstrated knowledge of production practices and economics within the horticulture sector.
• You have knowledge of agricultural industry, its economic significance, social importance and the roles and mandates of farm and commodity organizations in the rural community.
• You can apply acts and regulations impacting the horticulture sector by providing information on standards and advising on compliance.
• You have knowledge related to the horticulture sector, new and emerging technologies, current economic development issues, research and innovation accomplishments, environmental impacts and issues, production practices, marketing trends and theories.
Research and Analytical Skills:
• You can apply research and analytical skills to investigate viability and applicability of new methods, techniques and technology.
• You can analyze research findings, prepare reports and make recommendations.
• You have proven analytical skills to assess information, education and training needs of agriculture and rural clients and to provide information, services and alternative innovative strategies and solutions.
• You can investigate and evaluate issues, production trends and developments, management and marketing in the horticulture sector, community economic development, and impacts on environmental sustainability.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills:
• You can discuss and present information, outlining options and recommendations on how technologies, policies and programs can be applied to facilitate understanding and promote acceptance by others.
• You can build consensus, encourage and motivate agricultural and rural organizations to develop and support policies and programs that encourage the adoption and maintenance of sustainable practices in the agricultural and rural communities.
• You have interpersonal and networking skills to establish and enhance partnerships, coalitions and networks.
• You have communication skills to prepare technical reports, briefing notes, articles and electronic media, and to facilitate group presentations and one-on-one dialogue.
Project Management and Organizational Skills:
• You can develop and support policies and programs that support sustainable practices in the agricultural and rural communities.
• You have organizational skills to manage concurrent projects and activities and ensure efficient use of resources.
• You have demonstrated project management skills to coordinate activities, identify time and resource requirements, and to develop policy and program options.
Facilitation and Training Expertise:
• You have knowledge of adult education and training techniques to develop educational and training materials and conduct training.
•. You have experience with consultation and group facilitation techniques and can achieve buy-in on policies and programs supporting sustainable practices.
• You have knowledge of needs assessment techniques and program evaluation methods to consult with clients on programs and information needs, and evaluate educational/training services, policies and programs.
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.