Soil Fertility Specialist - Horticulture or Field Crops

The Ministry
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs helps to build a stronger agri-food sector by investing in the development and transfer of innovative technologies, retaining and attracting investment, developing markets, providing regulatory oversight, and providing effective risk management tools. The Ministry also helps enable rural Ontario to build strong, vital communities with diversified economies and healthy social and environmental climates.

The Branch
The Agriculture Development Branch is responsible for dealing with issues relating to agricultural production (crops and livestock), business management and marketing, and coordinates the delivery of technology transfer programs across Ontario. The branch promotes high quality agricultural production through the application of best management practices, on-farm quality assurance programs and plant and animal health strategies. The branch also provides business management resources that assist clients with farm business development.

Why work for the Ontario Public Service?
The Ontario Public Service (OPS) is committed to being an employer of first choice, creating a positive and inclusive work environment.

We offer:
• A defined benefit pension plan
• Maternity and parental leave top-up benefits which include adoptive parents
• Comprehensive Health Plan
• Life and Disability insurance
• Flexible work arrangements
• Collegial and professional work culture
• Career growth and development opportunities across multiple business areas
• On-the-job training to support your success in the role

The OPS has been recognized as a top employer. We are proud to have been acknowledged as one of:
• Canada's Top 100 Employers
• Canada's Best Diversity Employers
• Greater Toronto's Top Employers
• Canada's Greenest Employers
• Canada's Top Employers for Young People

The Agriculture Development Branch is seeking two Soil Fertility Specialists, one permanent position in the area of Horticulture and one temporary position in the area of Field Crops, to coordinate projects designed to assess the applicability of new or existing practices, products, technology, research, programs and policies to Ontario conditions while ensuring a competitive and environmentally responsible agri-food sector.

What can I expect to do in this role?

In this role, you will:
• Identify concerns, issues, trends and new and emerging developments as it relates to the impact of provincial programs and policies, information services, education and training needs
• Monitor, evaluate and report on the delivery and implementation of information and education/training services
• Provide expertise to senior management related to soil fertility in the horticultural and field crop sectors
• Liaise with Ministry staff, consultants and the agricultural and rural community through developing policies and programs
• Develop seminars and courses, electronic and print information packages as well as design demonstrations of new, emerging and innovative techniques and products
• Facilitate delivery of program information services, education and training
• Represent Provincial or Ministry interests on multidisciplinary working groups
• Conduct field sampling and related reporting activities during emergency response and participate in regular emergency preparedness exercises and training

Please note the following:
• 1 permanent position located at 50 Stone Road, Guelph – Horticulture focus
• 1 temporary position located at 120 Main Street E, Ridgetown OR 63 Lorne Ave E, Stratford – Field Crop focus

Please indicate preference(s) in your application.

How do I qualify?

Mandatory

• You must have a valid Ontario G Driver's licence with the ability to travel in rural areas

Technical Knowledge

• You demonstrate knowledge of scientific theories, principles and practices of production, economics, business management and marketing as It relates to soil fertility in the horticultural sector and/or field crop sector
• You have the ability to interpret and apply relevant legislation and regulations that impact horticultural and/or field crop sector organizations, producers and agri-businesses in the area of soil fertility
• You understand the agricultural industry to review methods, techniques, programs and policies

Training Knowledge and Skills

• You have knowledge of techniques and methods of adult education and training to develop educational and training materials and deliver training on new products and techniques
• You have knowledge of needs assessment techniques and program evaluation methods to consult with clients on programs and information needs, and evaluate educational/training services, policies and programs

Research, Analytical and Evaluative Skills

• You demonstrate knowledge of research methods and practices to investigate viability and applicability of new methods, techniques and technology, and analyze validity of research findings
• You have analytical skills to assess information, education and training needs, and provide information, services and alternative innovative strategies and solutions
• You have evaluative skills to investigate issues, new trends and developments related to production, management and marketing

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

• You demonstrate written communication skills to prepare technical reports, briefing notes, articles and electronic media
• You have interpersonal skills to develop and maintain working relationships, partnerships and networks to facilitate program delivery, information sharing, education and training
• You have verbal communication skills to deliver training, present information and provide recommendations

Project Management and Planning Skills

• You have the ability to plan and coordinate activities, identify time and resource requirements, and develop policy and program options for Ministry and clients
• You can manage concurrent projects and activities to ensure that resources are efficiently used in meeting Ministry objectives and addressing agricultural issues
• You have experience with administering service provider contracts, and forecasting and monitoring project budgets

Computer Skills

• You have proficiency with computer software applications such as statistical analysis, data base management and electronic communications including the Internet and social media

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 Thursday, December 19, 2019 11:59 pm EST. Late applications will not be accepted.

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