Knowledge Translation and Transfer (KTT) Specialist (Term ending March 31, 2028)
The Knowledge Translation and Transfer (KTT) Specialist, Research Programs, is responsible for leading the planning, coordination, development, and delivery of knowledge translation and transfer activities across OSCIA's applied research portfolio, with a primary focus on Living Lab – Ontario and ONFARM.
This role serves as a critical link between researchers, industry partners, commodity organizations, funding agencies, OSCIA staff, and farmers. The incumbent is responsible for translating complex research findings into practical, farmer-focused knowledge products, beneficial management practices (BMPs), and extension activities that support adoption and impact across Ontario agriculture.
The KTT Specialist, Research Programs, oversees the implementation of knowledge transfer commitments outlined within contribution agreements and project work plans, ensuring deliverables are strategically developed, completed on schedule, aligned with stakeholder needs, and compliant with funding requirements. Working closely with OSCIA's Communications team and external partners, the incumbent ensures research outcomes are effectively communicated to support innovation, environmental stewardship, and evidence-based decision-making on Ontario farms.
Key Responsibilities & Duties:
Knowledge Translation and Transfer Leadership
- Lead the development and implementation of KTT strategies for Living Lab – Ontario, ONFARM, and other OSCIA research initiatives.
- Develop annual and multi-year KTT work plans that align with project objectives, stakeholder priorities, and funding requirements.
- Identify opportunities to maximize the reach, impact, and adoption of research findings across Ontario agriculture.
- Ensure knowledge translation activities are integrated into research project planning, delivery, and reporting.
- Provide leadership in the development of best management practice recommendations derived from research outcomes.
Research Interpretation and Content Development
- Work directly with researchers, technical specialists, and project teams to understand and synthesize complex scientific and agronomic information.
- Translate research findings into practical, farmer-focused resources including fact sheets, technical summaries, BMP guides, case studies, presentations, videos, webinars, and digital content.
- Develop clear and consistent messaging that supports farmer understanding and adoption of research outcomes.
- Review technical content to ensure scientific accuracy, relevance, and accessibility for intended audiences.
- Support the development of success stories, impact reports, and program outcome summaries.
Project Management and Deliverable Coordination
- Develop and maintain project management systems for all KTT deliverables associated with research programs and contribution agreements.
- Coordinate the planning, scheduling, implementation, and completion of KTT commitments across multiple projects.
- Monitor project timelines, milestones, budgets, and contractual obligations related to KTT activities.
- Track progress against deliverables and implement corrective actions where required to maintain timelines and compliance.
- Support procurement and management of contractors, consultants, and service providers involved in KTT initiatives.
- Prepare reports and documentation required by funding agencies and project partners.
Stakeholder and Partnership Engagement
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with researchers, producer organizations, commodity groups, industry partners, government agencies, and funding organizations.
- Facilitate collaboration between research teams, funding partners, and end-users to ensure KTT activities address sector priorities and information needs.
- Coordinate and support advisory committees, working groups, and stakeholder meetings related to research and KTT initiatives.
- Engage commodity organizations and industry partners in the planning and delivery of KTT materials, events, and outreach activities.
- Represent OSCIA at conferences, workshops, field events, and industry meetings.
Event Planning and Extension Activities
- Collaborate with OSCIA's Communications team to plan and coordinate field days, demonstration events, workshops, webinars, conferences, and other extension activities.
- Work with project partners and commodity groups to develop event objectives, agendas, educational materials, and evaluation tools.
- Coordinate logistics, speakers, promotional activities, participant engagement, and post-event reporting.
- Ensure events support project objectives and maximize knowledge transfer opportunities for farmers and stakeholders.
Communications and Outreach
- Collaborate with OSCIA's Communications team to develop and distribute KTT products across a variety of communication channels.
- Support the development of communication plans and outreach strategies for research initiatives.
- Ensure consistent branding, messaging, and presentation of research findings across all knowledge products.
- Contribute content for websites, social media, newsletters, videos, reports, and promotional materials.
Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting
- Develop and implement performance measurement frameworks for KTT activities.
- Monitor participation, engagement, knowledge uptake, and adoption outcomes.
- Collect, analyze, and report on KTT metrics required by funding agreements and organizational reporting frameworks.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of KTT products and activities and recommend continuous improvements.
- Support program audits, evaluations, and reporting requirements.
Qualifications & Skills:
Education:
- A post-secondary degree in agriculture, agronomy, environmental science, soil science, agricultural communications, extension education, or a related field is required.
- A graduate degree in a related discipline is considered an asset.
