Water Management Engineer / Automation & Technology Engineer / Horticultural & Greenhouse Cropping Engineer

The Innovation Engineering and Program Delivery (IEPD) unit serve as the Ministry's core technical competence on environmental issues, safety standards, sector innovation and technical expertise for the agri-food community.

The IEPD unit is hiring for three (3) engineering positions: Water Management Engineer, Automation & Technology Engineer, and Horticultural & Greenhouse Cropping Engineer.

The Ontario Public Service (OPS) is committed to being an employer of first choice, creating a positive and inclusive work environment.

We offer:
• a defined benefit pension plan
• maternity and parental leave top-up benefits which includes adoptive parents
• comprehensive health plan
• life and disability insurance
• flexible work arrangements
• collegial and professional work culture
• career growth and development opportunities across multiple business areas
• on-the-job training to support your success in the role

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 "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.

What can I expect to do in this role?

Water Management Engineering Specialist:
Develop engineering solutions focused on optimizing water management at the farm level. This includes water efficiency measures, drainage solutions and water treatment technologies.

Automation & Technology Engineering Specialist:
Assess and explore opportunities for technical advancement across supply chains to improve the overall sustainability of the agricultural and food processing sector.

Horticultural & Greenhouse Cropping Engineering Specialist:
Develop engineering solutions to optimize crop production and processing by exploring efficiencies across the supply chain for all horticultural cropping (e.g. field & greenhouse) systems in Ontario.

How do I qualify?

Mandatory

• You are a Professional Engineer, licensed with Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO).
• You have a valid class G Ontario Driver's license or equivalent as recognized by the Province of Ontario.

Specialized Knowledge:

• You have knowledge of theories, principles and practices in one or more of the following engineering disciplines: agriculture, environmental, water resources, biosystems, mechanical, electrical, food/biological and civil engineering.

Technical Knowledge:

• You have knowledge of farm practices (e.g., livestock, cropping), economics, agronomy, environmental and biological systems, geography and climate.
• You have knowledge of technologies, innovation and opportunities in farming, food processing, industrial or agricultural/rural operations.

Research and Analytical Skills:

• You can evaluate applications, conduct cost/benefits analyses, assess emerging issues and new technologies.
• You have research skills to explore, develop and deliver solutions.
• You can investigate and analyze complex problems with minimal information to provide recommendations and solutions.
• You can acquire knowledge of Ministry and Branch mandates, programs, policies, legislations and standards.

Communication and Consultation Skills:

• You have communication skills prepare, write, and deliver a range of materials including reports and recommendations.
• You can provide technical engineering advice and expertise.
• You have consultation skills to liaise with staff and stakeholders.
• You have negotiation skills to resolve conflicts and complaints.

Project Management Skills:

• You have project management skills to plan, coordinate and lead complex engineering projects.
• You have leadership skills to provide coaching, mentoring and direction to staff.

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 Wednesday, January 18, 2023 11:59 pm EST. Late applications will not be accepted.

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