Do you have experience with sustainable cropping systems, particularly within the horticulture sector? Are you interested in applying your knowledge of emerging and established practices, technologies, and innovations to support Ontario's agri-food sector?
If so, you are encouraged to consider this opportunity to join a collaborative and highly skilled team of specialists. In this role, you will support knowledge translation and transfer activities, assess and apply research and new technologies, and promote the adoption of best management practices. Your contributions will help ensure Ontario's horticulture sector remains competitive, sustainable, and environmentally responsible.
As part of this role, you will work closely with Ministry colleagues and industry stakeholders to analyze horticulture production systems, improve resource-use efficiency, and strengthen overall sector resilience. You will contribute to the development and implementation of best management practices that support the horticulture sector in managing crop inputs, outputs, and by-products while limiting environmental impacts. Projects may include nutrient loss mitigation (phosphorus, nitrogen), sustainable waste management, organic amendments, climate resource efficiency, soil health and sustainable horticulture system management.
This position offers the opportunity to turn research and new ideas into practical programs, tools, and services that benefit Ontario's agri-food sector - helping to ensure it remains competitive, sustainable, environmentally responsible, and well-positioned for the future.
As a Provincial Specialist, you will:
- Lead the development of strategies to address concerns, issues, trends and new and emerging developments related to sustainable cropping systems for the horticulture sector
- Develop seminars and courses, electronic and print information packages as well as design demonstrations of new, emerging and innovative techniques and products
- Facilitate delivery of program information services, education and training across commodities
- Represent Provincial or Ministry interests on multidisciplinary working groups
- Provide expertise to senior management regarding the development, coordination, and implementation of strategies, policies, and programs related to cropping systems and agriculture sustainability (environmental, social and
economic) in the Ontario horticulture sector
- Build and maintain strong networks with clients, partners, and industry groups
- Review and assess leading-edge sustainable agricultural research and practices from around the world and adapt the findings to Ontario industry needs.
- You have a valid class G Driver's License to travel in rural areas not serviced by public transportation.
You have:
- expert knowledge of scientific theories, principles and practices of production, economics, business management and marketing as it relates to sustainable cropping systems in the horticulture sector and agricultural industry.
- expert knowledge of production practices and economics within the horticulture sector.
- knowledge of agricultural industry, its economic significance, social importance and the roles and mandates of farm and commodity organizations in the rural community.
- knowledge related to the horticulture sector, new and emerging technologies, current economic development issues, research and innovation accomplishments, environmental impacts and issues, production practices and theories.
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, production trends and developments, and impacts on environmental sustainability related to horticulture cropping systems.
You can:
- communicate effectively in writing through the compilation and preparation of technical reports, briefing notes, articles, and electronic media
- establish and enhance partnerships 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.
You have:
- the ability to develop and support policies and programs that promote sustainable practices in agricultural and rural communities
- organizational skills to manage concurrent projects and activities and ensure the efficient use of resources
- demonstrated project management skills to coordinate activities, identify time and resource requirements, and develop policy and program options
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.
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 theOPS 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 application instructions below if you require a disability-related accommodation.
If you are excited about this position and meet most, but not all, of the listed qualifications, please still consider applying. We recognize that no one person might have every qualification in this job ad, and you just might be the right candidate!
We are building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage everyone interested in working with us to apply, including people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black and racialized individuals, as well as people from all ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.
Our hiring process is accessible, consistent with Ontario's
Human Rights Code and the
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. We are working to prevent and remove barriers in our hiring processes and can offer accommodation to address specific needs related to Code-protected grounds such as disability, family status and religion. For more information about accommodation during the hiring process please contact us.
Learn more about the work the OPS is doing to create an inclusive, anti-racist, accessible and diverse workplace:
- diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives
- accessibility
- Anti-Racism Policy
The Ministry:
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness 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 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 sector 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:
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.
The Ontario Public Service is one of Ontario's largest employers. Employees work for a wide range of ministries, with offices in more than 70 cities across the province. We offer:
- a career that can grow across ministries and job functions
- flexible learning and developmental opportunities, including education and mentorship programs
- many employee networks offering support for and education about underrepresented groups
This role comes with a comprehensive compensation and benefits package that includes:
- a defined-benefit lifetime pension plan (guaranteed, ongoing inflation-protected income after retirement)
- group health, dental, life and disability benefits
- a range of vacation and leave options
- an Employee and Family Assistance Program, which provides confidential counseling services
