Agricultural extension, Farmland management and restoration

Agricultural extension, Farmland management and restoration

• Salary Range: $67,825.00 To $79,346.00 Annually
• Posting Closing Date: May 2, 2025
• Anticipated Start and End Dates: June 16, 2025 To June 12, 2026
• Hiring for: 1 Full Time Contract Position (35 hours/week)

Who are we?

Credit Valley Conservation is one of Ontario’s 36 conservation authorities dedicated to protecting, restoring and enhancing our local natural environment. We care for the Credit River, its streams and tributaries from the headwaters in Orangeville to the shores of Lake Ontario in Mississauga. We are scientists, engineers, researchers, educators, environmentalists, stewards, planners, foresters, recreation experts and much more. We create connections between people and nature, knowledge and action. We inspire appreciation for the role of nature in keeping people connected, healthy and happy. We’re leaders and explorers. We are professional and we’re inspired. We know our stuff, and we work every day to make a difference.

Who are you?

You want to be part of an organization with an environmental goal. You get up every day and go to work with purpose. You accept that you may not change the world, but you’ll try to make an impact in your corner. You like to partner with skilled people across many professions. It’s as natural for you think about the outdoors as it is to think out of the box. You’re passionate, responsible and approachable. You do what’s right, not just what’s easy. You care, and it shows.

Why work for us?

We offer competitive public sector pay. We have a good employee benefits program. We’re members of the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS) pension fund. We have flexible work hours for many positions. We find time to have fun and celebrate successes. You’ll have free access to our parks and discounts on recreational equipment rentals. You’ll know your co-workers by name and will make fast friends. You’ll like being at work.

SUMMARY OF FUNCTIONS

This position provides support to Credit Valley Conservation’s (CVC) Agricultural Extension Program. This includes the development and delivery of workshops for farmers; assisting farmers with their environmental inquiries; conducting site visits with farmers; liaising with CVC staff and outside contractors to plan and implement private land restoration projects; and supporting the administration of CVC incentive programs. These job tasks are designed to educate, inspire and motivate farmers to change their behaviours and implement farmland management practices and restoration projects.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, environmental sciences/studies, ecology, geography, natural resource management, landscape architecture, planning or related discipline

Experience

• Minimum three years’ experience related to major tasks
• Experience in project planning, project delivery and documentation
• Experience delivering outreach and promotional campaigns, tools and projects
• Experience developing and delivering adult environmental education programs and materials
• Experience performing research, data collection, analysis, and report preparation
• Experience in event planning and coordination
• Experience engaging with farmers and farm groups

Knowledge, Skills and Ability

• Knowledge of agricultural farming systems and the environmental impacts they can have on natural systems
• Working knowledge and understanding of environmental sustainability concepts and best management practices within or with reference to the agricultural landscape
• Familiarity with community-based social marketing
• Advanced communication (verbal, presentations/visual and written) and customer service skills
• Demonstrated organizational, administrative and research skills
• Ability to think strategically and bring creative solutions to program and promotional development activities
• Experience with MS Office
• Experience with GIS and air photo/map interpretation
• Flora and Fauna Identification
• Comfortable in a farm setting (working around livestock or working in remote areas)
• Able to work some evenings and weekends

SUMMARY OF MAJOR TASKS

Program Development and Support

• Participate in program planning, development and administration
• Track program metrics, enter data, conduct analysis, and prepare summary reports
• Organize and maintain program documents, files, photos, and materials
• Assist with preparation of external funding applications and proposals

Outreach and Education

• Assist with the promotion of incentive programs
• Respond to farmer inquiries, conduct site visits, provide information on watershed matters and advice on stewardship opportunities
• Advance farmland stewardship projects through the preparation of CVC grant applications
• Coordinate with CVC staff and outside contractors to plan and implement stewardship projects
• Conduct research and develop educational materials and tools for farmland best management practices
• Plan, coordinate and deliver educational workshops and events
• Assist with special events such as educational events and home shows

Marketing and Communications

• Prepare copy for communications materials such as newsletters, website and social media
• Communicate with farmers, project partners and other stakeholders, coordinate meetings and site visits, respond to phone and email inquiries and document all communications
• Assist with preparation of correspondence, project reports and briefing notes
• Liaise with internal staff, other agencies, community groups, and members of the public
• Assist with fostering partnership opportunities with local community groups, organizations, agencies and businesses
• Consult with others to ensure that activities are supported by the most current science and technical approaches
• Organize meetings with internal and external contacts, prepare agendas, chair meetings and record meeting minutes

To apply for this opportunity, please submit a resume and cover letter in a Word or PDF file, one document preferred, via the ‘Apply’ button on the job posting or on our jobs page at: https://cvc.ca/jobs/

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We thank all applicants for their interest. However only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please.

CVC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In accordance with AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005), CVC will provide accommodations throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities. If you require disability – related accommodations, please inform the Human Resources (HR) staff. All personal information is collected under the authority of the municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.