Engineering Program Coordinator

If you are a licensed Professional Engineer and ready to take on a leadership role, consider this challenging and unique opportunity with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

We are seeking an engineer with leadership, communication, problem solving, project management, and program delivery skills and technical expertise to provide advice, lead program coordination, conduct analysis and technology transfer to a wide range of agriculture and food stakeholders and the public.

What can I expect to do in this role?

In this role, you will:

• provide engineering and technical expertise and advice, participate in strategic planning and lead engineering program coordination
• lead and supervise the administration of the Farm Implements Act and Regulations, program delivery, issue identification, performance measurement and provide policy input/interpretation
• ensure that the ministry's program and legislative responsibilities are carried out in relation to the Farming and Food Production Act, serving as Secretary to the Normal Farm Practices Protection Board
• provide expert advice on a broad spectrum of issues related to agriculture and food in support of ministry senior management and external clients
• liaise with industry, farm and food organizations and provincial/federal/municipal government agencies to keep abreast of issues and foster innovation

How do I qualify?

Mandatory requirements:

• You must be a licensed Professional Engineer by the Professional Engineers of Ontario (PEO).
• You must have a valid class 'G' driver's licence or equivalent as recognized by the Province of Ontario.

Engineering and Technical expertise:

• knowledge of the theories, principles and practices of the field of agricultural, bioresource, mechanical or civil engineering or related engineering disciplines from an accredited university
• knowledge of agricultural practices and farm implements, including knowledge of the latest technologies, innovations, challenges and opportunities in the farm implement industry

Position requires knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas:

• agricultural production systems (e.g., livestock housing and equipment, energy and crop systems, mechanical systems, sustainable agriculture production, civil and structural systems)
• environmental systems (e.g., nutrient management, air quality, climate change, mechanical systems)
• food systems (e.g., food processing, food safety)

Leadership, supervisory and project management skills:

• supervisory skills to supervise, coach and mentor new engineers, specialists and staff, to assign/review work and provide input on performance
• leadership skills to lead complex engineering and scientific studies, providing project/program guidance and direction
• project management skills to conduct or oversee complex projects and to assist in the coordination of engineering expertise/services within the branch/ministry to promote multi-disciplinary, integrated team approaches

Interpersonal, communication and relationship management skills:

• communication skills to convey complex engineering and technical issues to the target audience, and to liaise, consult and present to ministry staff, experts, and industry representatives
• relationship management skills to develop and maintain internal/external working relationships and partnerships
• strong skills in preparing and editing engineering reports and recommendations, briefing materials, media releases, information literature and other documents
• interpersonal skills, expertise and experience with mediation to provide advice and resolve conflicts in response to complaints, negotiations and politically sensitive issues

Analytical and organizational skills:

• analytical skills to investigate complaints concerning the sale, service, performance, and safety of farm implements and oversee the complaint resolution process
• ability to develop criteria to measure program performance and monitor progress
• organizational skills to coordinate collaboration and complex problem-solving with project team, and assist with strategic planning, priority setting, and unit work planning
• knowledge of risk management and assessment methodologies to assess and manage risks to support effective program delivery

Computer proficiency:

• ability to manage databases, and use relevant computer applications such as word processing, presentation, and spreadsheet programs to prepare briefing materials, reports, presentations and correspondence, and for solving complex problems

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 11, 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.