Field Services Lead

Field Services Lead

About OSCIA

The Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) is a unique not-for-profit farm organization whose diverse membership has a significant presence in all agricultural areas of the province and across all major sectors. The mission of OSCIA is to facilitate responsible economic management of soil, water, air and crops through development and communication of innovative farming practices. OSCIA is a leader in agricultural program delivery, including cost-share funding distribution, educational workshop offerings for farmers, and administration of on-farm applied research and knowledge transfer opportunities.

Job Summary

The Field Services Lead is responsible for supporting and coordinating OSCIA's province-wide field services operations and ensuring effective delivery of programs and educational workshops. This role provides leadership support to Field Representative staff, assists with planning and execution of work plans, and helps ensure program objectives are achieved on time and within budget. The Field Services Lead contributes to team coordination, staff training and development and reporting to support OSCIA's program delivery priorities and is committed to delivering exceptional customer service to Ontario farmers, ensuring responsive, professional, and producer-focused support across all programs and interactions. 

Key Responsibilities & Duties

Field Services Coordination and Program Delivery Support 

• Support oversight of program and workshop delivery across Ontario by assisting with coordination and guidance for Field Representative staff. 
• Assist in developing and implementing work plans and progress reporting to ensure program objectives are delivered on time and on budget. 
• Support the delivery and reporting of promotion and communications strategies for program and workshop delivery. 
• Identify promotional opportunities including agricultural events, industry meetings, and tradeshows; assist with OSCIA registration and coordinate staffing requirements. 
• Participate and contribute to weekly Programs department meetings. 
• Assist with program development initiatives to strengthen delivery models and improve producer support. 
• Support reporting requirements and communication strategies to ensure program outcomes are documented and shared. 
• Monitor program deliverables and performance targets (e.g., workbook participants, workbooks reviewed) and support corrective action where needed. 

 Staff Support, Training and Team Leadership

• Facilitate training, instruction, and provision of resources to Field Representatives to support workshop and program delivery. 
• Support recruitment and onboarding of Field Representative staff and assist in providing ongoing coaching and development opportunities. 
• Coordinate and chair monthly Field Services team meetings. 
• Support scheduling and completion of semi-annual Value-Based Behaviour Performance Evaluations for Field Representative staff. 
• Support delivery of virtual workshops and the distribution and administration of e-EFP workbook review processes. 
• Support the development and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and operational documentation. 
• Assist with procedural training and knowledge transfer to ensure consistent program delivery practices. 

Administration, Reporting and Budget Support

• Assist with developing, monitoring, and reporting on annual and quarterly budgets and forecasting for program delivery. 
• Review of time commitments and expenditures of Field Representative staff to ensure hours are accurately tracked and reported, support timesheet approval and submission processes. 
• Support tracking and reporting on key performance indicators (KPI's) outlined in transfer payment agreements. 
• Explore efficiencies and continuous improvement opportunities to strengthen service delivery and producer support. 
• Participate in special projects as assigned to support organizational priorities. 

 Customer Service & Farm Community Engagement

• Provide high-quality, responsive customer service to Ontario's farm community, ensuring timely and accurate responses to inquiries. 
• Support producers by providing clear information on OSCIA programs, workshops, cost-share opportunities, and eligibility requirements. 

Performance Metrics

• Team Performance: Quality, accuracy, and timeliness of the work completed by Program Analysts under your leadership.  
• Workflow Efficiency: Effective management of workloads, resolution of bottlenecks, and improvements to processing times. 
• Leadership Effectiveness: Quality of training and mentorship, team engagement, and feedback from team members and stakeholders. 
• Client Service Standards: Resolution rate of escalated issues, professionalism in communications, and adherence to agreements. 
• Process Improvement Contributions: Development and implementation of tools, procedures, or strategies that enhance operational efficiency. 
• Compliance & Quality Assurance: Adherence to program guidelines, documentation standards, and accuracy in handling high-risk applications. 

Qualifications & Skills

• Education: Post-secondary education in an agricultural or environmental-related field with foundational knowledge in general financial principles. 
• Years of Experience: Minimum of 5 years of relevant industry experience, including experience in program analysis, coordination, and team leadership. 

