Technology Transfer Specialist

Help make a difference by leading the transfer of information to agricultural communities in order to bring leading edge technologies and best practices to Ontario.

What can I expect to do in this role?

In this role, you will:

• lead and conduct research on effective means and tools of delivering technology transfer
• provide advice to technical specialists on current best practices for technology transfer
• coordinate the development of Branch products and services and evaluate the effectiveness of these activities
• coordinate projects to assess new or existing decision-making tools, new or existing products, new uses of technology including the use of social media
• assess research from other jurisdictions or sectors that could be adapted to Ontario clients

How do I qualify?

Mandatory requirement:

You must have a valid class 'G' driver's license or equivalent, as recognized by the Province of Ontario, and an ability to travel in rural areas not serviced by public transportation.

Training and facilitation experience:

• knowledge of techniques and methods of adult education and training to develop educational and training materials and tools for clients and colleagues and conduct training on new products and techniques
• knowledge of consultation and group facilitation techniques, needs assessment techniques, and program evaluation methods to determine if policies and programs are meeting client needs and program objectives
• ability to develop expert leading edge information and educational materials that will assist clients with improving their competitive position

Interpersonal and communication skills:

• capacity to communicate concisely, professionally and effectively in writing through the development of promotional and communication materials, decision-making tools, technical reports, briefing notes, articles and electronic media
• proven ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships and partnerships with clients
• communication skills to discuss and present information, outline options and recommendations, and promote acceptance by others

Project management and planning skills:

• project management skills to plan and coordinate activities in consultation with clients and stakeholders, and to identify time and resource requirements
• planning and coordination skills to manage own and other staff time on concurrent projects and activities to ensure that ministry resources are effectively and efficiently used

Research and analytical skills:

• knowledge of research methods and practices in order to investigate new technologies and methodologies for sharing information with clients, analyze validity of research findings and prepare reports
• analytical and problem-solving skills to assess information, education and training needs of clients, and to provide information, services and alternative innovative strategies and solutions in response to client requirements

Agriculture sector knowledge:

• knowledge of the agricultural industry, its economic significance, social importance and the roles and mandates of farm and commodity organizations in the rural community to assess the relevance and impact of the Branch's technology transfer publications, promotional material and services

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 Monday, May 4, 2015 11:59 pm EDT. Late applications will not be accepted.

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