Soil Management Specialist (Horticulture) / Spécialiste de la gestion des sols, horticultureDo you have knowledge and understanding of and experience with new, emerging or existing practices, products, technology, and research and innovation related to soil management with a focus on the horticulture sector? Do you want to play a key role in supporting the competitiveness of Ontario's agri-food sector? If so, consider this opportunity to join a dynamic highly qualified team of specialists providing knowledge translation and transfer, assessing and applying new research and technologies, and encouraging adoption of best practices with the aim of helping Ontario's horticulture sector, remain competitive and sustainable.Soil management is a critical component of agricultural production, nutrient management and resiliency to climate change. 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. About the jobAs a Provincial Specialist for soil management in the horticulture sector, you will:• Lead Ontario's technology transfer activities through the development, coordination and implementation of strategies, policies and programs.• act as a link between researchers and industry to assess new technologies and provide expert advice on the applicability of new, emerging and innovative technologies.• 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 and disciplines 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 soil management for the Ontario horticulture sector.• Build and maintain strong networks with clients, partners, and industry groups• Review and assess leading-edge agricultural research and practices from around the world and adapt the findings to Ontario industry needs. What you bring to the teamMandatory requirements:• In order to conduct site visits at rural and remote locations, you must hold a valid class 'G' driver's license or equivalent as recognized by the Province of Ontario. Technical knowledge:You have:• Expert knowledge of scientific theories, principles and practices related to horticulture soil management.• Expert knowledge of production practices and economics within horticultural soil management 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 horticulture soil management. 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 delivery, sharing of information, education and training•Develop and maintain effective provincial, national and international working relationships, and demonstrated ability to develop 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 skills: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 issues. Don't meet every qualification?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! How we support diversity, inclusion and accessibilityWe 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 initiativesaccessibilityAnti-Racism Policy What we offerThe 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 environmentThe 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 Branch:The Agriculture Development Branch is responsible for dealing with issues and challenges 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. Additional informationAddress:1 English Temporary, duration up to 12 months, 1 Stone Rd W, Guelph, West Region or 4890 Victoria Ave N, Vineland, West RegionCompensation Group:Ontario Public Service Employees UnionUnderstanding the job ad - definitionsSchedule:6Category:AgriculturePosted on:Thursday, July 30, 2026Note:Less qualified applicants may be considered on an underfill basis.T-AF-246843/26 How to apply:You must apply online by clicking on APPLY TO THIS POSITION. You must enter the job id number in the Job ID search field to locate the job ad.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.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.Read the job description to make sure you understand this job.OPS employees are required to quote their WIN EMPLOYEE ID number when applying.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 Friday, August 14, 2026 11:59 pm EDT. Late applications will not be accepted.We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for further screening or an interview will be contacted. The Ontario Public Service is an inclusive employer.Accommodation is available under the Ontario's Human Rights Code . Vous avez des connaissances, une compréhension et une expérience relatives aux pratiques, aux produits aux technologies et aux recherches, qu'ils soient nouveaux, émergents ou existants et liés la gestion des sols, en particulier dans le secteur horticole? Souhaitez-vous jouer un rôle clé dans le soutien de la compétitivité du secteur agroalimentaire de l'Ontario? Si c'est le cas, envisagez de vous joindre à une équipe dynamique et hautement qualifiée de spécialistes qui assurent l'application et le transfert des connaissances, évaluent et appliquent les nouvelles recherches et technologies, et encouragent l'adoption des pratiques exemplaires dans le but d'aider le secteur horticole de l'Ontario à rester compétitif et durable.La gestion des sols est une composante essentielle de la production agricole, de la gestion des éléments nutritifs et de la résilience aux changements climatiques. Aidez-nous à transformer les nouvelles recherches et idées en programmes, produits et services pratiques qui permettront au secteur agricole de l'Ontario de rester compétitif et respectueux de l'environnement, tant aujourd'hui qu'à l'avenir. Au sujet de l'emploiEn tant que spécialiste provincial de la gestion des sols dans le secteur horticole, vous devrez :• mener les activités de transfert de technologie de l'Ontario par l'élaboration, la coordination et la mise en œuvre de stratégies, de politiques et de programmes;• agir en tant qu'intermédiaire entre les chercheurs et l'industrie pour évaluer les nouvelles technologies et prodiguer des conseils d'expert sur l'applicabilité des technologies nouvelles, émergentes et innovantes;• assurer une liaison efficace entre le milieu de la recherche et l'industrie afin de déterminer l'applicabilité des technologies nouvelles, émergentes et novatrices;• organiser des séminaires et des cours, des trousses d'information électroniques et imprimées ainsi que des démonstrations de conception de techniques et de produits nouveaux, émergents et novateurs;• simplifier la prestation de services d'information, d'éducation et de formation sur les programmes pour l'ensemble des produits de base afin de faciliter le changement;• établir et maintenir des réseaux solides avec les clients, les partenaires et les groupes de l'industrie;• représenter les intérêts de la province ou du Ministère au sein de groupes de travail multidisciplinaires;• fournir une expertise à la haute direction en ce qui concerne l'élaboration, la coordination et la mise en œuvre de stratégies, de politiques et de programmes liés à la gestion des sols pour le secteur horticole de l'Ontario;• communiquer régulièrement avec les c
