Do you want to play a key role in supporting the competitiveness of Ontario's livestock sector? If so, this is your opportunity to join the dynamic Livestock team and help to lead Ontario's technology transfer efforts in the assessment of new, emerging and existing practices, products, technology and research with a focus on the dairy production sectors.
This role develops and maintains effective partnerships with the agricultural sector and farm/commodity organization members by providing critical knowledge and understanding that will help clients along the agricultural value chain improve their competitive position.
The Dairy Specialist role requires excellent oral and written communication skills to discuss and present information effectively through reports, articles, electronic media and other education materials. If you have the interest and abilities to fill this important and key role, please consider this position with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
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 health social and environmental climates.
The Branch:The Agriculture Development Branch is responsible for dealing with issues and challenges relating to agricultural production (crops and livestock). 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 to ensure a competitive and environmentally responsible agri-food sector.
How we support diversity, inclusion and accessibility
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.
About the job
In this role as a Provincial Specialist for dairy cattle, dairy sheep and dairy goat production, you will:
• consult with client organizations and agencies to identify concerns, issues, trends and new developments
• coordinate and implement programs and projects with experts, industry and organization personnel to develop and prepare education materials, management training tools and other programs
• review and assess leading-edge agricultural research and best management practices from around the world and adapt the findings to Ontario industry needs
• provide leadership and effective liaison between the research community and industry to determine the applicability of new technologies, and to help establish research priorities/activities
• provide expertise to senior management regarding the development, coordination and implementation of strategies, policies and programs for dairy cattle, dairy sheep and dairy goat production systems
• represent Provincial or Ministry interests on multidisciplinary working groups to develop provincial, national or international initiatives related to the dairy cattle, dairy sheep and dairy goat sectors
What you bring to the team
Mandatory requirement:
• You must possess a valid class ‘G' driver's license or equivalent as recognized by the province of Ontario.
• In order to conduct site visits at rural and remote locations, you must have the ability to travel to rural areas not serviced by public transportation.
Technical expertise:
• You have expert knowledge and understanding of scientific theories, principles and practices of dairy cattle, dairy goat and dairy sheep production systems.
• You have expert knowledge of Ontario production practices, marketing systems and economics related to the dairy industry.
• You have strong knowledge of the Ontario agricultural industry, its economic significance, social importance and the roles/mandates of farm/commodity organizations.
•• You have knowledge of relevant acts and regulations impacting livestock impacting livestock organizations/producers/agri-businesses to provide information on commodity standards and advise on compliance (e.g. Milk Act , Food Safety and Quality Act, etc.).
Interpersonal and Communication Skills:
• You have the ability to communicate concisely, professionally and effectively in writing through preparation of technical reports, briefing notes, articles and electronic media
• You have interpersonal and consensus-building skills to develop and maintain effective working relationships/partnerships, and to encourage adoption and support of policies and practices
• You have communication skills to present information to groups and through one-on-one dialogue
Research and Analytical skills:
• You have the ability to apply research methods and practices to investigate viability and applicability of new methods, techniques and technology
• You have analytical and problem solving skills to assess information and training needs of agriculture and rural clients and to provide information, services and innovative strategies and solutions
• You have the ability to investigate issues, trends and developments related to production, management and marketing systems related to the dairy industry, economic development and environmental sustainability
Project Management Skills:
• You have project management skills to plan and coordinate activities in consultation with clients and stakeholders to identify time and resource requirements
• You have the ability to plan and coordinate your own and staff time on concurrent projects and activities to ensure ministry resources are effectively and efficiently used
Educational and training techniques:
• You have knowledge of adult education/training techniques and methods to develop educational and training materials for clients and colleagues and conduct training
• You have the ability to facilitate program delivery, sharing of information, education and training to enhance partnerships