Would you enjoy working in the agricultural sector as a provincial specialist representing the government to solve problems, relay knowledge and build partnerships with the academic community and agricultural stakeholders?
If so, please consider this opportunity to meaningfully contribute to a competitive, resilient and responsible Ontario agriculture sector as a credible and trusted source of evidence-based expertise.
Interested in this position but want to learn more about this position and how we work?We are hosting an Open House where you'll hear directly from the hiring manager and team about the Agriculture Development Branch, our work, culture and have an opportunity for a Q&A period.
If you are interested in attending the open house, please click here to sign up for the event
Session 1 (Tuesday, July 29, 2025 from 3:00pm - 3:30pm EST)Session 2 (Wednesday, August 6, 2025 from 11:30am - 12:00pm EST)
About the job
• act as the lead provincial specialist on field crop-specific integrated pest management (IPM)
• work as part of a team of technical specialists to assess and evaluate research production practices from around the world and adapt the findings to Ontario industry needs
• facilitate industry change through educational and awareness building tools such as publications, media releases, social media, speaking engagements, and one-on-one meetings with field crop producers and industry stakeholders
What you bring to the team
Mandatory requirement:
• The position requires the successful candidate to have a valid class G driver's license or equivalent. The offer of employment is conditional on the successful candidate providing proof that they have a valid driver's license before being hired. In order to conduct site visits at rural and remote locations, you must have the ability to travel to locations not serviced by public transportation.
• You must have oral/written French language skills at the advanced level. Your proficiency level will be confirmed before hire.
Industry knowledge:
• You have expert knowledge of the theories, principles and best practices related to field crop integrated pest management.
• You have strong knowledge of Ontario's agricultural industry (production systems, economics, agri-businesses).
• • You have an understanding of field crop production to enable you to review new and existing integrated pest management methods, techniques, programs and policies in order to investigate and identify their suitability for Ontario conditions.
Communication, consultation and consensus-building skills:
• You have written communication skills to develop professional documents, reports and educational materials using clear, concise language.
• You have consultation skills to conduct needs assessments and set priorities in the development of training and educational materials.
• You have oral communication and facilitation skills to deliver training materials.
• You have tact, diplomacy and consensus-building skills to establish and enhance partnerships, coalitions and networks with producers and industry stakeholders.
Research, analytical and problem-solving skills:
• You have research and analytical skills to assess the educational and training needs of agricultural clients.
• You have analytical and problem-solving skills to investigate industry issues and develop evidence-based options and recommendations.
• You can develop innovative strategies and solutions in response to client requirements.
• You have an understanding of program evaluation methods.
Other important items:
• You have an understanding of adult education principles and techniques to design, deliver and evaluate training materials.
• You have planning and coordination skills to effectively manage project activities and resources.
• You are proficient with a variety of computer applications (e.g. e-mail, internet, word processing, spreadsheet, statistical analysis, database, etc.).
Don't meet every qualification?
If you are excited about this position and meet most, but not all, of the listed qualifications, please still consider applying. We recognize that no one person might have every qualification in this job ad, and you just might be the right candidate!
How we support diversity, inclusion and accessibility
We are building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage everyone interested in working with us to apply, including people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black and racialized individuals, as well as people from all ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.
Our hiring process is accessible, consistent with Ontario's
Human Rights Code and the
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. We are working to prevent and remove barriers in our hiring processes and can offer
accommodation to address specific needs related to Code-protected grounds such as disability, family status and religion. For more information about accommodation during the hiring process please
contact us.Learn more about the work the OPS is doing to create an inclusive, anti-racist, accessible and diverse workplace:
What we offer
The Ontario Public Service is one of Ontario's largest employers. Employees work for a wide range of ministries, with offices in more than 70 cities across the province. We offer:
• a career that can grow across ministries and job functions
• flexible learning and developmental opportunities, including education and mentorship programs
• many employee networks offering support for and education about underrepresented groups
• tailored work arrangements, including opportunities like flex hours, self-funded leave and more
Our comprehensive compensation and benefits package includes:
• a defined-benefit lifetime pension plan (guaranteed, ongoing inflation-protected income after retirement)
• group health, dental, life and disability benefits
• a range of vacation and leave options
• an Employee and Family Assistance Program, which provides confidential counseling services