Weed Management Specialist

Plant health - preventing, mitigating and managing pests is a critical component of agricultural production. Help us transform new research and ideas into practical programs, products and services which will ensure Ontario's agricultural sector remains competitive and environmentally responsible both now and into the future. **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. - Follow us on Twitter **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**: **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. 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?**: As a Provincial Weed Management Specialist in the horticulture sector, you will: - Lead the development of strategies to prevent and mitigate impacts of weeds on Ontario's agriculture 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 to facilitate change. - 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 plant health for the Ontario horticulture sector. - Maintain regular contact with clients and partners and develop coalitions and networks. - Review and assess leading-edge agricultural research and practices from around the world and adapt the findings to Ontario industry needs. **How do I qualify?**: **Mandatory requirement**: - Must possess a valid Class "G" Driver's License or equivalent as recognized by the Province of Ontario in order to conduct site visits at rural and remote locations, you must have the ability to travel to areas not serviced by public transportation. **Technical knowledge**: You have: - expert knowledge of the scientific theories and principles of weed management in horticulture crops. - expert knowledge of production practices, understand the economics and environmental impacts of weeds on the agricultural industry to develop expert leading-edge information and educational materials that will assist clients with improving their competitive position - 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 horticulture production. **Research and Analytical 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 weed management in horticulture. **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 and networks to facilitate program d