Vegetable Crops Specialist

Would you enjoy working outdoors, solving problems and building partnerships with the academic community and agricultural stakeholders?

If so, please consider this opportunity to help us create and transform new research and ideas into practical programs, products and services that will ensure Ontario's vegetable production industry remains competitive and environmentally responsible.

What can I expect to do in this role?

• act as the lead provincial specialist on an assigned portfolio of vegetable crops including cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, kohlrabi, onions, leeks, shallots, scallions, garlic, chives, lettuce, spinach and bok choy
• lead Ontario's technology transfer activities through the development, coordination and implementation of strategies, policies and programs
• coordinate projects designed to assess the presence and impact of new and existing approaches and activities
• prepare educational and awareness building tools to facilitate change
• act as a liaison between agricultural stakeholders and industry
• manage contentious and high priority issues

How do I qualify?

Mandatory requirement:

• In order to conduct site visits at rural and remote locations, you must have the ability to travel to locations not serviced by public transportation.

Technical knowledge:

• You have expert knowledge of vegetable crop production theories, principles and best practices.
• You have strong knowledge of the Ontario agricultural industry (production systems, economics, agri-businesses).
• You have an understanding of related disciplines in the agricultural industry enabling you to review new and existing methods, techniques, programs and policies in order to investigate and identify their suitability for Ontario conditions.

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.
• You can deliver information using a variety of methods (e.g. workshops, speaking engagements, media releases, internet, etc.).

Consultation and facilitation skills:

• You can conduct needs assessments and set priorities 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 producers, agri-businesses and agricultural organizations to develop and support policies and programs that encourage the adoption and maintenance of sustainable agriculture and environmental practices.

Research, analysis, evaluation and problem solving skills:

• You have knowledge of research methods and practices to investigate the viability and applicability of new methods and technologies.
• You are able to analyze research findings and make recommendations.
• You can develop innovative strategies and solutions in response to client requirements.
• You can investigate relevant issues, trends and developments.

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, etc.).

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, October 27, 2016 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.