Weed Management (HORTICULTURE) Program Lead

Weed management is critical to the competitiveness and economic sustainability of Ontario's horticulture sector.

Help us transform new research and ideas into practical programs, products and services which will ensure Ontario's agricultural sector remains competitive and environmentally responsible both now and into the future.

What can I expect to do in this role?

In this role, you will:

• act as the lead provincial specialist in weed management in horticulture crops
• lead Ontario's technology transfer activities through the development, coordination and implementation of strategies, policies and programs related to weed management with an emphasis in horticulture crop sectors
• coordinate projects designed to assess the applicability of new and existing practices, products, technologies and programs to Ontario's horticulture crop production sector
• prepare educational and awareness building tools to facilitate change
• act as a liaison between the research community and industry
• manage contentious and high priority issues related to weed management in horticulture

How do I qualify?

Mandatory requirement:

• In order to conduct site visits at rural and remote locations, you must hold a valid Ontario driver's licence.

Technical knowledge:

• You have expert knowledge of scientific theories, principles and practices of weed management in horticulture.
• You have expert knowledge of production practices and economics related to the horticulture crops sector.
• You have knowledge of the agricultural industry (economics, social importance, roles and mandates of farm and commodity organizations).
• You have knowledge of the environmental impacts and issues related to horticulture crop production.
• You have an understanding of related disciplines in the agricultural industry to review new and existing methods, techniques, programs and policies in order to investigate and identify their suitability for Ontario conditions.
• You have knowledge relevant acts and regulations (e.g. Weed Control Act).

Research, analysis, evaluation and problem solving skills:

• You have knowledge of research methods and practices to investigate viability and applicability of new methods, techniques and technologies, analyze validity of findings and make recommendations.
• You can develop innovative strategies and solutions in response to client requirements.
• You can investigate issues, trends and developments related to weed management in horticulture.

Consultation and facilitation skills:

• You can conduct needs assessments and incorporate results in the development of training and educational materials.
• You have an understanding of adult education principles and techniques to deliver training materials.
• You have an understanding of program evaluation methods.
• You can encourage and motivate agricultural and rural organizations to develop and support policies and programs that encourage the adoption and maintenance of sustainable practices in their agricultural and rural communities.

Communication and interpersonal skills:

• You can develop professional documents, reports and educational materials using clear, concise language.
• You can present information, options and recommendations in a clear, concise and logical manner.
• You have interpersonal skills to develop and maintain effective provincial, national and international working relationships and partnerships with clients.

Other important skills:

• You have planning and coordination skills to manage project activities and resource requirements.
• You are proficient with a variety of computer applications (e.g. e-mail, internet, word processing, spreadsheet, statistical analysis, database, social media, etc.).

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, April 10, 2014 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.