Agrologist 1(A)-(B)-2(A)-(B) (Agriculture Representative)

About Us

At the Department of Agriculture, our vision is to create a Nova Scotia agriculture and agri-food industry that is diversified, market-focused and profitable. We work to support the development of competitive, sustainable and profitable agriculture and agri-business industries that contribute to the economic, environmental and social prosperity of Nova Scotia.

Regional Services is a division within the Industry Development Branch of the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture, with offices located across the province. The division provides services and support to farmers, agribusinesses, industry stakeholders, and educational institutions, and collaborates with government partners and external organizations to strengthen initiatives and drive growth.

About Our Opportunity

The Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture is looking for a highly motivated and dynamic person to add to its extension team. As an Agriculture Representative you will work as part of a larger regional team led by a Senior Agriculture Representative, to provide front-line agriculture extension to all clients served by the regional office and across the province. Your work will directly contribute to the growth and sustainability of Nova Scotia's agricultural sector, making a tangible difference in the lives of farmers and rural communities.

Primary Accountabilities

As the successful candidate, your primary accountabilities will be:

• Providing agrology and farm management advice, building partnerships, and facilitating knowledge and technology transfer to clients.
• Supporting new entrants with constructive advice and assisting them by making appropriate referrals to specialists within government and private industry.
• Assisting clients in understanding the funding programs administered by the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture.
• Developing resources and delivery of agricultural workshops and information sessions in consultation with industry
• Facilitating and/or initiating multi-stakeholder projects and initiatives with clients focused on growing the Nova Scotia economy, strengthening the agricultural industry, and sustaining communities
• Building leadership capacity and coordinating program support and resource development for rural organizations in the province, including, but not limited to, County Federations, Community Pastures, Commodity Associations, Exhibitions and Fairs, and Public Trust initiatives
• Playing a key role in enlisting industry participation and support for new initiatives, strategies, programs and services.
• Playing a key role in supporting and/or delivering government or industry led initiatives, strategies, programs and services.
• Preparing briefing materials and other communications

Qualifications and Experience

To be successful in this role, you must have a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture and either be a member of the Nova Scotia Institute of Agrologists or be eligible for membership. You are an innovative thinker who excels both independently and in a team environment. You are an excellent communicator, skilled in public speaking, and adept at building strong relationships with stakeholders. You have experience working with highly confidential and sensitive business information and maintain an in-depth knowledge of tools, resources, and services available to clients. You have knowledge and experience with extension work. Additionally, you have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to set objectives and meet deadlines without direct day-to-day supervision.

You also possess the following:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to break complex information down into understandable messages
• An understanding of issues within the Agricultural sector
• An understanding of extension activities
• Sound knowledge of generally accepted production practices

Equivalency

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Benefits

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs.  For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: Benefits for government employees.

Working Conditions

• For this position, you must have a valid driver's license
• This position will require some travel within the Western Region (West Hants, Kings, Lunenburg, Queens, Shelburne, Yarmouth, Digby and Annapolis Counties) Travel to Truro or other areas may also be required.
• At times, you may be required to work outside the normal hours of operation.

Additional Information

This is a Term employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of December 31, 2025. The appointment status (‘term’, ‘temporary’ or ‘casual’) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.

The successful incumbent will have access to a government vehicle for the purpose of work-related duties.

The work location will be in the Western Region, with the potential to be located in the following offices: Windsor, Lunenburg, Kentville (subject to operational considerations) and will be determined with the successful candidate.

What We Offer

• Career development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career
• Engaging workplace: our employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in, we have forward-thinking policies and strategies
• Countless career paths
• Department specific flexible working schedules