The Ministry of Agriculture has an exciting and challenging opportunity for an enthusiastic, innovative, and accomplished individual who is looking to hone their skills and knowledge in value-added agriculture including crop, livestock, and bio-product processing. This is an opportunity to expand your networks within government, the research community, and the agribusiness industry. It is also an opportunity to use your interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills to develop the agriculture value-added processing sector as a component of the Province’s Plan for Growth.

You will have knowledge of/experience in the agriculture value-added industry (food, feed, and bio-products), product commercialization, agri-food policy and programs, and business and marketing strategies. In addition, strong written and verbal communication skills, interpersonal skills, and industry networking experience are essential. Candidates with skills and previous experience in developing and maintaining relationships with agriculture industry groups, economic development, and agri-businesses in the food, beverage and agri-processing sectors are encouraged to apply.

As a Provincial Specialist for Agribusiness, you will have strong leadership and facilitation skills and look for innovative approaches to the work you do. You will be enthusiastic and confident to effectively interact with industry, government colleagues, and scientists; proactive in consistently and effectively anticipating and addressing issues; and collaborative in developing effective relationships both internal and external to the Ministry.

Typically the knowledge and experience required for this position would be in crop, livestock and bio-product research and processing, and in marketing and business development. Such knowledge would typically be attained through a Masters-level degree in disciplines such as Agriculture or Business Administration.

You will have:

• experience and/or knowledge of relevant agriculture value-added industries (food, feed, and bio-products), product commercialization, agri-food policy and programs, and business and marketing strategies;
• experience working with value-added businesses and industry to achieve desired outcomes;
• knowledge of innovative technologies used within the food and value-added processing industry;
• experience and/or knowledge of business principles to support start-up and expanding value-added businesses; and
• knowledge of relevant government strategies, acts, regulations, policies, programs, and procedures.

You will have proven ability to:

• communicate verbally and in writing in a clear, concise, and accurate manner appropriate to the audience;
• paraphrase and ask precise questions to clarify and understand the information being received or the issue at hand;
• listen, identify, and analyze situations and problems, then determine viable options, acceptable explanations, and/or workable solutions to overcoming constraints and realizing opportunities in the agriculture value-added industry;
• provide leadership to individuals and groups to meet the Ministry’s objectives and the clients’ needs;
• develop and maintain a Ministry network of experts in the agriculture value-added industry and research community to learn and exchange information/resources;
• work and interact with a diverse set of clients to develop relationships built on trust and respect, and create the level of influence required to reach mutually acceptable or workable solutions;
• work independently and as a team member with other governments, agencies, industries, and researchers to meet program and client needs;
• prioritize and accurately complete tasks within established timelines; and
• develop and facilitate seminars, workshops, or training events for a variety of clients groups to transfer information and promote a greater understanding of issues or initiatives.

You will be:

• objective, assertive, respectful, innovative, honest, self-motivated, and equitable with a desire to support both internal and external clients in the development of a strong agriculture value-added sector in the province.

The Ministry of Agriculture’s deep-rooted values system of innovation, teamwork, integrity, service excellence, and leadership at all levels serve as the foundation to ensure results are achieved. The successful candidate must be a team player, able to both lead and collaborate, and have a reputation for integrity and a focus on service excellence and innovation in their work.