LSO AGRL 3 - Agrifood Business Specialist – Closing date extended

The Team
The Business and Workforce Development Team is an established group of six professionals, including agrologists, policy analysts, and program analysts, who bring a wealth of expertise and a collaborative spirit to their work. The team supports the growth of established farm businesses, helps new ventures get started, and works with partners to address labour challenges in the agrifood sector. We value the diversity of skills and perspectives within the team, which enable us to deliver innovative programs and resources that meet the needs of British Columbia’s agricultural communities.

The Role
This role offers an exciting opportunity to apply your business expertise in the dynamic agriculture and food sector. As an Agrifood Business Specialist, you’ll develop and deliver programs like the Agri-Business Planning Program, along with resources, tools, and guidance to help farmers and food processors achieve their business goals. Your work will have a direct impact, supporting the success and growth of agricultural businesses while contributing to a thriving sector in British Columbia. This position is perfect for someone passionate about agriculture and business development who values making a meaningful difference for diverse communities across the province.

Qualifications:
Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s in Agriculture, Agriculture Economics, Business Administration, or related field from an approved university specializing in agriculture or natural resource management, AND 5 (five) years of experience in the agriculture sector related to business management, business development, financial services and/or agriculture economics.
  OR
• Master or PhD in Agriculture, Agriculture Economics, Business Administration, or related field from an approved university specializing in agriculture or natural resource management AND 3 (three) years of experience in the agriculture sector related to business management, business development, financial services and/or agriculture economics.
  AND
• Must be registered, or immediately eligible* for registration, as a Professional Agrologists with the British Columbia Institute of Agrologists (BCIA). *’Immediately eligible’ means that you are currently a registered P.Ag. member in good standing in another Canadian province and can immediately transfer registration to the BCIA.

Preferences may be given to applicants with the following qualifications (applicants that the meet the above essential criteria may be further screened on the following preferences):

• Experience with financial lending programs or services and/or in the financial sector
• Experience with adult education, educational resource development, and/or training delivery
• Experience in the horticultural / crop production and/or food processing sectors
• Experience with program or project management

For questions regarding this position, please contact Dennis.Palmer@gov.bc.ca.

About this Position:
Amendment December 19, 2024: Posting closing date extended to January 1, 2025.
Amendment December 11, 2024: Posting closing date extended to December 19, 2024.
This position can be based in a Natural Resource Sector office. The locations listed above are to assist applicants in searching for this opportunity and are not a complete list of locations.
Flexible work options are available; this position may be able to work 5 or more days at home per week subject to an approved telework agreement.
An eligibility list may be established to fill future temporary and permanent vacancies.
A Criminal Record Check (CRC) will be required.
Employees of the BC Public Service must be located in BC at the time of employment.

Working for the BC Public Service:
The BC Public Service is committed to creating a diverse workplace to represent the population we serve and to better meet the needs of our citizens. Consider joining our team and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.

We are committed to ensuring that reasonable accommodations are available throughout the hiring process, including the assessment and selection stages. Please email the individual or contact listed on the posting if you require an accommodation to fully participate in the hiring process.

The Indigenous Applicant Advisory Service is available to Canadian Indigenous (First Nations [status or non-status], Métis, or Inuit) applicants. Indigenous applicants can contact this service for personalized guidance on the BC Public Service hiring process including job applications and interviews.

Working for BC Public Service offers a competitive salary, diverse work environment, a healthy work/life balance, and excellent benefits. In addition to the base salary for Professional Employee Association members, there is an allowance to cover professional fees, strong dental and medical plans and much more. Salary listed does not include the additional 7% Overtime Shift Standby (OSS) provision that can be taken as taken as time off or salary on an annual basis which is on top of four (4) weeks annual leave.

To learn more about these B.C communities you can click on the Hello BC link here!

How to Apply:
Your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet the job requirements listed above. Applicants who are selected to move forward in the hiring process may be assessed on their knowledge, skills, abilities, competencies and other position related requirements as outlined in the Job Profile at the bottom of the posting.

Professional Designation: YES - Please include your registration number in your application. You must be registered, or immediately eligible for registration, with the BC Institute of Agrologists (BCIA). Note: immediately eligible for registration is defined as being able to transfer a current membership from an applicable jurisdiction to the BC association within six (6) months of employment. Confirmation of registration/eligibility is required before an offer of employment can be made.

Cover Letter: NO - Please do not submit a cover letter as it will not be reviewed.

Resume: YES - Ensure your resume includes your educational accomplishments, employment history including start and end dates (month and year) of your employment, and any relevant information that relates to the job to which you are applying.

Questionnaire: YES - You will need to complete a comprehensive questionnaire to demonstrate how you meet the job requirements. Include all relevant information about your educational accomplishments and employment history including job titles, start and end dates (month and year) of your employment, and how you obtained your relevant experience. The questionnaire will take approximately 60 minutes to complete.

Find more information on the recruitment process, including helpful tips and videos about the application process, visit the Your Job Application page of MyHR. Gain insights into the hiring journey by joining a Career Conversation. Applications will be accepted until 11:00 pm Pacific Time on the closing date of the competition. If you are experiencing technical difficulty applying, visit the Technical Assistance page of MyHR.