Maple, Tree Nut and Agroforestry Specialist

Do you want to play a key role in supporting the sustainable growth of the Maple, Tree Nut and Agroforestry sectors in Ontario?

If so, this is your opportunity to help assess the applicability of new research, technologies, best practices, policies and programs to Ontario conditions to support Ontario's maple syrup, tree nut and agroforestry sectors to remain competitive and environmentally sustainable now and into the future.


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 Division
The Economic Development Division is responsible for programs and services to support information technology transfer. Staff work with farmers, agri-businesses, municipalities, and other partners in the agriculture and rural sectors to identify needs and opportunities, adopt new technologies and make sound business decisions. It is responsible for expanding Ontario food and agricultural sales in export and domestic markets, and providing support to the processing industry through investment attraction, investment retention and sector development.

The Branch
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 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.

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 includes 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 Best Diversity Employers

What can I expect to do in this role?

In this role, you will:
• act as the lead provincial specialist related to maple syrup, tree nut and agroforestry production
• lead Ontario's technology transfer activities through the development, coordination and implementation of strategies, policies and programs for maple syrup, tree nut and agroforestry production
• coordinate research and projects designed to assess the applicability of new and existing practices, products, technologies and programs to maple syrup, tree nut and agroforestry production in Ontario
• prepare educational and awareness building training and tools to facilitate change
• act as a liaison between the research community and industry
• manage contentious and high priority issues
• represent provincial and ministry interests on multidisciplinary working groups to develop provincial, national or international initiatives related to the maple, tree nut and agroforestry sectors

How do I qualify?

Mandatory

• You have a valid Ontario class "G" driver's Licence with the ability to travel in rural areas not serviced by public transportation

Technical Knowledge

You have:
• Knowledge of scientific theories, principles and practices of production, economics, business management and marketing related to the maple, tree nut and agroforestry sectors
• Knowledge of the agricultural industry, and the roles and mandates of farm and commodity organizations in the rural community to assess the relevance and impact of new policies, program initiatives and practices on the maple, tree nut and agroforestry sectors
• Knowledge of relevant acts and regulations that impact on maple, tree nut and agroforestry sectors organizations, producers, and agri-businesses
• Knowledge of current economic development issues, research accomplishments, environmental impacts and issues, production practices, marketing trends and theories as well as programs and services provided provincially, nationally and internationally by governments, universities and private institutions in maple, tree nut and agroforestry sectors

Training and Facilitation Knowledge

You have:
• Knowledge of techniques and methods of adult education and training in order to develop educational and training materials for clients and colleagues as well as conduct training on new products and techniques
• Knowledge of consultation and group facilitation techniques as well as needs assessment techniques and program evaluation methods

Research, Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills

You have:
• Knowledge of research methods and practices in order to investigate viability and applicability of new methods, techniques and technology, analyze validity of research findings, prepare reports and provide recommendations on their suitability and applicability for Ontario conditions
• Analytical and problem-solving skills to assess information, education and training needs of agriculture and rural clients, and provide information, services and alternative innovative strategies and solutions
• Evaluative skills to investigate issues, new trends and developments related to production, management and marketing in the maple, tree nut and agroforestry sectors, community economic development and environmental sustainability

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

You can:
• Communicate effectively in writing through the compilation and preparation of technical reports, briefing notes, articles, and electronic media
• Establish and enhance partnerships, coalitions and networks to facilitate program delivery, sharing of information, education and training
• Develop and maintain effective provincial, national and international working relationships, and demonstrated ability to develop partnerships with clients
• Present information, outline options/recommendations on how technologies, policies and programs can be applied, facilitate understanding and promote acceptance

Project Management and Organizational Skills

You can:
• Manage concurrent projects and activities
• Plan and coordinate activities in consultation with clients and stakeholders
• Identify time and resource requirements in order to address agriculture and rural issues

Computer Skills

• You have proficiency with computer applications including statistical analysis, data base management and electronic communications as well as use of 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 Tuesday, September 22, 2020 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.