Professional Credentials:
Certified Crop Advisor (CCA), Professional Agrologist (PAg), Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP), Project Management Professional (PMP), or other relevant professional designations are considered assets.
Years of Experience:
Minimum five (5) years of progressive experience in agricultural research, extension, knowledge translation and transfer, program delivery, communications, or a related field.
Specific Experience:
- Demonstrated experience translating technical research findings into practical recommendations and educational resources.
- Experience developing and implementing KTT strategies, communication plans, and outreach initiatives.
- Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously, including timelines, budgets, and deliverables.
- Experience working with researchers, government agencies, industry organizations, and producer groups.
- Experience organizing and delivering field days, workshops, webinars, conferences, and extension events.
- Experience coordinating contractual deliverables and reporting requirements associated with contribution-funded projects.
- Demonstrated ability to facilitate stakeholder engagement and collaborative planning processes.
- Experience evaluating program performance and reporting outcomes to funding agencies and partners.
- Familiarity with Ontario agricultural production systems, environmental stewardship practices, and applied research programs.
- Experience developing communication products using digital and print media platforms.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):
Knowledge:
- Strong understanding of Ontario agriculture, crop production systems, soil health, water quality, and environmental stewardship practices.
- Knowledge of applied agricultural research methodologies and extension principles.
- Understanding of Knowledge Translation and Transfer (KTT) frameworks and adult learning principles.
- Familiarity with contribution agreements, funding frameworks, and reporting requirements.
Skills:
- Technical writing and science communication.
- Project management and deliverable tracking.
- Stakeholder engagement and relationship management.
- Facilitation, presentation, and event coordination.
- Strategic planning and organizational skills.
- Budget monitoring and financial tracking.
- Microsoft Office Suite, project management software, and communications platforms.
Abilities:
- Ability to synthesize complex scientific information into practical and accessible resources.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines across concurrent projects.
- Ability to build productive relationships with diverse stakeholders.
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a team environment.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment and problem-solving skills in a dynamic project environment.
- Ability to maintain professionalism, accuracy, and attention to detail.
Behaviour Competencies:
- Adaptability: Demonstrate a willingness to be flexible, versatile, and dynamic in a changing work environment while maintaining effectiveness and efficiency.
- Ethical Behaviour: Ensure personal behaviours align with the Association's core values and code of conduct.
- Relationship Development: Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others, internally and externally.
- Effective Communication: Speak, listen, and write in a precise, clear, and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools.
- Client Focus: Anticipate clients' needs and respond in an appropriate and timely manner, seeking to provide the highest quality service.
- Teamwork Development: Work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve challenges, and make decisions that enhance cross-functional cooperation.
- Initiative: Ability to assess and initiate tasks independently.
- Decision-Making: Assess role-based situations to determine importance, risks, and make clear decisions in a timely manner.
- Time Management and Organization: Set priorities, develop task schedules, and monitor progress towards deadlines.
- Problem-Solving: View problems as learning opportunities and focus on improving future results.
- Foster Sustainability: Ensure the work we do improves the viability and sustainability of rural Ontario and Ontario agriculture.
- Continuous Learning: Participate in an environment of professional development and personal growth.
Working Conditions / Physical Demands:
- Hybrid work model combining remote and in-office work with a minimum of two (2) days per week in-person, with the position based in Guelph, ON.
- Frequent travel throughout Ontario to attend research sites, stakeholder meetings, field events, workshops, and conferences.
- Home office settings require a dependable, high-speed internet connection to ensure effective participation in virtual meetings and online collaboration.
- May require occasional work outside of standard business hours to support meetings, events, and stakeholder engagement activities.
- Requires regular use of a computer; prolonged sitting, typing, and screen time required.
- Must be adaptable to a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities and time-sensitive deadlines.
- Must hold and maintain a valid driver's licence and have access to reliable transportation.
- Must maintain a high level of professionalism and confidentiality when handling sensitive organizational and project information.
We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those candidates under consideration will be contacted.
Thank you for your interest in this position!
ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT (AODA IN ONTARIO)
OSCIA is committed to providing a barrier-free work environment in concert with the provincial guidelines for accessibility (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code, Ontario Only). As such, OSCIA will make accommodations available to applicants with disabilities upon request during the recruitment process.
HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENT
OSCIA strives to ensure that its employment practices are free from direct and indirect discrimination and is committed to upholding the human rights of those participating in the hiring process. In pursuit of this commitment, OSCIA will not condone or tolerate any acts of discrimination or harassment under any of the grounds protected under human rights legislation. This commitment extends to the hiring process and throughout the course of employment.
