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 the 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 dairy production sectors (cow, sheep and goat) 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)

About the job

In this role as a Provincial Specialist for dairy cattle, dairy sheep and dairy goat production, you will:

• help lead Ontario's technology transfer activities relating to the diary 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 dairy 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 requirement:

• You must possess 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 rural areas not serviced by public transportation.

Technical expertise

• You have:

expert knowledge and understanding of scientific theories, principles and practices of dairy cattle, dairy goat and dairy sheep production systems to develop expert leading edge information and educational materials to assist clients improve their competitive position

• knowledge of the dairy 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

• 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

• You can present information, outline options/recommendations on how technologies, policies and programs can be applied, facilitate understanding and promote acceptance

Research and analytical 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

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!

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

• a comprehensive compensation and benefits package

• base salary that aligns to market trends with scheduled salary progression

• tailored flexible work arrangements, including opportunities like flex hours, self-funded leave and more

• a modern, friendly and accessible physical work environment

Additional information

Address:

• 1 English Permanent, 6484 Wellington Rd 7, Elora, West Region

Compensation Group:

Ontario Public Service Employees Union

Understanding the job ad - definitions

Schedule:

6

Category:

Consulting and Planning

Posted on:

Friday, October 10, 2025

Note:

• Less qualified applicants may be considered on an underfill basis.
• T-AF-234144/25

Remember:

The deadline to apply is Monday, October 27, 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.