Greenhouse Floriculture Specialist

Do you want to play a key role in supporting the competitiveness of Ontario’s greenhouse floriculture sector?

If so, this is your opportunity to join a dynamic, highly qualified team of specialists providing knowledge translation, assessing and applying new research and technologies, and encouraging adoption of best practices with the aim of helping Ontario’s greenhouse floriculture sector, remain competitive and sustainable.

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, 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 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.

Why work for the Ontario Public Service?

The Ontario Public Service (OPS) is committed to being an employer of first choice, creating a positive and inclusive work environment.

We offer:

• A defined benefit pension plan
• Maternity and parental leave top-up benefits, which include adoptive parents
• Comprehensive Health Plan
• Life and Disability insurance
• Flexible work arrangements
• Collegial and professional work culture
• Career growth and development opportunities across multiple business areas
• On-the-job training to support your success in the role

OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism:

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 the OPS 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 “How to apply” section if you require a disability-related accommodation.

What can I expect to do in this role?

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

How do I qualify?

Mandatory

• 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.

Technical Knowledge

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.

Research, Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills

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.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

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.

Training and Facilitation Knowledge

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.

Project Management and Organizational Skills

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.

Computer Skills

• 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.

Additional Information:

Address:

• 1 English Permanent – Full Time, 4890 Victoria Ave N, Vineland, West Region

Compensation Group:

Ontario Public Service Employees Union

Understanding the job ad – definitions

Schedule:

6

Category:

Agriculture

Posted on:

Wednesday, November 6, 2024

Note:

• T-AF-221100/24

How to apply:

1. You must apply online.
2. Your cover letter and resume combined should not exceed five (5) pages. For tips and tools on how to write a concise cover letter and resume, review the Writing a Cover Letter and Resume: Tips, Tools and Resources.
3. Customize your cover letter and resume to the qualifications listed on the job ad. Using concrete examples, you must show how you demonstrated the requirements for this job. We rely on the information you provide to us.
4. Read the job description to make sure you understand this job.
5. OPS employees are required to quote their WIN EMPLOYEE ID number when applying.
6. If you require a disability related accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please Contact Us to provide your contact information. Recruitment services team will contact you within 48 hours.

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, November 28, 2024 11:59 pm EST. Late applications will not be accepted.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for further screening or an interview will be contacted.

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