Economic Development Officer - Agriculture

Position Summary Under the direction of the Manager of Economic Development, this position enhances and maintains the economic well-being of the agriculture and food sector in the City of Kawartha Lakes. This position acts as a liaison between the City and these communities, groups and individuals on matters of mutual interest. Agriculture and food businesses will be able to start up, expand, diversify or maintain their businesses facing fewer challenges than without support. Efforts should create successful businesses that will in turn generate wealth that will benefit the municipality, other local businesses and employ people in agriculture and related businesses. Job Title: Economic Development Officer - Agriculture Wage: $78,975 - $92,411 annual (2024) Reports To: Manager, Economic Development Department: Development Services Hours: Temporary contract up to 6 months - 37.5 hours per week Other: Availability for additional hours and travel throughout the City of Kawartha Lakes in accordance with job requirements Essential Duties ·Provide a leadership role in the development and implementation of information, marketing and educational programs and services to assist in the development and expansion of the agriculture sector ·Develop necessary partnerships and linkages with organizations, businesses, different levels of government and individuals to ensure the successful implementation of programs ·Identify trends and opportunities; provides input to develop and manage policies related to agricultural issues ·Plan and/or participate in various meetings including to advise and communicate with the Agricultural Development Advisory Board and other agricultural associations on issues related to agriculture industry ·Plan and attend various agricultural functions as a representative of the City and provide public speaking and presentations as required; e.g., agricultural fairs, seminars, workshops, exhibitions, trade shows ·Prepare proposals to obtain funding from the senior levels of Government or other appropriate sources on program initiatives and issues ·Prepare reports on agricultural issues for Council ·Utilize Social Media, such as Twitter, Facebook, blogging, etc., to promote business in the City of Kawartha Lakes, as well as become proficient with the use of CRM software such as Salesforce ·Prepare press releases and respond to press inquiries on a variety of issues related to agricultural ·Coordination of rental of City-owned farm land ·Provide guidance to temporary and special project staff as assigned ·Perform other related duties as assigned Qualifications ·Post-secondary diploma in Agriculture, Business, Sciences, Marketing or a related field ·Minimum 4 years of related progressive experience, preferably in a municipal environment ·Experience in agriculture essential ·Enrollment in EDAC an asset ·Experience with proposal development, application writing and superb presentation skills ·Excellent oral and written communication ·Ability to demonstrate initiative consistently with commitment to quality improvement, sharing process improvement initiatives with management ·Effectively work in a highly confidential atmosphere ·Demonstrated skills to be innovative and creative ·Well-developed interpersonal skills and ability to build positive relationships within the community and to motivate volunteers and public sector partners ·Strong analytical, organizational and problem-solving skills with ability to prioritize work-load and to adapt readily to change in priorities and business conditions ·Demonstrated ability to work with minimal supervision in a highly-visible team environment ·Dedication to a high degree of customer service ·Political acuity is essential ·Demonstrated ability to handle competing priorities simultaneously ·Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office, the internet and any other related software ·Possess and maintain a valid Ontario Class G Drivers Licence