Research and Extension Specialist

**_Research and Extension Specialist - Manitoba Beef Producers _**:

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Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) is the exclusive voice of the beef industry in Manitoba. It represents roughly 6,300 beef producers across the province. Based in Winnipeg, MBP is a non-profit organization with four staff and a producer-elected board that consists of 14 district directors, each representing cattle producers in a specific region of Manitoba.

MBP’s mission is to represent all Manitoba beef producers through communication, advocacy, research, and education—within the industry to governments, consumers and others; to improve prosperity; and to ensure a sustainable future. Funded by producers through the collection of a cattle check-off, MBP is committed to ensuring a sustainable future for the province’s beef industry for the benefit of our beef producer members and all Manitobans.

**THE ROLE**:
This is a technical position which will focus on all areas of beef production, including cattle health and welfare, cattle and beef research, environmental stewardship, and efficient cattle and beef production practices. The Research and Extension Specialist will provide technical support in these areas to MBP’s staff, and directors, as well as to cattle producers and the cattle industry in the province. In addition to liaising with key colleagues at other provincial and national cattle associations (e.g. Beef Cattle Research
Council, Canadian Cattlemen’s Association), the Research and Extension Specialist will be responsible for the planning, implementation, and tracking of specific projects, including their specified deliverables and fulfilling reporting requirements. The Research and Extension Specialist is also responsible for providing leadership to MBP’s extension activities.

**KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACTIVITIES**:
**1. Provide leadership and technical support related to beef production in Manitoba, including the development and implementation of MBP’s research, extension, and technical transfer strategies.**
- Assist with cattle producer education and awareness in areas such as production practices, business risk management programs, animal health, and the effects of government programs and regulations on beef production. This will be achieved through training sessions, presentations at producer meetings and other events, articles in MBP’s newspaper _Cattle Country, _etc.
- Provide recommendations and guidance on beef extension and technical transfer priorities and the selection of opportunities to enhance knowledge and technical transfer in Manitoba.
- Manage the process of seeking project proposals, developing contracts and administering work plans for specific extension activities and projects that will benefit Manitoba’s beef producers.
- Work closely with officials at various government departments such as Manitoba Agriculture and other organizations to plan and provide activities to benefit the sector.
- Work with MBP’s Communications Coordinator to provide effective and timely communication to beef producers on the results of research projects and the benefits of research investments.

**2. Provide leadership and oversight for the planning, implementation, and tracking of MBP project delivery to ensure the provision of benefits to Manitoba’s cattle sector, including managing specified deliverables, and financial and outcome reporting requirements.**
- Assist the General Manager in the drafting of project proposals and associated budgets, organizational structures, communications plans and delivery schedules.
- Establish and maintain relationships with government and non-government funding entities, the research community and other project stakeholders.
- Effectively and accurately communicate relevant project information and results to MBP’s board of directors, staff, beef producers and other stakeholders.
- Evaluate projects regularly to ensure all deliverables are on time, within budget and at the required level of quality.
- Prepare project reports, including outcomes/fulfillment of objectives, and statements of expenditures for MBP and project funders.
- Proactively seek opportunities for future projects and associated funding to further MBP’s mission and vision.

**3. Provide other technical expertise and support as required.**
- Respond to producer questions related to different aspects of beef production.
- Provide technical support and recommendations related to cattle and beef production to MBP’s

General Manager, Policy Analyst and board of directors as required as governments consider new or revised regulations, guidelines or policies.
- As needed, participate in educational opportunities related to beef production which involve students or the general public, e.g. fairs, exhibits, school-focused activities, etc.

**QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POSITION**:

- Postsecondary education in agriculture, preferably animal science, or, a suitable combination of education and experience;
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