Agriculture Development Advisor

Do you want to help enhance the economic prosperity of the agri-food sector in Northern Ontario?

If so, please consider this unique opportunity.

What can I expect to do in this role?

Working independently to support a portfolio of clients, you will:

• develop and implement regional agricultural development strategies, action plans and initiatives
• provide technical guidance, advice, training and support to local agricultural businesses and farmers
• network and build trusting relationships with farmers, agricultural organizations, Indigenous communities and other levels of government
• contribute to the development and implementation of government policies related to agricultural development in Northern Ontario

How do I qualify?

Mandatory

• You have the ability to travel to remote locations not accessible via public transportation.
• You are proficient in oral and written French at the advanced level as well as proficient in English.

Knowledge of agricultural economic development:

• You have experience providing advisory services focused on the establishment and/or growth of agricultural businesses.
• You have knowledge of the agricultural, aquaculture and food processing industries and their economic significance and social importance in rural communities.
• You have economic analysis skills to assess and interpret financial, business and economic data.
• You have knowledge of agricultural economic development programs and services provided by both the private and public sector.

Knowledge of agricultural best practices and industry issues:

• You have knowledge of the best practices, related issues, trends and developments in 2 or more of the following areas: agrology, business management, agricultural technologies, agricultural production management, livestock, primary production of crops, agri-food processing and/or agri-business development.

Community and client relationship management skills:

• You have client account management skills to develop collaborative relationships with clients, stakeholders and community partners.
• You have collaboration skills to proactively share information and work cooperatively with other subject matter experts in the industry.

Project management skills:

• You have project leadership skills to plan, implement and track project outcomes against performance measures.
• You have strategic planning skills to plan and coordinate project activities in consultation with clients and stakeholders.
• You have the ability to independently manage your workload and various project activities.

Training and group facilitation skills:

• You have knowledge of adult education and training techniques and tools.
• You have knowledge of needs assessment and program evaluation methods and tools.
• You have consultation and group facilitation skills to deliver training and technical information to agricultural clients and rural community groups.

Communication skills:

• You have oral communication and presentation skills in order to effectively deliver information and promote ministry programs.
• You have written communication and computer skills to prepare a variety of correspondence (e.g. technical reports and articles, briefing notes, educational materials).

Please be advised that the results of this competition may be used to form an eligibility list of qualified candidates to potentially fill future vacancies represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU). In accordance with the Collective Agreement, eligibility lists are shared with OPSEU representatives. By applying to this competition, you are providing consent that your name may be shared with OPSEU representatives.

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 Tuesday, May 15, 2018 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.