Specific Experience: 

• Demonstrated understanding of Ontario agriculture and related topics such as environmental and economic farm sustainability, biosecurity, soil health, water quality, and best management practices is considered an asset. 
• Proven experience leading or mentoring team members in a collaborative, goal-oriented environment. 
• Practical farm experience considered a strong asset. 
• Skilled in preparing clear, concise reports and documenting processes  
• Strong background in customer service and communication skills, including experience dealing directly with farmers. 
• Experience in coordinating workflows and analyzing team performance metrics. 
• French language skills considered an asset. 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs)

 Knowledge: 

• Understanding of environmental stewardship and agricultural best management practices in Ontario. 
• Familiarity with agricultural programming, workshop delivery, and stakeholder engagement. 

Skills: 

• Excellent communication skills, including public speaking. 
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with colleagues, stakeholders, and industry partners. 
• Proficiency with Office 365 software including Excel; ability to analyze and interpret data reports. 
• Strong organizational, time management, and prioritization skills. 

Abilities: 

• Ability to coordinate staff and manage multiple priorities in a remote, province-wide work environment. 
• Ability to work through periods of high administrative and reporting requirements while remaining innovative and improvement focused. 
• Ability to exercise sound judgement and maintain professionalism when responding to producer concerns and program-related inquiries. 

Behavior Competencies:

• Adaptability: Demonstrate a willingness to be flexible, versatile, and dynamic in a changing work environment while maintaining effectiveness and efficiency.
• Ethical behaviour: Ensure personal behaviours align with the Association's core values and code of conduct.
• Relationship development: Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others, internally and externally.
• Effective communication: Speak, listen, and write in a precise, clear, and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools.
• Client focus: Anticipate clients' needs and respond in an appropriate and timely manner, seeking to provide the highest quality service.
• Teamwork development: Work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve challenges, and make decisions that enhance cross-functional cooperation.
• Initiative: Ability to assess and initiate tasks independently.
• Decision-making: Assess role-based situations to determine the importance, risks, and make clear decisions in a timely manner.
• Time management and organization: Set priorities, develop a task schedule, monitor progress towards deadlines.
• Problem-solving: View problems as learning opportunities, focus on improving future results.
• Cultural Competence: Value diversity and inclusivity, demonstrating an ability to work effectively with trust across various departments.
• Foster Sustainability: Ensuring the work we do improves the viability and sustainability of rural Ontario and Ontario agriculture.
• Continuous Learning: Participates in an environment of professional development and personal growth.

Working Conditions / Physical Demands:

• Hybrid work model combining remote and in-office work, with the position based in Guelph, ON. A minimum of 2 days per week in Guelph office is mandatory. 
• Home office settings require a dependable, high-speed internet connection to ensure effective participation in virtual meetings and online collaboration. 
• May require occasional work outside of standard business hours (e.g., early mornings, evenings, or weekends) to attend meetings, events, or respond to organizational needs. 
• Requires regular use of a computer; prolonged sitting, typing, and screen time required. 
• May involve occasional lifting of light materials (e.g., files, laptop – up to 10 lbs). 
• Must be adaptable to a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities and time-sensitive deadlines. 
• Must hold and maintain a valid driver's licence and have access to reliable transportation for occasional travel to meetings, stakeholder events, and organizational sites. 
• Must maintain a high level of professionalism and confidentiality when handling sensitive or organizational information.  

We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those candidates under consideration will be contacted.

Thank you for your interest in this position

ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT (AODA IN ONTARIO)

OSCIA is committed to providing a barrier-free work environment in concert with the provincial guidelines for accessibility (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code, Ontario Only). As such, OSCIA will make accommodations available to applicants with disabilities upon request during the recruitment process.

HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENT

OSCIA strives to ensure that its employment practices are free from direct and indirect discrimination and is committed to upholding the human rights of those participating in the hiring process. In pursuit of this commitment, OSCIA will not condone or tolerate any acts of discrimination or harassment under any of the grounds protected under human rights legislation. This commitment extends to the hiring process and throughout the course of employment.

Location

Guelph, Ontario (Hybrid)

Department

Programs

Employment Type

Full-Time

Minimum Experience

Manager/Supervisor

Compensation

$62,000 - $72,000