Farmer Engagement and Research Liaison (Fixed Term)

Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association•Guelph, ON

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) is a not-for-profit farm organization focused on facilitating responsible economic management of soil, water, air, and crops through innovative farming practices. The Department of Research and Knowledge Transfer supports this mission by administering applied research initiatives and sharing project results. The Farmer Engagement and Research Liaison, part of this department, will primarily work on the Living Lab – Ontario program. This is a full-time, fixed-term position until March 31, 2028, requiring 36.25 hours per week. It is a hybrid role, necessitating two days per week at OSCIA’s Guelph office. Occasional work outside standard hours may be required for events, sampling, or to accommodate farmer schedules.

Requirements

Post-secondary degree in soil science, agronomy, crop science or a related field.
A strong understanding of field crop agricultural operations, soil and crop science, and current agricultural best management practices (BMPs), obtained through 2-5 years of relevant industry experience, preferably based in Ontario.
A very strong understanding of farm operations and production practices for field crops, along with the ability to calculate fertilizer rates, as well as knowledge of planting dates and crop growth stages for common crops such as corn, soybeans, and wheat, etc.
Significant experience and competency with executing field crop research, including sampling protocols, experimental design, data collection and analysis.
Exceptional interpersonal, relationship-building and communication skills, and a passion for engaging directly with stakeholders on a regular basis (both in person and virtual).
Experience with best management practices in Ontario.
Strong understanding of agriculture, environmental and economic farm sustainability, biosecurity, and soil health and water quality.
Excellent communication skills, including ability to communicate directly with producers via phone and email, social media, and report writing.
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 farm operational data conversions and calculations, including converting an application rate of a fertilizer product to actual lbs applied.
Understanding of data sharing and security principles, and experience navigating sensitive information.
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.
Valid Driver’s License. Frequent travel is required and while mileage will be compensated, access to a personal vehicle is essential.

Nice To Haves

A research-based master’s degree with an on-farm component and a focus on field crops would be considered an asset.
Practical farm experience is a strong asset.
French language skills are an asset.
Certified Crop Advisor designation would be an asset.

Responsibilities

Support OSCIA’s field crop 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 field crop agronomic monitoring, drone seeding, satellite and NDVI imaging, soil sampling, profit mapping, and other potential research trial needs.
Collect field crop 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.
Provide oversight and assistance to farmer cooperators in field crop research trial design, set-up, execution and data collection.
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.
Support data management, tracking, and reporting performance measures and program deliverables for applied research programs in field crops.
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.
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.