Ecological Farmer-Led Research

Position: Knowledge Mobilization Manager
Organization: Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario (EFAO)
Location: remote, anywhere in Ontario

The Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario (EFAO) is seeking an enthusiastic and team-oriented Knowledge Mobilization Manager who is passionate about ecological agriculture to support EFAO’s research program to help disseminate and promote farmer-led research to the farming community.

Reporting to EFAO’s Research & Small Grains Program Director, the Knowledge Mobilization Manager will be responsible for writing, coordinating the design and disseminating findings from EFAO’s Farmer-Led Research (FLR) program in the form of research reports, magazine articles, blogs, highlights and other media; and work closely with EFAO’s education team to deliver in-person knowledge transfer events around farmer-led research activities and findings. As such, it is important that this individual be able to translate scientific data into practical information for farmers and have strong written communication skills. The ideal candidate is a self-driven ideas person who is as excited to bring creativity and inspiring communication materials to farmer-led research.

Launched in 2016, EFAO’s FLR program is a first of its kind in Canada. Since then the program has supported over 100 different farmers to conduct over 160 research trials that help farmers develop BMPs. Examples of these trials include investigating practices for soil health such as no-till methods; breeding vegetables that are regionally adapted for climate resilience in Ontario; using cover crops and diverse rotations. A complete list of research reports can be found in EFAO’s open source Research Library.

EFAO is a collaborative and team-oriented work environment that is committed to advancing the values of equity, diversity and belonging within the organization and through the work that we support in ecological agriculture.

Position Details

• Position: Knowledge Mobilization Manager
• Location: Remote in Ontario, with some travel to attend events and meetings required
• Hours of Work: 35 hrs/wk (option of 28/hrs per week if desired)
• Start Date:July 7, 2025 (flexible)
• Duration: 1 year with possibility of extension
• Compensation: $55,000 - $65,000 FTE

Responsibilities

• Support and oversee the development, delivery, promotion, reporting and evaluation of EFAO’s Farmer-Led Research program and its associated Knowledge Translation and Transfer (KTT) products and activities for Ontario farmers
• Facilitate and support the delivery of educational/demonstration/KTT/knowledge sharing/knowledge mobilization initiatives that stem from farmer-led research projects
• Synthesize and communicate research program results in a meaningful way to various audiences including farmers, industry stakeholders and programming partners
• Build and maintain positive relationships with farmer-researchers who conduct on-farm research
• Develop and facilitate programming surveys to measure program impact and learning and build meaningful insight into farmers’ and partners’ experiences with KTT products
• Other duties as assigned

Skills & Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in an agricultural or environmental-related field (e.g. soil science, agronomy, agricultural business, resource management, communications and/or extension services, knowledge mobilization); or minimum of 2-3 years of experience in a relevant field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• A strong understanding of agriculture, soil health and water quality, and agronomic principles; and how farmers synthesize and grasp those principles
• Proficiency in computer programs including Adobe applications, CANVA or similar communications product development software
• Proficiency using spreadsheet software (Excel, Numbers, etc) and with data presentation such as generating figures
• Strong organization, verbal and written communication and presentation skills
• Excellent problem solving and critical thinking skills with a keen attention to detail
• Commitment to relationship and network building among peers and colleagues
• Knowledge of database management (e.g. Airtable) is an asset
• Demonstrated project management skills
• Ability to work independently and take initiative, consistently producing quality work and meeting deadlines under competing priorities, and evolving projects while demonstrating aptitude for teamwork and effectiveness in a collaborative environment
• Some off-site and weekend work required
• Experience working in a not for profit environment is an asset
• Valid driver’s license required

We understand candidates may not have all the qualifications listed. If you possess approximately 80 percent of these experiences and qualifications, we encourage you to apply.

EFAO offers

• A family-friendly work culture
• Flexible work schedule
• Contributions to a Health Spending Account
• Access to 12 wellness days throughout the year
• 3 weeks vacation
• The EFAO office is also closed with paid time off between Dec. 25 and Jan. 1

Commitment to Equity

EFAO is committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and belonging. In pursuit of these values, EFAO actively encourages applications from members of groups experiencing barriers to equity, such as BIPOC and LGBTQ2S+. If you require accommodation when navigating the application process, please contact EFAO’s Research & Small Grains Program Director, Sarah Larsen ( sarah@efao.ca ).

How to Apply

Application deadline: 5:00PM Tuesday June 24, 2025

To help us learn more about you, please provide the following in one PDF document:

• a cover letter describing how you meet the above qualifications
• a resume detailing your relevant work experience
• 2-3 work samples related to knowledge mobilization materials (e.g. reports, posters, other communications products)

Please send attn. Sarah, Research & Small Grains Program Director at jobs@efao.ca .

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Candidates who are selected for an interview will receive a $75 honorarium in acknowledgement of the time and effort required to participate in the interview process. Virtual interviews will take place around mid-July.