Farmer Engagement and Research Liaison (Fixed Term)

Farmer Engagement and Research Liaison (Fixed Term – up to March 31, 2028)

Job Summary / Purpose

The Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) is a unique not-for-profit farm organization whose diverse membership has a significant presence in all agricultural areas of the province and across all major sectors. The mission of OSCIA is to facilitate responsible economic management of soil, water, air and crops through development and communication of innovative farming practices. The Department of Research and Knowledge Transfer supports this mission by administering applied research initiatives and sharing the results of those projects with the membership and the industry.

The Farmer Engagement and Research Liaison is situated in the Department of Research and Knowledge Transfer and works primarily on the Living Lab – Ontario program, delivered by OSCIA. This is a full-time position at 36.25 hours per week, and is a hybrid role requiring a minimum of two days per week based out of OSCIA’s Guelph office. This position may require occasional work outside of normal working hours and frequent travel to support events or sampling activities and to occasionally connect with farmer cooperators in the evening based on their scheduling needs.

Key Responsibilities & Duties

Research Program Delivery & Support

Support OSCIA’s research programs by serving as the primary point of contact between the Organization, its farmer cooperators and its researcher partners, with a primary focus on the Living Lab Ontario project, and for other projects as may be required.

Coordinate with service providers for agronomic monitoring, drone seeding, satellite and NDVI imaging, soil sampling, profit mapping, and other potential research trial needs.

Collect data and samples on-farm and manage the quality control of farm operation data and soil health data from farmer cooperators, project service providers, and publicly available sources.

Contribute to the setup of farm-specific models for carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation in HOLOS, Agrisuite, and commercial software for cooperator sites.

Administration & Reporting

Support data management, tracking, and reporting performance measures and program deliverables for applied research programs.

Support the knowledge translation and transfer of research outcomes to project stakeholders, farmer cooperators, and Ontario farmers.

Assist farmers and collaborators with the invoice submission process.

Attend program meetings and capture discussions and action items through compilation of notes.

Maintain accurate documentation and records to support internal reporting and compliance requirements.

Stakeholder Engagement & Knowledge Transfer

Collaborate with Research and Knowledge Transfer staff, other OSCIA departments, government staff and researchers (such as AAFC and OMAFA), academic researchers, and other ag-industry partners to support research trial development and ongoing trial implementation.

Support interactions and relationships with stakeholders and project funders.

Promote research results and research programs through speaking and representing the organization at events and meetings, as well as planning of research meetings.

Promote a positive farmer and researcher experience through proactive communication and consistent support.

Other duties as assigned.

Performance Metrics / Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s)

Deliverables Achievement: Achievement of assigned research program deliverables and reporting milestones as outlined in funding agreements.

Timeliness: Timeliness of achieving research project objectives and milestones managed by OSCIA.

Customer Service: Responsiveness to farmer inquiries and stakeholder requests, including professionalism and customer service quality.

Continuous Improvement: Contribution to continuous improvement initiatives, including identification of efficiencies and process enhancements.

Communications Support: Effectiveness in supporting communications and knowledge translation and transfer material development.

Foster Sustainability: Ensuring the work we do improves the viability and sustainability of rural Ontario and Ontario agriculture.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience

Education: Post-secondary degree in an agricultural or environmental-related field (e.g. soil science, animal biology, agronomy, agricultural business). A research-based master’s degree would be considered an asset.

Years of Experience: A strong understanding of agricultural operations, including field crop and livestock, and current agricultural beneficial management practices (BMPs), obtained through 2-5 years of relevant industry experience, preferably based in Ontario.

Specific Experience:

Must have exceptional interpersonal, relationship-building and communication skills, and a passion for engaging directly with stakeholders on a regular basis (both in person and virtual).

Strong understanding of agriculture, environmental and economic farm sustainability, biosecurity, soil health and water quality, and best management practices in Ontario.

Practical farm experience is an asset.

Excellent communication skills, including ability to communicate directly with producers via phone and email, social media, and report writing.

Must have experience with field crop research, including sampling protocols, experimental design, data collection and analysis.

Expertise in any of the following areas is an asset: arable soil health, agricultural economics, fertilizer practices, livestock management and diets, water quality, biodiversity and conservation, and/or climate science.

Demonstrated attention to detail, effective time management, and strong organizational skills that include setting priorities, and meeting deadlines.

Proficiency in computer programs including all Microsoft applications, data visualization software, and digital survey-management programs.

Ability to perform data conversions and calculations, e.g. converting an application rate of a fertilizer product to actual lbs applied.

Understanding of data sharing and security principles, and experience navigating sensitive data.

Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team, providing innovative and creative contributions and seeking opportunities for improvement.

Demonstrated ability to deal with periods of high demand and ability to remain positive and flexible to changing demands. French language skills are an asset.

Certified Crop Advisor designation would be an asset.

Valid Driver’s License. Frequent travel is required and while mileage will be compensated, access to a personal vehicle is essential.

Behavioural Competencies

Adaptability: Demonstrate a willingness to be flexible, versatile, and dynamic in a changing work environment while maintaining effectiveness and efficiency.

Ethical behaviour: Ensure personal behaviours align with the Association's core values and code of conduct.

Relationship development: Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others, internally and externally.

Effective communication: Speak, listen, and write in a precise, clear, and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools.

Client focus: Anticipate clients' needs and respond in an appropriate and timely manner, seeking to provide the highest quality service.

Teamwork development: Work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve challenges, and make decisions that enhance cross-functional cooperation.

Initiative: Ability to assess and initiate tasks independently.

Decision-making: Assess role-based situations to determine the importance, risks, and make clear decisions in a timely manner.

Time management and organization: Set priorities, develop a task schedule, monitor progress towards deadlines.

Problem-solving: View problems as learning opportunities, focus on improving future results.

Cultural Competence: Value diversity and inclusivity, demonstrating an ability to work effectively with trust across various departments.

Foster Sustainability: Ensuring the work we do improves the viability and sustainability of rural Ontario and Ontario agriculture.

Continuous Learning: Participates in an environment of professional development and personal growth.

Working Conditions / Physical Demands:

Hybrid work model combining remote and in-office work, with the position based in Guelph, ON. Weekly presence with a minimum of two (2) days per week in the Guelph office is mandatory.

Home office settings require a dependable, high-speed internet connection to ensure effective participation in virtual meetings and online collaboration.

May require occasional work outside of standard business hours (e.g., early mornings, evenings, or weekends) to attend meetings, events, or respond to organizational needs.

Requires regular use of a computer; prolonged sitting, typing, and screen time required.

May involve occasional lifting of materials (e.g., files, laptop, samples – up to 25 lbs).

Must be adaptable to a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities and time-sensitive deadlines.

Must hold and maintain a valid driver’s licence and have access to reliable transportation for occasional travel to meetings, stakeholder events, and organizational sites.

Must maintain a high level of professionalism and confidentiality when handling sensitive or organizational information.

We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those candidates under consideration will be contacted.

Thank you for your interest in this position!

ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT (AODA IN ONTARIO)

OSCIA is committed to providing a barrier-free work environment in concert with the provincial guidelines for accessibility (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code, Ontario Only). As such, OSCIA will make accommodations available to applicants with disabilities upon request during the recruitment process.

HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENT

OSCIA strives to ensure that its employment practices are free from direct and indirect discrimination and is committed to upholding the human rights of those participating in the hiring process. In pursuit of this commitment, OSCIA will not condone or tolerate any acts of discrimination or harassment under any of the grounds protected under human rights legislation. This commitment extends to the hiring process and throughout the course of employment.