Manager - Plant Health And Crop Protection

Position Summary

The Manager, Plant Health and Crop Protection, will:

• Integrate the broad plant health considerations with the FVGC crop protection work plan
• Represent FVGC nationally and internationally
• Lead on plant health issues pertaining to the fruit and vegetable sector

Position Responsibilities

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Manager Plant Health and Crop Protection will lead on:

1.Plant health issues

• Remain up-to-date on the status of invasive species of relevance to the sector.
• Monitor and respond to regulations as they relate to plant health issues
• Provide written monthly updates to FVGC Board of Directors
• Represent FVGC at industry or government meetings as required to provide background information, present strategies and policies.
• Participate in the Canadian Plant Health Council Working Groups (surveillance, emergency response, biosecurity).
• Assist the Executive Director and Policy and Government Relations Managers with lobby efforts for FVGC and provide background and briefings on plant health issues as they arise.
• Prepare contributions to FVGC publications and others as required, and maintain website content.
• Remain up -to date on pollinator bee issues.
• Represent FVGC on national organisations focussed on plant health issues.

2.Specifically on crop protection

• Communicate, coordinate, and facilitate all aspects of crop protection on behalf of the FVGC members with key federal government departments including Health Canada - Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada – Pest Management Centre (PMC) and others as required.
• Support the registration of crop protection products and/or expanding uses to crops that are already on label .
• Conduct ongoing surveillance for the publication of policy or decision documents (proposed or final) published by federal government departments or agencies related to crop protection, inform CPAG and develop and implement response plan as required.
• Work cooperatively with registrants and with federal and provincial governments to facilitate registration efforts of the Minor Use Program.
• Develop FVGC responses to PMRA Proposed Re-evaluation Decisions for active ingredients impacting fruit and vegetable production: develop and distribute surveys, analyze and summarise the results to be used in reports and consultations to federal government agencies.
• Remain up to date on alternatives to chemical crop protection methods including biological control and plant breeding innovation, among others.
• Communicate and negotiate effectively with crop protection companies, government, and grower groups across North America.
• Manage and coordinate the activities of the FVGC Crop Protection Advisory Group.
• Conduct research on active ingredients; including background, description of use in fruit and/or vegetable production, role in resistance management, and possible alternative controls.

Requirements: Manager, Crop Protection

• Strong networking skills to establish and maintain support and credibility at all levels within and external to FVGC
• University degree, in Science/Agriculture/Agronomy/Toxicology or other relevant discipline, preference to holders of a Master of Science degree
• Demonstrated experience in agriculture, crop protection, and integrated pest management
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English
• Availability to travel within and outside of Canada
• Holds a valid passport and no criminal record
• Strong knowledge of the federal regulation of crop protection products in Canada
• Demonstrated ability to plan and execute strategies to meet objectives
• Experience in research, data analysis, scientific reporting, and knowledge translation

Assets: Manager, Plant Health and Crop Protection

• Knowledge of the legislation and policy affecting the regulation of crop protection products in Canada, the United States, and the European Union
• Knowledge of Minor Use registration process for crop protection products in Canada
• Understanding of Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) in both Canada and Canada’s major trading partners
• Conversational French

Salary range, depending on qualifications and experience

$75,000 - $90,000

Start date

• As soon as possible

Position location

The FVGC office is located in Ottawa.

The position is full-time, currently with hybrid in-office policy.

This career opportunity with FVGC offers:

• Collaborative and flexible work environment
• Continued learning and knowledge sharing opportunities
• Work directly with government relations leaders from across agriculture and other sectors
• Working for one of Canada’s top three in-house agriculture lobbyist organizations (2021)
• Excellent opportunity to build your career in government relations

Diversity Statement

Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada promotes the principles of diversity and inclusion in its hiring practices. We encourage applications from women, Indigenous peoples and persons of all races, ethnic origins, religions, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities and expressions. We also provide accommodation during all parts of the hiring process, upon request, to applicants with disabilities. If contacted to proceed to the selection process, please advise us if you require any accommodation.

How to apply

If you have the experience, skills, and drive to excel in this role and would like to join our team, please provide your resume with a covering letter to: [email protected]. The position will be open until filled.

We look forward to hearing from you!

We thank all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.