About the role
Do you want to play a key role in supporting the competitiveness of Ontario's livestock sector? If so, this is your opportunity to join a dynamic, highly qualified team of specialists providing knowledge translation, assessing and applying new research and technologies and encourage adoption of best management practices with the aim of helping Ontario's sheep and goat sector remain competitive and sustainable.
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. The ministry also helps enable rural Ontario to build strong, vital communities with diversified economies and healthy social and environmental climates.
The Branch
The Agriculture development Branch promotes sustainable 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 agrifood sector. It is also responsible for dealing with issues and challenges related to agriculture production (Crops and livestock)
Work site
Please note that the headquarter location is based out of Lindsay, however, you may be able to work out of the following locations depending on operational considerations:
• 1 Stone Rd, Guelph
• 6484 Wellington Rd 7, Elora
• 401 Lakeview Dr,, Woodstock
• 63 Lorne Ave E., Stratford
About the job
In this role, as a Small Ruminant Specialist you will:
• Help lead Ontario's technology transfer activities relating to the small ruminant sector through the development, coordination and implementation of strategies, policies, and programs.
• Consult with client organizations and agencies to identify concerns, issues, trends and new developments
• coordinate and implement programs and projects with experts, industry and organization personnel to develop and prepare educational materials, training tools and other programs
• Prepare educational and awareness-building training and tools to facilitate change.
• review and assess leading-edge research and best management production practices from around the world and adapt the findings to Ontario industry needs
• provide leadership and effective liaison between the research community and industry to determine the applicability of new technologies, and to help establish research priorities/activities
• provide expertise to senior management regarding the development, coordination, and implementation of strategies, policies, programs and issues management for the small ruminant sector
• represent provincial or ministry interests on multidisciplinary working groups to develop provincial, national or international initiatives related to the sector
What you bring to the team
Mandatory requirements
• The position requires the successful candidates to have a valid class G driver's licence or equivalent. The offer of employment is conditional upon the successful candidate providing proof that they have a valid driver's licence upon being hired.
Technical knowledge
You have:
• expert knowledge and understanding of scientific theories, industry practices and principles of production, economics, business management, and marketing within the small ruminant sectors to develop expert leading edge information and educational materials to assist clients improve their competitive position.
• knowledge of the small ruminant/livestock sector, its economic significance, social importance and the roles/mandates of farm/commodity organizations in the rural community.
• knowledge on current economic development issues, research accomplishments, environmental issues, production practices, marketing trends and theories, as well as worldwide programs and services provided by governments, universities and private institutions.
Interpersonal and communication skills
You have:
• oral and written communication skills to develop and deliver information using a variety of methods (e.g. reports, workshops, speaking engagements, media releases, internet).
• interpersonal skills to develop and maintain effective partnerships with multiple levels of government as well as industry stakeholders and clients.
• present information, outline options/recommendations on how technologies, policies and programs can be applied, facilitate understanding and promote acceptance.
• ability to assert influence to motivate producers, agri-businesses and agricultural organizations to develop and support policies and programs that encourage the adoption and maintenance of sustainable agriculture and environmental practices.
Research, analytical and problem solving skills
You have:
• knowledge of research methods and practices to investigate the viability and applicability of new methods and technologies techniques and technology, analyze validity of research findings, prepare reports and provide recommendations on their suitability and applicability for Ontario conditions
• analytical and problem-solving skills to assess information, education and training needs of agriculture and rural clients, and provide information, services and alternative innovative strategies and solutions.
• evaluative skills to investigate issues, new trends and developments related to production, management and marketing in the small ruminant sector, community economic development and environmental sustainability.
Project management skills
You have:
• project management skills to plan and coordinate activities in consultation with clients and stakeholders to identify time and resource requirements.
• planning and organizational skills to coordinate own and staff time on concurrent projects and activities to ensure ministry resources are effectively and efficiently used.
Training and group facilitation skills
You have:
• knowledge of needs assessment techniques and tools to assist with the establishment of training priorities.
• knowledge of adult education principles and techniques to develop and deliver educational and training materials for clients and colleagues.
• knowledge of training evaluation techniques.
Remember:
The deadline to apply is Friday, October 3, 2025 11:59 pm EDT . Late applications will not be accepted.
We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for further screening or an interview will be contacted.
About Government of Ontario
Ontario Government | Gouvernement de l'Ontario
The Ontario Government works to serve the public interest and uphold the public trust by providing Ministers with objective advice and expert guidance. The Ontario Public Service carries out the decisions and policies of the elected government with integrity and accountability and administers public services to the highest professional standards.
Le gouvernement de l'Ontario sert l'intérêt public et conserve la confiance du public en fournissant aux ministres des conseils objectifs et spécialisés. La fonction publique de l'Ontario applique les décisions et les politiques du gouvernement élu. En respectant le principe de reddition des comptes et avec intégrité, elle administre les services à la population selon les normes professionnelles les plus rigoureuses.
About the role
Do you want to play a key role in supporting the competitiveness of Ontario's livestock sector? If so, this is your opportunity to join a dynamic, highly qualified team of specialists providing knowledge translation, assessing and applying new research and technologies and encourage adoption of best management practices with the aim of helping Ontario's sheep and goat sector remain competitive and sustainable.
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. The ministry also helps enable rural Ontario to build strong, vital communities with diversified economies and healthy social and environmental climates.
The Branch
The Agriculture development Branch promotes sustainable 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 agrifood sector. It is also responsible for dealing with issues and challenges related to agriculture production (Crops and livestock)
Work site
Please note that the headquarter location is based out of Lindsay, however, you may be able to work out of the following locations depending on operational considerations:
• 1 Stone Rd, Guelph
• 6484 Wellington Rd 7, Elora
• 401 Lakeview Dr,, Woodstock
• 63 Lorne Ave E., Stratford
About the job
In this role, as a Small Ruminant Specialist you will:
• Help lead Ontario's technology transfer activities relating to the small ruminant sector through the development, coordination and implementation of strategies, policies, and programs.
• Consult with client organizations and agencies to identify concerns, issues, trends and new developments
• coordinate and implement programs and projects with experts, industry and organization personnel to develop and prepare educational materials, training tools and other programs
• Prepare educational and awareness-building training and tools to facilitate change.
• review and assess leading-edge research and best management production practices from around the world and adapt the findings to Ontario industry needs
• provide leadership and effective liaison between the research community and industry to determine the applicability of new technologies, and to help establish research priorities/activities
• provide expertise to senior management regarding the development, coordination, and implementation of strategies, policies, programs and issues management for the small ruminant sector
• represent provincial or ministry interests on multidisciplinary working groups to develop provincial, national or international initiatives related to the sector
What you bring to the team
Mandatory requirements
• The position requires the successful candidates to have a valid class G driver's licence or equivalent. The offer of employment is conditional upon the successful candidate providing proof that they have a valid driver's licence upon being hired.
Technical knowledge
You have:
• expert knowledge and understanding of scientific theories, industry practices and principles of production, economics, business management, and marketing within the small ruminant sectors to develop expert leading edge information and educational materials to assist clients improve their competitive position.
• knowledge of the small ruminant/livestock sector, its economic significance, social importance and the roles/mandates of farm/commodity organizations in the rural community.
• knowledge on current economic development issues, research accomplishments, environmental issues, production practices, marketing trends and theories, as well as worldwide programs and services provided by governments, universities and private institutions.
Interpersonal and communication skills
You have:
• oral and written communication skills to develop and deliver information using a variety of methods (e.g. reports, workshops, speaking engagements, media releases, internet).
• interpersonal skills to develop and maintain effective partnerships with multiple levels of government as well as industry stakeholders and clients.
• present information, outline options/recommendations on how technologies, policies and programs can be applied, facilitate understanding and promote acceptance.
• ability to assert influence to motivate producers, agri-businesses and agricultural organizations to develop and support policies and programs that encourage the adoption and maintenance of sustainable agriculture and environmental practices.
Research, analytical and problem solving skills
You have:
• knowledge of research methods and practices to investigate the viability and applicability of new methods and technologies techniques and technology, analyze validity of research findings, prepare reports and provide recommendations on their suitability and applicability for Ontario conditions
• analytical and problem-solving skills to assess information, education and training needs of agriculture and rural clients, and provide information, services and alternative innovative strategies and solutions.
• evaluative skills to investigate issues, new trends and developments related to production, management and marketing in the small ruminant sector, community economic development and environmental sustainability.
Project management skills
You have:
• project management skills to plan and coordinate activities in consultation with clients and stakeholders to identify time and resource requirements.
• planning and organizational skills to coordinate own and staff time on concurrent projects and activities to ensure ministry resources are effectively and efficiently used.
Training and group facilitation skills
You have:
• knowledge of needs assessment techniques and tools to assist with the establishment of training priorities.
• knowledge of adult education principles and techniques to develop and deliver educational and training materials for clients and colleagues.
• knowledge of training evaluation techniques.
Remember:
The deadline to apply is Friday, October 3, 2025 11:59 pm EDT . Late applications will not be accepted.
We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for further screening or an interview will be contacted.
About Government of Ontario
Ontario Government | Gouvernement de l'Ontario
The Ontario Government works to serve the public interest and uphold the public trust by providing Ministers with objective advice and expert guidance. The Ontario Public Service carries out the decisions and policies of the elected government with integrity and accountability and administers public services to the highest professional standards.
Le gouvernement de l'Ontario sert l'intérêt public et conserve la confiance du public en fournissant aux ministres des conseils objectifs et spécialisés. La fonction publique de l'Ontario applique les décisions et les politiques du gouvernement élu. En respectant le principe de reddition des comptes et avec intégrité, elle administre les services à la population selon les normes professionnelles les plus rigoureuses.