Apply By: Thursday, February 19, 2026 11:59 pm EST

Edible Bean and Oilseed Specialist

Job ID:
240661
Organization:
Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness
Division:
Economic Development Division/ Agriculture Development Branch/ Field Crops Unit
City:
Harrow, Ridgetown, Stratford
Position(s) language:
English
Job term:
1 Permanent
Job code:
12124 - Industrial Development Officer 3
Salary:
$1,627.28 - $2,077.03 Per week*
*Indicates the salary listed as per the OPSEU Collective Agreement.

Oilseed and edible bean production is a critical component of sustainable agriculture.

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.

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 (Wednesday January 28, 2026 10:00 to 10:30 AM EST)

Session 2 (Friday February 6, 2026 12:30 to 1:00 PM)

About the job

In this role, you will:

• act as the lead provincial specialist on canola and edible beans
• lead Ontario's technology transfer activities through the development, coordination and implementation of strategies, policies and programs
• coordinate projects designed to assess the applicability and sustainability of new and existing practices, products, technologies and programs to Ontario's canola and edible beans production sector
• prepare and deliver educational information and awareness building tools to facilitate change
• act as a liaison between the research community and industry
• manage contentious and high priority issues related to canola and edible beans
• provide technical expertise in support of policy and program development

What you bring to the team


Mandatory requirements

• In order to conduct site visits at rural and remote locations, you must hold a valid class G driver's licence or equivalent as recognized by the Province of Ontario.

Technical knowledge:

• You have expert knowledge of scientific theories, principles and practices related to the production, business management and marketing of canola and edible beans in Ontario.
• You have expert knowledge of the Ontario agricultural industry (e.g. economics, social importance, roles and mandates of farm and commodity organizations).
• You have knowledge of relevant acts and regulations that impact on canola and edible bean production.

Research, analysis, evaluation and problem solving skills:

• You have knowledge of agronomic research methods and practices to investigate viability and applicability of new methods, techniques and technologies, analyze validity of findings and make recommendations on their suitability for Ontario conditions.
• You have the ability to identify and investigate issues, trends and developments of canola and edible bean crop production practices, economics and environmental sustainability.

Consultation and facilitation skills:

• You can conduct needs assessments and incorporate results in the development of training and educational materials.
• You have an understanding of adult education principles and techniques to deliver training.
• You have an understanding of program evaluation methods.
• You can encourage and motivate agricultural and rural organizations to develop and support policies and programs that encourage the adoption and maintenance of sustainable practices in their agricultural and rural communities.

Communication and interpersonal skills:

• You can develop professional documents, reports and educational materials using clear, concise language.
• You can present information, options and recommendations in a clear, concise and logical manner.
• You have the proven ability to develop and present information in many formats and can determine the most effective way to transfer technical information.
• You have the proven ability to develop and maintain effective professional working relationships and partnerships with clients.

Other important skills:

• You have planning and coordination skills to manage project activities and resource requirements.
• You have financial administration skills to administer contracts for service providers and forecast and monitor project budgets.
• You are proficient with a variety of computer applications, such as e-mail, internet, word processing, spreadsheet, statistical analysis and database software.

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:

Additional information:

Apply by:
Thursday, February 19, 2026 11:59 pm EST
Position details:
  • 1 English Permanent - Full Time, 120 Main St E., Ridgetown, West Region or 2585 County Rd 18, Harrow, West Region or 63 Lorne Ave E, Stratford, West Region
Compensation group:
Ontario Public Service Employees Union
Work hours:
Category:
Agriculture
Posted on:
Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Note:

  • T-AF-240661/26


How to apply:

  1. You must apply online.
  2. Your cover letter and resume combined should not exceed five (5) pages. For tips and tools on how to write a concise cover letter and resume, review the Writing a Cover Letter and Resume: Tips, Tools and Resources.
  3. Customize your cover letter and resume to the qualifications listed on the job ad. Using concrete examples, you must show how you demonstrated the requirements for this job. We rely on the information you provide to us.
  4. Read the job description to make sure you understand this job.
  5. OPS employees are required to quote their WIN EMPLOYEE ID number when applying.
  6. If you require a disability related accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please Contact Us to provide your contact information. Recruitment services team will contact you within 48 hours.

Language requirements and assessment:
All external Ontario Public Service (OPS) job ads are posted in English and French. Check the "position(s) language" section at the top of each job ad for the language requirements. For all roles, candidates are assessed in English, the business language of the OPS. If the position is bilingual (English/French), you'll also need to pass a French-language proficiency test.

Exigences en matière de langue et évaluation:
Toutes les offres d'emploi externes de la fonction publique de l'Ontario (FPO) sont affichées en français et en anglais. Consultez la section « Langue du ou des postes » en haut de chaque offre d'emploi pour connaître les exigences linguistiques. Pour tous les postes, les candidats sont évalués en anglais, la langue d'affaires de la FPO. Si le poste est bilingue (anglais/français), vous devrez également passer un test de compétences linguistiques en français.


Strengthening Ontario, together