August 30, 2022

Soil Health Specialist

Charlottetown

1

Commencing Immediately

Permanent fulltime

Minimum Qualifications:
• Degree (Master of Science) in Environmental Science or Agriculture with an emphasis on Soil Science and Agronomy with considerable experience working in agriculture on soil health related research, soil health related beneficial management practices, or agri-environmental program development and delivery.
OR
• Degree (Bachelor of Science) in Agriculture majoring in Soil Science with an emphasis on Agronomy with extensive experience working in agriculture on soil health related research, soil health related beneficial management practices, or agri-environmental program development and delivery.
• Experience in computer applications including Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word;
• Demonstrated equivalencies will be considered.
• Must have excellent skills in written and oral communication, conflict resolution, organization and extension practices;
• Must be eligible for a professional agrologist designation;
• Must have a valid driver’s license;
Other Qualifications:
• Experience using RUSLE2 modelling software is an asset;
• Experience using GIS software is an asset.

Over 3 years

Job Description:
Open to the Public
Soil Health Specialist

Department of Agriculture and Land
Location: Charlottetown

Full-Time Classified Position
(Commencing Immediately)

The PEI Department of Agriculture and Land aims to encourage the development of an innovative, diverse and inclusive workforce which enables the organization to realize its goals. The Soil Health Specialist is the Department lead on program and service development and delivery as it relates to soil health and the new Soil Health Improvement Plan (SHIP) service to be launched as a component of the Province of PEI’s Sustainable Irrigation Strategy. The specialist will be responsible for the ongoing development and delivery of the Soil Health Improvement Plan service and other agri-environmental programs and services. Please see: https://vimeo.com/688573049/d04d2ec591 for more information on the Department.

Duties:
• Offering technical advice, as it relates to soil health and agronomic practices, to agricultural producers as a component of various agri-environmental programs and services; including the Soil Health Improvement Plan service;
• Providing interpretation and explanation of soil health testing and soil health indicator results to agricultural producers;
• Creating and approving farm management plans for improved soil health and reduced soil loss;
• Monitoring the ongoing file status of program and service participants; provide follow up and support to agricultural clients of agri-environmental program and services;
• Providing expert advice and resources on soil health, in collaboration with, and for, industry professionals, researchers, agronomic working groups, federal and provincial government agencies, and producers;
• Evaluating industry needs related to information and communication on soil health promotion, education, and initiatives;
• Presenting and promoting soil health initiatives to agricultural industry at conferences, workshops, publications and educational events;
• Developing and establishing the criteria for Soil Health Improvement Plans and other agri-environmental programs or services: through research, jurisdictional scanning, and liaison with colleagues and stakeholders;
• Developing policy and procedure documents for program and service delivery protocols of the Soil Health Improvement Plan service and other agri-environmental programs and services;
• Developing and overseeing the implementation of an on-farm compliance monitoring protocol for Soil Health Improvement Plans;
• Developing, tracking, and reporting performance indicators related to program and service delivery and environmental outcomes;
• Interpreting and inputting topographic and agronomic information into the RUSLE2 (Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation) modelling software;
• Assessing soil health model outputs and results of soil health analysis testing;
• Maintaining program and service data using Geographic Information System (ArcGIS);
• Assisting with the continued implementation of the Long-term Soil Quality Monitoring Project; including annual collection and processing of soil samples;
• Performing tech transfer role to ensure that agriculture producers are aware of research results and to encourage adoption of new beneficial management practices; and other duties as required.

$32.81 - $41.01 per hour (Level 18 - UPSE)

Salary Range: $32.81 - $41.01 per hour (Level 18 - UPSE) Bi-weekly Hours: 75.0 hours bi-weekly / Days (evenings and weekends as required). Posting ID: 153405-0822ALPO Closing Date: Tuesday, September 13th, 2022 4:00 p.m. Please Note: Preference will be given to UPSE Civil employees as per the UPSE Civil Collective Agreement. Please ensure the application clearly demonstrates how you meet the noted qualifications as applicants will be screened based on the information provided. The successful candidate will be the only individual receiving written notification of competition results.

Department of Agriculture and Land 
https://www.gov.pe.ca/jobs/api/position/55002?format=html