Greenhouse Floriculture Specialist

at  Ministry of Agriculture Food and Agribusiness

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.

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.

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