Experience working in the Ontario Public Service – grow your future.The OPS is dedicated to recruiting and advancing top talent while building a diverse public service that is reflective of Ontario's population and communities. This exciting opportunity offers recent Indigenous post- secondary graduates the opportunity to develop their careers and gain valuable work experience with one of Canada's Top 100 Employers.
Interested in a career in the agri-food sector? Bring your knowledge, experience and perspectives to the
Research and Innovation Branch in the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). OMAFRA is a global leader unleashing the potential of Ontario's rural and agri-food systems. Consider joining a ministry that supports Ontario's ability to produce food and ensure food safety while allowing the agri-food and rural economies to prosper.
Visit the
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs to learn more about our work, and sign up for an upcoming virtual Applicant Information Session on
July 27 or
August 3 where you'll hear more about our ministry's Indigenous Internship opportunities, our culture, learn tips on how to apply and have an opportunity to ask questions.
OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism:
We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.
We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.
Visit the
OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the
OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.
We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's
Human Rights Code. Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.
What can I expect to do in this role?
The Research and Innovation Branch (RIB) leads the ministry's research programming and research infrastructure efforts to support strong, competitive agri-food sectors across the province that are economically diverse, environmentally responsible and socially safe. RIB coordinates policy and funding for agriculture and food research as well as agricultural diploma education and laboratory services. The branch administers the OMAFRA Agreement with the University of Guelph and provides secretariat support to the Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario.
As part of our ongoing work to articulate the ministry's research agenda and manage the portfolio of agricultural research stations across the province, the branch has become increasingly aware of the systemic barriers and challenges – as well as distinct opportunities – for Indigenous partners in the agri-food research eco-system. As the
Research and Innovation Branch Intern you will help support the ministry's agri-food research needs and will also have the opportunity to:
• Co-lead the Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario (ARIO) Infrastructure Strategy and Asset Management Plan including updating asset inventory for the ARIO research stations and capital planning.
• Co-lead the development of Next Policy Framework Research Programming and Knowledge Transfer and Translation Strategy including research and jurisdictional scans, development of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), analysis and recommendations on KPI design.
• Support the return-on-investment analysis and recommendations of the ARIO Research Stations.
• Provide secretariat support for three different – and extensive – governance structures: ARIO, Alliance (U of G) Agreement, and the ministry's research governance tables. Working alongside senior staff will be responsible for a broad range of tasks including: supporting strategic agenda development, logistics and coordination to finalize agenda materials and guest presenters, minute-taking and records management.
This internship position offers a hybrid work arrangement with the ability to work both remotely (work from home) and within an OMAFRA office. OMAFRA has office locations across the province and the Intern may be able to work from one of the ministry's following offices depending on office space availability and operational feasibility:
• Ministry Headquarters: 1 Stone Road West, Guelph or 77 Grenville Street, Toronto
• North Region: Fort Frances, Gore Bay, New Liskeard, Thunder Bay or Verner
• Central Region: Elora, Midhurst or Simcoe
• East Region: Brighton, Kemptville or Lindsay
• Southwest Region: Clinton, London, Ridgetown, Stratford or Woodstock
How do I qualify?
Mandatory
• You must have graduated from a college or university, with a degree, diploma or post-graduate certificate, within the past 5 years.
• You must be an Indigenous person (i.e. First Nations, Métis, Inuit).
View Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Indigenous Self-Identification Research skills:
• You understand research and analytical practices to source and analyze a variety of information and data, as well as identify trends to support the development of evidence-based findings and recommendations.
• You can interpret and apply legislation, policies, processes and procedures.
Communication skills:
• You can prepare and present various documents, including presentations, reports and summaries.
• You can clearly communicate information.
Interpersonal and teamwork skills:
• You can establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.
• You can participate and contribute to working groups.
Planning and organizational skills:
• You are able to plan, organize, and manage multiple tasks and projects with competing deadlines.
Computer skills:
• You are proficient in common software applications such as word processing, presentation and spreadsheet applications to draft documents and reports, prepare presentations and conduct analysis.
OMAFRA Indigenous Internship Program Applicant Information Session
Interested in learning more about this position and how we work? We are hosting a virtual Open House where you'll hear directly from our team about our Indigenous Internship opportunities, our ministry culture, learn tips on how to apply and have an opportunity for a Q&A period.
If you are interested in joining our virtual open house, please sign up for the event on July 27 or August 3, 2022.For any questions related to OMAFRA's Indigenous Internship Program please connect with Carrie Connelly at
Carrie.Connelly@ontario.ca.
