Agricultural & Food Program Specialist

POSITION TITLE: Agricultural & Food Systems Program Specialist

DEPARTMENT: MN-S Ministry of Lands and Environment

CLASSIFICATION: MGO-07

SALARY RANGE: Starting at $78,030.00 Per Annum

POSITION TYPE: Full-time, Temporary (2-Year Term)

LOCATION: Saskatchewan/Remote

ACCOUNTABLE TO: Conservation Program Manager

Brief Overview

The Agriculture & Food Systems Program Specialist will support the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan (MN-S) in advancing sustainable agriculture practices, preserving traditional Métis agricultural knowledge, supporting Métis agri-business, and promoting food security within Métis communities. This position will contribute to the design, implementation, and evaluation of agriculture-related initiatives, including land management, crop production, and livestock management.

The Agriculture & Food Systems Program Specialist will work closely with MN-S leadership, Métis farmers, and external partners to develop programs that enhance the sustainability of Métis agriculture and rural economies. The role involves fieldwork, stakeholder engagement, and project management, ensuring agriculture projects align with MN-S priorities. The position will also work with the MN-S Ministry of Education on school food programming, the Ministry of Health on nutrition and traditional foods, and Economic Development in the support of Agri-business entrepreneurship.

Key Responsibilities

1. Assist in designing and implementing agriculture programs to promote sustainable farming practices within Métis communities.
2. Conduct site visits, monitor crop and livestock health, collect data on farming operations, and recommend improvements.
3. Collaborate with Métis farmers and community members to promote traditional agricultural methods and food sovereignty.
4. Engage with government agencies, research institutions, and industry stakeholders to foster partnerships and secure resources.
5. Prepare regular reports on program progress, analyze agriculture trends, and contribute to program evaluations.
6. Provide training to Métis farmers on best practices for crop rotation, soil management, and livestock care.
7. Assist in budget preparation, track program expenses, and ensure alignment with financial guidelines.
8. Support the preparation of grant applications and funding proposals to enhance agricultural initiatives.
9. Ensure the efficient use of land and water resources to support sustainable agriculture development.
10. Assist with administrative duties, including record-keeping, scheduling, and organizing workshops or field days.
11. Other duties/responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge And Skills

1. Strong understanding of crop production, livestock management, and sustainable farming practices.
2. Familiarity with Métis traditional agriculture practices and food systems.
3. Strong verbal and written communication skills for community outreach, reporting, and stakeholder engagement.
4. Ability to analyze agriculture data, develop strategies, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
5. Proficiency in identifying challenges in farming operations and developing effective solutions.
6. Ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage workload in both field and office settings.
7. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 programs (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and agricultural software.

Qualifications

1. University bachelor’s degree in agriculture, Agribusiness, Environmental Science, and/or a related field is required.
2. Minimum of 1-3 years experience working in agriculture program management, crop production, or livestock management.

Additional Requirements

1. Must undergo a Criminal Record Check.
2. Valid Saskatchewan driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.
3. Please submit applications by 11:59pm on April 20, 2025.

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.