Sustainability and Environment Specialist - Guelph, Canada - Grain Farmers of Ontario

Description

Are you passionate and knowledgeable about agricultural sustainability? Do you enjoy working with others to solve sustainability issues in agriculture? Grain Farmers of Ontario may be the place for you

The Role

Your day-to-day

• Ensure the successful development, execution, and implementation of Grain Farmers of Ontario's sustainability Road Map. Lead the related initiatives and work with leadership to ensure alignment with Grain Farmers of Ontario's strategic objectives.
• Inform Grain Farmers of Ontario's engagement with key industry and government stakeholders on sustainability and environmental programs to support market development in the sector and the license to operate of farmermembers.
• Support the development of Grain Farmers of Ontario's positions, strategies, and engagements on environment and sustainability policies impacting the Canadian cereals value chain.
• Proactively stay abreast of domestic and global market, policy, and regulatory sustainability demands in agriculture and provide assessments of opportunities and challenges for farmermembers. In doing so, provide technical expertise and analysis on the impact of existing and proposed environmental and sustainability policies and regulations that could affect Ontario grain farmers.
• Help build the body of evidence and key messaging that supports Grain Farmers of Ontario's marketing of our sustainability story for customers and consumers.
• Lead efforts in sustainabilityoriented sustainability initiatives (SAI Platform, Field to Market Canada, 4R Ontario, ISCC), including actively championing the farmer perspective in sustainability and environmental benchmarking and certification systems.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with key stakeholders working in sustainability and environment including supply chain partners, government, producer organizations, processors, and exporters.
• Attend events such as conferences, and seminars to create linkages and awareness of market opportunities and grain industry sustainability opportunities.
• Support procurement and management of external expert services such as consultants, as required.
• Contribute to the overall Market Development strategy at Grain Farmers of Ontario.

What you will bring

Education & Experience

• University degree in agriculture, environmental sciences, sustainability, business, or a related area.
• Graduate level degree in related area an asset.
• 35 years in an agricultural sustainabilityrelated role.

Core Qualifications

• High level familiarity with the agricultural sustainability landscape including environmental, social, and economic sustainability concepts and frameworks and their integration within the agrifood and bioeconomy value chains.
• Strong technical knowledge of agricultural sustainability, sustainable agricultural practices and key sustainability issues including greenhouse gas emissions, soil health, biodiversity, and nutrient management.
• Ability to undertake data analysis to assess sustainability trends and understand environmental impact assessments.
• Practical understanding of the Ontario agricultural industry, its value chains, and the farmer's perspective to ensure sustainability initiatives provide farmer value.
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with key stakeholders.
• Experienced in science communications and knowledge transfer techniques to translate complex insights and recommendations into concise proposals, reports, and presentations using appropriate messaging for a variety of audiences.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Experience with project management.
• Sound judgment, integrity in all actions, and critical thinking skills.

Additional Qualifications

• Understanding of sustainable sourcing requirements and measurement, reporting and verification program systems within the grains value chain.
• Working knowledge of provincial and federal government ministries, agencies, and committees, including funding programs and key agricultural and value chain sustainability policies.
• Direct experience with sustainable sourcing initiatives (e.g., SAI, Field to Market Canada, ISCC, CRSC).
• Experience in life cycle assessment and carbon foot printing methodologies in agriculture.
• Bilingual (English/French) is an asset.

What we offer

Grain Farmers of Ontario is a team of passionate, hardworking people focused on teamwork and collaboration to bring the greatest value to our farmer-members.

We offer a competitive salary and a robust benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, and a pension program with an employer contribution.

All staff a minimum of 3 weeks' vacation to start. We also offer an optional hybrid work environment.

We value supporting our team members to reach their full potential by offering every employee the opportunity for learning and development through our development focused performance management system.

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