168740 - Director, Animal and Plant Health - Department of Agriculture - Permanent

The Department of Agriculture is committed to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility. Our goal is to build a public sector workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve and to promote welcoming, diverse, inclusive, respectful workplaces that are accessible to all. We welcome all interested individuals including Indigenous People, persons with disabilities, Black, racialized, ethnic and culturally diverse groups, as well as people regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identities, and gender expressions. Those looking for more information are invited to visit our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy.

**Duties will include but are not limited to**:

- Providing strategic leadership and quality advice on complex policy, program, legislative and research issues related to animal health and welfare, plant health, regulatory services, laboratory services and research;
- Providing advice and assistance to the Deputy Minister and to provide leadership direction and support to Senior Management and staff in developing and implementing strategies to foster innovation and growth in the agriculture and agri-food industry and to ensure we are aligned with our federal and provincial/territorial counterparts;
- Developing high level proposals for review by Minister, Deputy Minister, Treasury Board and Executive Council on special agriculture initiatives;
- Providing leadership and guidance on briefing notes, Treasury Board submissions and Executive Council documents;
- Considering F/P/T agricultural priorities and ensure they align strategically with provincial direction;
- Providing a leadership role in the development of the Department’s strategic plan and ensure that mandate letters and provincial priorities are incorporated;
- Consulting with industry on issues relating to the development of the sector;
- Evaluating new opportunities in order to provide advice to the Deputy Minister on ways to grow and protect the sector;
- Participating in Departmental committees and interdepartmental committees;
- Providing strategic direction and overall operational guidance of the Dairy, Feed, Soil and Plant Health Laboratory Sections;
- Ensuring that the Laboratory staff implement and maintain the accreditation program to meet the criteria set out by the Standards Council of Canada;
- Developing business strategies and analysis to ensure increasing revenue from agriculture clients, and that laboratory services offered meet the changing needs of the farming sectors and clients;
- Ensuring the laboratory managers and staff have the tools and resources required to meet client needs, and that the laboratory services remain current and relevant;
- Providing advice and assistance to the Deputy Minister and provide leadership, direction and support to Division staff in the development of and implementation of legislation, policies and programs concerning animal and plant health (i.e., disease and pest surveillance, assurance, biosecurity, food safety, traceability and emergency planning) and research;
- Providing advice and assistance to the Deputy Minister and leadership to Division staff in the development and implementation of strategies, and policies which support and guide the Regulatory Services to enhance knowledge and skills for the purpose of ensuring regulatory compliance;
- Providing leadership in developing and maintaining strategic relationships with provincial/territorial and federal agencies providing services in the areas of animal health and welfare, regulatory services, food safety and research;
- Developing and implement the Division's annual operating budget, monitor all expenditures and develop and implement human resource initiatives such as performance appraisal, training plans and staff morale activities.
- Other assigned duties as required.

**Minimum Qualifications**:

- Master’s Degree in a related field (i.e., Science, Animal Health, Business Administration) with extensive related experience (i.e., animal health, plant health, research, food safety)
- Demonstrated equivalencies will be considered.
- Considerable supervisory experience.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Excellent communication (verbal and written), interpersonal, organizational and decision-making skills.
- Excellent leadership qualities, organizational management and team building skills.
- Experience managing financial resources.
- Excellent facilitation, negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
- A proven ability to develop good working relations with external organizations and agencies, both NGO and governmental.

**Other qualifications**:

- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine would be an asset
- French proficiency would be an asset

**IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE APPLICANT TO CONFIRM RECEIPT OF THE APPLICATION, BY TELEPHONE OR IN PERSON PRIOR TO THE CLOSING DATE.**

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