Soil Management Specialist - Field Crops

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Soil management is a critical component of agricultural production, nutrient management and resiliency to climate change.

Help us transform new research and ideas into practical programs, products and services which will ensure Ontario's agricultural sector remains competitive and environmentally responsible both now and into the future.

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About the job

• act as the lead provincial specialist on soil management in field crops
• lead Ontario's technology transfer activities through the development, coordination and implementation of strategies, policies and programs
• coordinate projects designed to assess the applicability and sustainability of new and existing practices, products, technologies and programs
• prepare and deliver educational information and awareness building tools to facilitate change
• act as a liaison between the research community and industry
• manage contentious and high priority issues
• provide technical advice and expertise in support of policy and program development

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What you bring to the team

Mandatory requirements:

• In order to conduct site visits at rural and remote locations, you must hold a valid class 'G' driver's licence or equivalent as recognized by the Province of Ontario.
• You are proficient in oral and written French at an advanced level.

Technical knowledge:

• You have expert knowledge of scientific theories, principles and practices of soil management as it relates to the production of field crops.
• You have expert knowledge of the Ontario agricultural industry (e.g. economics, social importance, roles and mandates of farm and commodity organizations).
• You have knowledge of relevant acts and regulations that impact soil management practices.

Research, analytical, evaluation and problem-solving skills:

• You have knowledge of research methods and practices to investigate viability and applicability of new methods, techniques and technologies, analyze validity of findings and make recommendations on their suitability for Ontario conditions.
• You have the ability to identify and investigate soil management issues, trends and developments related to crop production practices and environmental sustainability.

Consultation and facilitation skills:

• You have an understanding of adult education principles and techniques to deliver training.
• You are able to assess industry educational needs and develop appropriate training and educational materials.
• You can encourage and motivate agricultural and rural organizations to develop and support policies and programs that encourage the adoption and maintenance of sustainable practices in their agricultural and rural communities.

Communication and interpersonal skills:

• You can develop professional documents, reports and educational materials using clear, concise language.
• You can present information, options and recommendations in a clear, concise and logical manner.
• You have the proven ability to develop and present information in many formats and can determine the most effective way to transfer technical information.

Other important skills:

• You have planning and coordination skills to manage project activities and resource requirements.
• You are proficient with a variety of computer applications, such as e-mail, internet, word processing, spreadsheet, statistical analysis and database software.

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Additional information:

Note:

• This ad is also available in French.
• W-AF-99911/16

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Language requirements and assessment:
All external Ontario Public Service (OPS) job ads are posted in English and French. Check the "position(s) language" section at the top of each job ad for the language requirements. For all roles, candidates are assessed in English, the business language of the OPS. If the position is bilingual (English/French), you'll also need to pass a French-language proficiency test.

Exigences en matière de langue et évaluation:
Toutes les offres d'emploi externes de la fonction publique de l'Ontario (FPO) sont affichées en français et en anglais. Consultez la section « Langue du ou des postes » en haut de chaque offre d'emploi pour connaître les exigences linguistiques. Pour tous les postes, les candidats sont évalués en anglais, la langue d'affaires de la FPO. Si le poste est bilingue (anglais/français), vous devrez également passer un test de compétences linguistiques en français.