Food Policy and Food Safety Analyst

The Livestock Branch of the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture is seeking an experienced, motivated and innovative individual to perform policy analysis on competitive, regulatory and safety issues affecting food consumption and processing which may impact the Saskatchewan food industry’s economic viability and development.

As the Food Policy and Food Safety Analyst in the Livestock Branch, you will anticipate, identify and monitor existing and emerging food policy issues. Utilizing your scientific and economic training and knowledge you will evaluate those issues that have impact for Saskatchewan’s food industry and identify appropriate policies, policy modifications and programming that may be pursued by the ministry at both provincial and federal levels of authority. In support of this activity, you will provide advice and information to other branches within the Ministry and other provincial Ministries and agencies. You will represent the Ministry on federal-provincial-territorial committees examining food safety and food policy issues. You will act also as the Ministry point of contact on food policy concerns for the food industry, federal regulatory agencies and relevant provincial Ministries.

The individual selected for the position must have a strong educational foundation in food science including knowledge of the Canadian and Saskatchewan food processing industry and its operational functions and activities in respect to production, marketing, market and product development, transportation, and storage. They will have the ability to express scientific and industry knowledge in general terminology, summarize and explain issues and related analysis both verbally and in writing to a variety of audiences; to draw conclusions, identify options, solutions and implications; and to make recommendations. In addition, the incumbent will have a strong understanding of economics/business administration, and be familiar with current food industry trends and issues in related sectors at the provincial, national and international level.

Typically, the knowledge and abilities required for this position would be acquired through completion of a M.Sc. degree in Food Science, with specialization in food chemistry, food microbiology and/or food processing, complemented by industry experience, or an undergraduate degree, in Food Science, complemented by extensive industry experience.

The Ministry’s deep rooted values system of Innovation, Teamwork, Integrity, Service Excellence and Leadership at all Levels serve as the foundation to ensure results are achieved. The successful candidate must be a team player, able to both lead and collaborate, with a reputation for integrity and a focus on service excellence and innovation in their work.