Are you an experienced professional with expertise in land use planning and agriculture with policy development experience and strong research, analysis, problem-solving, and communication skills?
If so, consider this opportunity in the Agricultural Land Use Planning Unit, where you will play a key role in leading, coordinating, and influencing the development of land use planning policies and programs in areas such as: agricultural land protection, agricultural and rural planning, soil management, environmental assessment/agricultural impact assessments, long-term viability and sustainability of the agri-food sector and related training and guidance material development.
Who We AreThe Agricultural Land Use Policy unit is responsible for coordinating, researching, analyzing, and developing policy recommendations on environmental and land use policy issues that affect the agri-food and rural sectors. The unit provides input to land use proposals by other ministries and the federal/provincial government.
About the job
You will:
• provide land use planning policy, technical and strategic advice
• lead and/or participate on project teams to develop and implement policy initiatives
• develop and implement policy initiatives, and assess the impact of new and proposed policies, programs
• undertake technical research and evaluation studies to develop policy proposals, discussion papers and draft/revise policies
• develop and/or coordinate the development of Ministry, Divisional, and Branch strategic and operational plans to support the Minister, Deputy Minister, and senior management
• provide policy advice, expertise, and recommendations to senior management on policy initiatives, trends, options, and strategies
• develop and maintain relationships with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
What you bring to the team
Policy Development Knowledge and Skills:
• You have the ability to interpret and apply theories, principles, techniques, practices, and application of economics, policy development, international trade, finance, and statistics in order to support the policy and/or program development process
• You can coordinate initiatives through the policy development and approvals process in order to provide policy advice and guidance in developing Ministry policies
• You have an understanding of political, social, and economic issues impacting Ministry sectors and provincial/Ministry strategic objectives as it relates to the development of policy
• You can apply your knowledge and experience in agricultural/rural land use planning and resource/environmental management to ensure that policy recommendations are feasible and align with the needs of the agriculture and agri-food sectors and rural communities
Communication and Interpersonal Skills:
• You can foster partnerships with internal staff, other ministries, and stakeholders in multiple jurisdictions
• You have the ability to communicate complex information to non-technical staff
• You can provide advice, discuss and resolve policy development issues with all levels of staff
• You can develop and deliver presentations and speeches to policy staff, senior management, and stakeholders
• You have written communication skills to prepare a variety of materials (e.g. analytical reports, briefing materials, position papers, option papers, detailed policy for regulatory drafting, correspondence, presentations, and orientation packages)
Research and Analysis Skills:
• You can conduct quantitative and qualitative analysis
• You have the ability to analyze, interpret, and develop conclusions and develop policy options
• You can identify and analyze appropriate data sources (e.g. scientific, statistical, or socio-economic data)
• You can conduct environmental scans, evaluate trends, and assess possible impacts of proposed policies, programs, and initiatives
Project Management Knowledge:
You have:
• knowledge of project management techniques to lead/participate in concurrent projects and work with conflicting timelines
Computer Skills:
You are:
• proficient with computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheet, statistical/database management, project management, and presentation software
Don't meet every qualification?
If you are excited about this position and meet most, but not all, of the listed qualifications, please still consider applying. We recognize that no one person might have every qualification in this job ad, and you just might be the right candidate!
How we support diversity, inclusion and accessibility
We are building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage everyone interested in working with us to apply, including people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black and racialized individuals, as well as people from all ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.
Our hiring process is accessible, consistent with Ontario's
Human Rights Code and the
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. We are working to prevent and remove barriers in our hiring processes and can offer
accommodation to address specific needs related to Code-protected grounds such as disability, family status and religion. For more information about accommodation during the hiring process please
contact us.Learn more about the work the OPS is doing to create an inclusive, anti-racist, accessible and diverse workplace: