Are you passionate about helping Ontario's agri-food sector innovate and grow? Join the Agriculture Development Branch as an Aquaculture and Aquaponics Specialist, where you will support the advancement of Ontario's aquaculture and aquaponics sectors through knowledge transfer, stakeholder engagement, research evaluation, and program development.
In this role, you will work collaboratively with industry partners, researchers, producers, government organizations, and stakeholders to assess emerging technologies, best management practices, research findings, and industry trends. Your work will help promote sustainable production practices and support the continued competitiveness of Ontario's aquaculture and aquaponics sectors.
About the job
As the Aquaculture and Aquaponics Specialist, you will:
• Build and maintain relationships with producers, industry organizations, researchers, government partners, and other stakeholders to identify emerging issues, trends, opportunities, and sector needs.
• Lead and support projects that evaluate new and existing technologies, practices, research, programs, and policies for their applicability to Ontario conditions.
• Develop and deliver educational resources, technical information, training materials, workshops, presentations, and other knowledge-transfer initiatives.
• Monitor, assess, and communicate research findings and industry developments to support informed decision-making across the sector.
• Act as a liaison between the research community, industry partners, and government to support innovation and identify research priorities.
• Provide advice and expertise to ministry leadership related to aquaculture and aquaponics production, technology, research, and emerging issues.
• Represent the ministry on provincial, national, and international committees, working groups, and collaborative initiatives.
• Support emergency management activities, including preparedness exercises and emergency response activities, as required.
What you bring to the team
Mandatory requirement:
• You are able to travel to rural areas not accessible by public transportation.
Technical expertise:
• you have knowledge of aquaculture and aquaponics production systems, practices, technologies, and industry trends.
• you understand production, economics, business management, marketing, and environmental considerations within the aquaculture and aquaponics sectors.
• you have knowledge of Ontario's agri-food sector, including the role of producers, industry associations, research organizations, and government partners.
• you can evaluate new technologies, programs, practices, and research findings and determine their relevance and applicability to Ontario conditions.
Communication and relationship-building skills:
• you can communicate technical and complex information clearly to a variety of audiences through written materials, presentations, workshops, and digital platforms.
• you build strong relationships and collaborate effectively with stakeholders, partners, clients, and colleagues.
• you can foster collaboration and support the adoption of innovative and sustainable practices across the sector.
Research, analysis and problem solving skills:
• you can research and assess emerging technologies, industry trends, and sector issues.
• you use analytical and critical-thinking skills to interpret information, identify opportunities, and develop practical recommendations and solutions.
Training and group facilitation skills:
• you have knowledge of adult learning principles and needs assessment approaches.
• you can develop, deliver, and evaluate educational and training initiatives that meet stakeholder needs.
Project management and digital skills:
• you can coordinate projects, manage priorities, and work effectively across multiple initiatives.
• you are proficient with common computer applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, internet-based tools, and electronic communications platforms
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
This role comes with a comprehensive compensation and benefits package that 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