Data Management Specialist
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 Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) is seeking a Data Management Specialist to support the collection, analysis, and reporting of data from key research and environmental programs, including LEEAP, ONFARM, Living Lab, and OFCAF. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in interpreting complex datasets, identifying trends, and developing high-quality reports and visualizations that effectively communicate program results and insights to funders, partners, and producers.
Key Responsibilities & Duties:
Manage, organize, and maintain large data sets generated through OSCIA’s research and demonstration programs.
Conduct data analysis to identify patterns, measure outcomes, and evaluate the effectiveness of applied research and on-farm projects.
Develop clear, data-driven reports, dashboards, and summaries to highlight program outcomes, trends, and key findings.
Collaborate with internal teams and research partners to ensure data accuracy, consistency, and proper documentation.
Support program evaluation efforts by analyzing performance indicators and developing metrics to track success over time.
Provide input into data collection protocols and tools to improve data quality and usability.
Translate complex data into accessible and actionable information for a range of audiences, including producers, researchers, and government partners.
Maintain data security, integrity, and compliance with funding and privacy requirements.
Identify trends, patterns, and insights that will inform program improvements or strategic decisions.
Performance Metrics:
Data Accuracy and Integrity
Percentage of datasets verified and free from errors before reporting (>95% target)
Timely resolution of data inconsistencies or anomalies identified in program datasets.
Data Analysis and Insights
Number of reports, dashboards, or analysis completed within agreed timelines
Number of visualizations or reports produced that effectively communicate program results.
Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing
Engagement with internal teams and research partners to ensure data standards and protocols are followed.
Contribution to training or guidance for colleagues on data collection, management and interpretation.
Responsiveness to internal and external requests for data or program insights.
Program Support and Impact
Demonstrated impact of data analysis in supporting program decisions or improvements.
Ability to translate complex datasets into actional recommendations for program implementation or communication.
Qualifications & Experience:
Education: A bachelor's degree in statistics, data science, mathematics, management information systems, business analytics or related field. Master’s degree is considered a strong asset.
Specific Experience:
A minimum of 2 years’ industry experience including proficiency in data analysis and visualization tools (e.g. Excel, Power BI, GIS, Tableau, R, or Python).
Demonstrated experience interpreting and communicating complex data in a clear and meaningful way.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience preparing professional reports and presentations.
High attention to detail, accuracy, and data integrity.
Understanding of Ontario agriculture and agri-environmental practices is a strong asset.
Experience working with environmental, agronomic or research datasets is a strong asset.
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 model work environment – In-office/Remote
Primarily office-based with travel for meetings, events, or stakeholder engagement. Flexibility to attend events or meetings outside standard hours when necessary.
Home office settings require a dependable, high-speed internet connection to ensure effective participation in virtual meetings and online collaboration.
Frequent use of computer systems and digital tools; prolonged screen time expected.
Occasional lifting of files, materials, or promotional items (up to 20 lbs.).
Must be able to manage competing demands in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines.
Must maintain a high level of professionalism and confidentiality when handling sensitive or organizational information.
Possess a valid Ontario Driver’s License, have a reliable personal vehicle.
Must be flexible to travel in Ontario and have a willingness to work outside of normal office hours, when required (events, meetings etc.).
Flexible to work evenings and weekends as needed for events.
OSCIA offers a competitive compensation package and is an equal opportunity employer.
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.
