Passionate about greenhouse floriculture and innovation?
Join a collaborative team dedicated to helping Ontario growers succeed. Working with researchers, industry organizations, and producers, you'll help advance new technologies and practical solutions that improve competitiveness, efficiency, and sustainability. Help turn research and innovation into practical results for Ontario growers.
In this role, you will:
- lead Ontario's technology transfer activities relating to greenhouse floriculture production through the development, coordination and implementation of strategies, policies, and programs.
- 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 educational materials, training tools and other programs
- prepare educational and awareness-building training and tools to facilitate change.
- review and assess leading-edge research and best management production 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, programs and issues management for the greenhouse floriculture sector
- represent provincial or ministry interests on multidisciplinary working groups to develop provincial, national or international initiatives related to the sector
- The position requires the successful candidate to have a valid class G driver's licence or equivalent as recognized by the Province of Ontario. The offer of employment is conditional upon the successful candidate providing proof that they have a valid driver's licence upon being hired.
You have:
- Knowledge of scientific theories, principles and practices of production, economics, business management and marketing related to the greenhouse floriculture production sector.
- Knowledge of the greenhouse floriculture industry, and the roles and mandates of industry organizations to assess the relevance and impact of new policies, program initiatives and practices on the greenhouse floriculture production sector.
- Knowledge of relevant acts and regulations that impact on greenhouse floriculture production sector organizations, producers, and agri-businesses.
- Knowledge of current economic development issues, research accomplishments, environmental impacts and issues, production practices, marketing trends and theories as well as programs and services provided provincially, nationally and internationally by governments, universities and private institutions in greenhouse floriculture production.
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, new trends and developments related to production, management and marketing in the greenhouse floriculture production sector, community economic development and environmental sustainability.
You can:
- Communicate effectively in writing through the compilation and preparation of technical reports, briefing notes, articles, and electronic media.
- Establish and enhance partnerships, coalitions and networks to facilitate program delivery, sharing of information, education and training.
- Develop and maintain effective provincial, national and international working relationships, and partnerships with clients.
- Present information, outline options/recommendations on how technologies, policies and programs can be applied, facilitate understanding and promote acceptance.
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.
You can:
- Manage concurrent projects and activities.
- Plan and coordinate activities in consultation with clients and stakeholders.
- Identify time and resource requirements in order to address agriculture and rural issues.
- You have proficiency with computer applications including statistical analysis, data-base management and electronic communications as well as use of the Internet and social media.
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 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
- a comprehensive compensation and benefits package
- base salary that aligns to market trends with performance-based pay and scheduled salary progression
- tailored work arrangements, including opportunities like flex hours, self-funded leave and more
- a modern, friendly and accessible physical work environment
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 ministry also helps enable rural Ontario to build strong, vital communities with diversified economies and healthy social and environmental climates.
The Division
The Economic Development Division is responsible for programs and services to support information technology transfer. Staff work with farmers, agribusinesses, 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 relating to agricultural production (crops and livestock). The branch promotes high-quality agricultural production through the application of best management practices and plant and animal health strategies to ensure a competitive and environmentally responsible agri-food sector.
