[Hiring] Part Time Field Representative @Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association

Role Description

The Field Representative supports OSCIA’s program delivery by facilitating educational workshops, promoting cost-share and research initiatives, and providing frontline engagement with Ontario farmers. This role is responsible for executing local outreach, delivering information sharing activities, conducting project inspections, and contributing to program improvement efforts. The Field Representative acts as a regional ambassador for OSCIA and upholds high standards of service, integrity, and agricultural knowledge in support of sustainable farm practices.

Key Responsibilities & Duties

• Program Delivery and Client Engagement:
  • Support delivery of programming across multiple counties/districts, strictly following OSCIA’s standard operating procedures.
  • Conduct virtual and in-person workshops (e.g., Environmental Farm Plan, Biosecurity), including session logistics, delivery, reporting, and administration.
  • Collaborate with Technical Advisors to co-deliver workshops as a team.
  • Promote OSCIA-delivered cost-share opportunities and assist with research initiatives through public engagement at events and approved agricultural meetings.
  • Liaise directly with farmers by phone, email, and in-person to provide information and respond to questions related to cost-share applications and claims.
  • Conduct on-site or virtual inspections of approved cost-share projects.
  • Assist with virtual and in-person information sessions to communicate new funding opportunities and/or program modifications.
  • Provide accurate information to farm producers and sector groups that align with operational procedures and funding guidelines.
  • Contribute to program improvement by identifying efficiencies, sharing field insights, and incorporating client feedback to enhance delivery and outreach.
• Outreach and Promotional Activities:
  • Actively participate in outreach activities including agricultural events, producer meetings, regional conferences, workshops, and networking opportunities to promote OSCIA programs, strengthen community engagement, and build relationships with key stakeholders in the farming sector.
  • Represent OSCIA as a leader in delivering sustainable agriculture programming and knowledge transfer.
  • Establish and maintain relationships with farm organizations, agri-businesses, and partner organizations.
• Operational and Administrative Responsibilities:
  • Maintain confidentiality and data security across electronic and physical filing systems.
  • Participate in internal team meetings, planning sessions, and staff training to align team activities with organizational priorities.
  • Contribute to development of new program messaging and outreach strategies.
  • Track and report client feedback to inform process improvements.
• Travel and Flexibility:
  • Travel within assigned district, with occasional travel outside the region for colleague support, training, or events.
  • Prioritize seasonal workloads in alignment with farmer schedules and program timelines.
  • Reliable transportation is required.
  • Flexible working hours, to accommodate evening and weekend workshop offerings.

Performance Metrics

• Target workshop numbers, high-quality facilitation, and positive participant feedback for workshops and sessions delivered.
• Success rate of project support and client satisfaction with outreach efforts.
• Accuracy and timeliness of inspection reports, communications, and documentation.
• Quality and depth of relationships built with local partners and farmers.
• Contributions to improving messaging, outreach tools, and delivery procedures.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in agriculture, environmental sciences, or a related discipline. Equivalent work experience considered.
• Strong understanding of Ontario agriculture, including environmental and economic farm sustainability, biosecurity, soil health, water quality, and best management practices.
• Demonstrated experience facilitating adult education sessions or agricultural workshops.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, particularly when working with farming audiences.
• Customer service experience supporting producers or agricultural clients.
• Ability to engage farm businesses and encourage active participation and commitment to programs.
• Strong administrative, coordination, and organizational skills.
• Adaptable, with the ability to thrive in changing environments and quickly learn new concepts.
• Skilled in using a wide range of computer applications and technology.
• Valid Ontario Class G driver’s license required.
• French language proficiency considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge:
  • Familiarity with agricultural funding programs and sustainability practices.
  • Knowledge of rural community dynamics and Ontario farm operations.
• Skills:
  • Strong presentation and facilitation skills for adult learning.
  • Effective written and verbal communication tailored to farm audiences.
  • Computer literacy and comfort with virtual platforms and digital tools.
  • Excellent time management and administrative tracking.
• Abilities:
  • Work in both a team and independent environment while managing a flexible schedule.
  • Demonstrates the ability to collaborate effectively with peers in similar roles to strengthen the position, share best practices, and drive improved organizational outcomes.
  • Respond to farmer needs and prioritize seasonal workloads.
  • Represent OSCIA with professionalism and clarity at public events.

Behavioral 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

• Home office settings require a dependable, high-speed internet connection to ensure effective participation in virtual meetings and online collaboration.
• This role requires to work outside of standard business hours (e.g., early mornings, evenings, or weekends) to conduct workshops, attend meetings, events, or respond to organizational needs.
• High degree of scheduling flexibility needed to accommodate farmer availability.
• Requires regular use of a computer; prolonged sitting, typing, and screen time required.
• May involve occasional lifting of items such as files, laptop, and workshop materials – up to 20 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.