Direct Farm Marketing Program Lead (Ontario Public Service)- Career opportunity in Ontario Canada

Job title: Direct Farm Marketing Program Lead
Organization: Ontario Public Service
Location: Guelph and Elora,Ontario Canada
Deadline:November 26, 2013
Marketing commodities and products to consumers is a critical opportunity to add value to a farming operation. Help us create and transform new research and ideas into practical programs, products and services, which will ensure Ontario's agricultural sector remains profitable and competitive.

What can I expect to do in this role?

In this role, you will:
• act as the lead provincial specialist on customer service and direct farm marketing activities for agricultural businesses
• lead Ontario's technology transfer activities through the development, coordination and implementation of strategies, policies and programs
• coordinate projects designed to assess the presence and impact of new and existing approaches and activities
• prepare educational and awareness building tools to facilitate change
• act as a liaison between agricultural stakeholders and industry
• manage contentious and high-priority issues

Locations:
• 1 Stone Road, Guelph, Ontario
• 6484 Wellington Road, Elora, Ontario

Note:
• Location will be determined by the successful candidate.

How do I qualify?
Mandatory Requirement:
• you must hold a valid Ontario driver's licence in order to conduct site visits at rural and remote locations

Technical Knowledge:
• you have expert knowledge of direct farm marketing theories, principles and practices (e.g. on/off farm sales, farmers markets, value-added, local food and agri-tourism, etc.)
• you have strong knowledge of customer service principles, practices and strategies for agricultural businesses
• you have strong knowledge of the Ontario agricultural industry (production systems, economics, agri-businesses)
• you have an understanding of related disciplines in the agricultural industry enabling you to review new and existing methods, techniques, programs and policies in order to investigate and identify their suitability for Ontario conditions

Communication and Interpersonal Skills:
• you can develop professional documents, reports and educational materials using clear, concise language
• you can present information, options and recommendations in a clear, concise and logical manner
• you have interpersonal skills to develop and maintain effective provincial, national and international working relationships and partnerships with clients
• you can deliver information using a variety of methods (e.g. workshops, speaking engagements, media releases, Internet, etc.)

Consultation and Facilitation Skills:
• you can conduct needs assessments and set priorities in the development of training and educational materials
• you have an understanding of adult education principles and techniques to deliver training materials
• you have an understanding of program evaluation methods
• you can encourage and motivate producers, agri-businesses and agricultural organizations to develop and support policies and programs that encourage the adoption and maintenance of sustainable agriculture and environmental practices

Research, Analysis, Evaluation and Problem-Solving Skills:
• you have knowledge of research methods and practices to investigate the viability and applicability of new methods and technologies
• you are able to analyze research findings and make recommendations
• you can develop innovative strategies and solutions in response to client requirements
• you can investigate relevant issues, trends and developments

Other Important Skills:
• you have planning and coordination skills to manage project activities and resource requirements
• you are proficient with a variety of computer applications (e.g. e-mail, Internet, word processing, spreadsheet, statistical analysis, database, etc.)

Salary range: $1,356.49 – $1,731.39 per week

Please apply online, by November 26, 2013, by visiting www.ontario.ca/careers and entering Job ID 58286 in the Job ID search field.
Please follow the instructions to submit your application online. Faxes are not being accepted at this time. If you need employment accommodation, please contact us at www.gojobs.gov.on.ca/ContactUs.aspx to provide your contact information. Recruitment Services staff will contact you within 48 hours. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

The Ontario Public Service is an equal opportunity employer. Accommodation will be provided in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code.

www.ontario.ca/careers

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