Senior Research Specialist

Senior Research Specialist - AGR000757

Employment Type: Permanent Full-time

Location(s): SK-Rgna-Regina SK-Stoon-Saskatoon

Ministry: 001 Agriculture

Salary Range: $41.174 - $51.598 Hourly

Grade: SGEU.12.

Are you passionate about the potential for agriculture research to propel the agriculture sector forward and create new opportunities? Are you a strategic thinker and able to bring people together to solve problems? The Ministry of Agriculture’s Research Branch (ARB) requires a highly motivated strategic thinker to help shape Saskatchewan’s investment in agriculture research.

This role involves active engagement with Ministry staff, researchers and industry stakeholders to identify research priorities in the agriculture sector, to effectively integrate the delivery of Ministry research and extension programs, to ensure optimized program delivery to meet industry/client needs and of Ministry strategic goals. In this role you will:

• initiate, lead, and engage in discussions with stakeholders including researchers, industry and Ministry staff to set research priorities and to explore and evaluate strategic research and development opportunities across the agriculture and food sectors;
• lead the design, management and delivery of new ARB programs, including the Strategic Research Initiative (SRI) and Strategic Field Program (SFP), as well as the Ministry’s Agri-ARM program to support delivery of Ministry’s strategic objectives across multiple sectors while meeting the needs of external clients;
• provide strategic direction, technical and practical advice to researchers, industry associations and internal clients to facilitate the development of strong research plans and to support funding applications under a number of programs administered by the Ministry; and
• provide team leadership including mentorship and guidance to ARB research specialists and strategic advice on the Agriculture Development Fund (ADF), Agriculture Demonstration of Practices and Technologies (ADOPT) program and other ARB initiatives.

The successful candidate will have a sound understanding of scientific principles, common research and extension methodologies, research project and program design while having a high-level awareness of the scope and complexity of Saskatchewan’s agriculture and food sectors and the challenges and opportunities they face. The role requires:

• Translation of theoretical concepts into practical direction to help define project parameters for clients.
• Knowledge and experience with management of research projects, including contracts, project budgets and reporting requirements.
• Problem solving and decision making to develop new projects and program policies from conceptualization to completion.
• Attention to detail, professionalism and tactful verbal and written communication.
• Effective time management and the ability to exercise sound judgement.
• The ability to synthesize large volumes of technical information in a short period of time.
• Ability to identify and analyze agricultural issues and/or interests to develop viable options, and make recommendations, make conclusions about research priorities and the application of programs, policies, procedures, guidelines and contracts.
• Ability to provide strategic direction, technical and practical advice to researchers, industry associations, Ministry staff and decision makers (such as senior leadership, and the ADF Advisory Committee).
• Ability to provide leadership to individuals and groups to meet the ministry’s objectives and/or the client’s needs.
• Ability to facilitate the development of strong research plans and rationale for funding decisions.

The knowledge for this position would typically be attained through a post-graduate degree in an area related to the agricultural, biological, food or environmental sciences along with relevant work experience in the agricultural industry or in a research setting. The successful candidate must also be eligible for membership in the Saskatchewan Institute of Agrologists.

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.

Candidates are asked to clearly describe in their covering letter where they have gained and demonstrated required knowledge and abilities. Applicants will be screened on the basis of this information.

We are committed to workplace diversity.

Hours of Work: B - SGEU Field 37.33 - work a total of 37.33 hours/week, averaged over 4 weeks

Number of Openings: 1

Closing Date: Mar 8, 2022, 11:59:00 PM