ABOUT US
BC Dairy is a leader in the dairy industry, undertaking activities in marketing, nutrition, education, and policy advocacy. We are committed to excellence, sustainability, and fostering a thriving dairy industry within Canada's supply-managed system.
THE ROLE
We are seeking an individual to join our team on a temporary basis to cover parental leave. This is an 18-month contract, with the start date dependent on availability. Ideally, we are looking for someone who can begin as soon as possible to ensure a thorough training period.
The BC proAction Coordinator plays a critical role in advancing BC Dairy’s Vision of being “Better together for Canadian Dairy” by supporting the successful implementation of Dairy Farmers of Canada’s national quality assurance initiative—proAction—across British Columbia. Through fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among dairy producers, the Coordinator ensures the continual enhancement of farm practices, contributing to the long-term sustainability and success of dairy operations across the province.
In alignment with BC Dairy’s Mission of inspiring, innovating, and collaborating to build a healthy Canadian dairy industry, the proAction Coordinator leads efforts to support training, education, and extension initiatives. By assisting producers in adopting proAction standards, the Coordinator promotes a culture of excellence and continuous improvement in dairy farming. Given the complexity and sensitivity of the issues managed, the Coordinator is expected to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, embodying BC Dairy’s Guiding Behaviours: Think Bigger, strive for Win-Win outcomes, make Fact-Based decisions, and act with Care and Accountability.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
proAction Delivery – Producer Contact:
- Serve as the primary contact for producers, providing guidance and support to ensure adoption of proAction standards, fostering Win-Win outcomes for both producers and the Canadian dairy industry.
- Ensure NEP/NEPO’s receive comprehensive training on the proAction program before producers begin production.
- Contribute to the development of seminars, workshops, and meetings that promote full implementation of proAction, while providing ongoing support to participants.
- Support the distribution of communication materials that align with BC Dairy’s mission and support the proAction program’s objectives.
- Support engagement initiatives with service providers to enhance understanding of proAction's value and requirements, promoting collaborative industry relationships.
proAction Administration:
- Facilitate timely communication of updates to leadership, enhancing transparency and ensuring strategic alignment across proAction initiatives.
- Ensure the accuracy of CRM systems, maintaining up-to-date records that support fact-based decision-making.
- Collaborate with key industry partners, including BCMMB and Lactanet, to ensure seamless implementation of proAction updates and maintain effective validation services.
- Contribute to reporting and participate in relevant committees, supporting BC Dairy’s strategic goals and mission of inspiring change in the industry.
- Monitor validation services, ensuring timely resolutions and accurate reporting to producers.
- Collaborate with Western partners on proAction harmonization and program delivery to foster consistency, alignment, and continuous improvement across regional dairy initiatives.
Validation:
- Maintain comprehensive knowledge of the proAction program to provide informed support and guidance to producers.
- Ensure timely communication with BC producers regarding their proAction activities and facilitate the registration of new producers.
- Oversee the training and certification process for NEP/NEPOs, ensuring compliance with industry standards before production begins.
- Implement the proAction Compliance Policy as needed, upholding BC Dairy's commitment to accountability and industry care.
Workshops/Meetings/Presentations:
- Support the distribution of proAction communication materials for producer engagement, ensuring alignment with BC Dairy's objectives.
- Participate in national and provincial coordinator meetings to support revisions of proAction pillars and contribute to policy discussions.
- Provide input on industry consultations and discussions, ensuring BC Dairy’s interests and guiding behaviours are represented in broader decision-making processes.
Other Supportive Mechanisms of PCO to Producer Services
- Provide ongoing support to Producer Services, ensuring timely communication of key updates and issues to the Producer Support Manager.
- Contribute to the development and delivery of educational workshops, including in-person participation when needed.
- Offer insights from validation trends to inform and enhance future producer education initiatives.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Diploma in Agriculture (Dairy) required; BSc in Agriculture with a focus on dairy production preferred. Equivalent dairy industry experience may be considered.
Experience
- Minimum of 3 years of experience with a dairy industry organization or service provider.
- Experience in communicating directly and effectively with producers through multiple approaches including writing, one-on-one and group sessions.
- Demonstrated awareness of agriculture and strong knowledge of the dairy industry including best management practices and milk production protocols.
- Practical on-farm dairy experience is an asset.
- Must have a valid driver’s licence.
Required Skills & Competencies
- Strong Interpersonal Skills: Ability to clearly and professionally communicate with producers, service providers, and internal teams. Ensures all messaging aligns with DFC’s proAction mandate. A Fact-Based approach reflects the organization’s mission of Inspiring and collaborating within the dairy industry.
- Collaboration and Partnership Building: Demonstrates a Win-Win mindset by fostering strong relationships with dairy producers, service providers, and stakeholders, ensuring mutual benefits and shared success.
- Organizational Skills: Able to manage multiple tasks and databases efficiently, maintaining a high level of Accountability for timely delivery and accurate record-keeping.
- Proactive Problem-Solving: A Think Bigger approach to anticipating challenges and finding innovative solutions, contributing to the continuous improvement of the proAction program.
- Data Management: Proficient in maintaining and updating multiple databases (NEAS, BCMMB, Holstein Canada, etc.), ensuring Fact-Based accuracy and consistency in reporting.
- Adaptability and Professionalism: Shows Care and professionalism when addressing sensitive producer concerns, ensuring empathy and tact in all interactions.
- Self-Starter: Able to work productively with minimal supervision, taking initiative and displaying a high degree of Accountability while contributing effectively to team environments.
- Technical Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) to support the administrative needs of the proAction program and broader producer services.
- Dairy Industry Knowledge: A strong understanding of dairy industry practices and proAction requirements, ensuring Fact-Based guidance for producers.
- Teamwork: Works effectively with BC Dairy team members, external committees, and validators, showing Care and Accountability in all collaborative efforts.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This position operates under BC Dairy's hybrid work policy, with most tasks performed remotely. However, a minimum of 5 days per month in the BC Dairy office is required, subject to change at the organization's discretion.
Occasional work may be required to be done during the evening and on weekends. Occasional overtime may be required.
Provincial and/or interprovincial travel (by vehicle or air) may also be required from time to time.