Be part of the team that turns cutting-edge science into real world solutions for Ontario's growers and communities.
Do you have knowledge of and experience with new, emerging or existing practices, products and technology related to entomology with a focus on the horticulture sector? Do you want to play a key role in supporting the competitiveness of Ontario's agri-food sector? If so, consider this opportunity to join a dynamic, highly qualified team of specialists providing knowledge translation and transfer, assessing and applying new research and technologies, and encouraging adoption of best practices with the aim of helping Ontario's horticulture sector, remain competitive and sustainable.
As an Entomologist in Horticulture, you will help strengthen Ontario's agri-food sector by assessing the latest research, guiding sustainable practices, and supporting growers with reliable, science-based solutions to prevent, mitigate and manage pests. Your work will contribute directly to protecting crops, supporting rural communities, and improving outcomes for Ontarians.
Preventing, mitigating and managing pests is a critical component of agricultural production. Help us transform new research and ideas into practical programs, products and services which will ensure Ontario's agricultural sector remains competitive and environmentally responsible both now and into the future.
About the job
As a Provincial Entomologist in the horticulture sector, you will:
• lead the development of strategies to prevent and mitigate impacts of pests on Ontario's agriculture sector
• act as a link between researchers and industry to assess new technologies and provide expert advice on horticultural crop entomology
• develop seminars and courses, electronic and print information packages as well as design demonstrations of new, emerging and innovative techniques and products
• facilitate delivery of program information services, education and training across commodities to facilitate change
• represent Provincial or Ministry interests on multidisciplinary working groups to guide responses to new and emerging pests
• provide expertise to senior management regarding the development, coordination, and implementation of strategies, policies, and programs related to plant health for the Ontario horticulture sector
• build and maintain strong networks with clients, partners, and industry groups
• review and assess leading-edge agricultural research and practices from around the world and adapt the findings to Ontario industry needs
Want to learn more about this opportunity?
Join us for a virtual information session on
Friday, February 20, 2026 from 12:00PM to 1:00PM EST where you will have a chance to find out more about the job, the team and the Branch.
Be sure to add this event to your calendar so you don't miss out!
Join on your computer, mobile app or room device
Join the meeting nowMeeting ID: 246 897 448 114 86
Passcode: VJ6Ah9Hs
Join on a video conferencing device
Tenant key: teams@msteams.ontario.ca
Video ID: 116 240 963 3
If you can't make it – no problem. Attendance at the session is optional and will have no impact on hiring decisions.
What you bring to the team
Mandatory requirements
• You have a valid Class "G" Driver's License or equivalent as recognized by the Province of Ontario in order to conduct site visits at rural and remote locations
• You must have the ability to travel to areas not serviced by public transportation
Technical knowledge
You have:
• expert knowledge of scientific theories and principles of entomology in horticultural crops
• expert knowledge of production practices, understand the economics and environmental impacts of insects on the agricultural industry to develop expert leading-edge information and educational materials that will assist clients with improving their competitive position
• knowledge of current economic development issues, research accomplishments, environmental impacts and issues, production practices, marketing trends and theories
• knowledge of programs and services provided provincially, nationally and internationally by governments, universities and private institutions in horticulture production
• knowledge of acts and regulations that impact on horticultural crop entomology, organizations, producers, and agri-businesses
Research, analytical, and problem-solving skills
You have:
• knowledge of research methods and practices to investigate viability and applicability of new methods, techniques and technology
• analytical and problem-solving skills to assess information, education and training needs of agriculture and rural clients and provide information, services and solutions
• evaluative skills to investigate issues, new trends and developments related to production and management in horticultural crop entomology
Communication and interpersonal skills
You can:
• communicate effectively in writing through the compilation and preparation of technical reports, briefing notes, articles, and electronic media
• establish and enhance partnerships and networks to facilitate program delivery, sharing of information, education and training
• develop and maintain effective provincial, national and international working relationships
• develop partnerships with clients
• present information, outline recommendations on how technologies, policies and programs can be applied
Training and facilitation knowledge
You have knowledge of:
• techniques and methods of adult education and training to develop educational and training materials and conduct training on new products and techniques
• consultation and group facilitation techniques, as well as needs assessment techniques, and program evaluation methods
Project management and planning skills
You can:
• manage concurrent projects and activities
• plan and coordinate activities in consultation with clients and stakeholders
• identify time and resource requirements and address agriculture and rural issues
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
and who we are
The Ministry:
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness helps to build a stronger agri-food sector by investing in the development and transfer of innovative technologies, retaining and attracting investment, developing markets, providing regulatory oversight, and providing effective risk management tools.
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The Division:
The Economic Development Division is responsible for programs and services to support information technology transfer. Staff work with farmers, agri-businesses, municipalities, and other partners in the agriculture sector to identify needs and opportunities, adopt new technologies and make sound business decisions. It is responsible for expanding Ontario food and agricultural sales in export and domestic markets, and providing support to the processing industry through investment attraction, investment retention and sector development.
The Branch:
The Agriculture Development Branch is responsible for dealing with issues and challenges relating to agricultural production (crops and livestock). The branch promotes high quality agricultural production through the application of best management practices, on-farm quality assurance programs and plant and animal health strategies to ensure a competitive and environmentally responsible agri-food sector.
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