Livestock Specialist - Bilingual (English/French)

Job ID: 232886 

Posting status: Open 

Organization: Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness 

Division: Economic Development Division, Agriculture Development Branch 

City: Kemptville 

Position(s) language: Bilingual English/French 

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.

Do you have knowledge and understanding of both conventional and organic production systems in the livestock production sector? 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 livestock sector remain competitive and sustainable as a bilingual Livestock Specialist!

In this exciting role, you will be assessing the applicability of practices/products/technology/research to the Ontario livestock production sector with a particular focus on the young animal (calf, heifer, lamb, goat kid, piglet) segment of the livestock sector. You will also develop and maintain effective partnerships with francophone livestock producers and agri-business representatives, which will involve delivering training and providing critical knowledge and understanding that will help clients along the agricultural value chain improve their competitive position.

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: Thursday, September 25, 2025 2:00pm - 2:30pm EST

Session 2: Friday, September 26, 2025, 2:00pm - 2:30pm EST

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).

Please note: other locations may be possible depending on operational considerations.

About the job

In this role as a Livestock Specialist, you will:
• help lead Ontario's technology transfer activities relating to the young animal segment of the livestock 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 young animal segment of the livestock 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

- You have a valid class G Drivers Licence to travel to remote areas not accessible by public transit.
- You must possess oral and written French language skills at the advanced level. Your proficiency level will be confirmed before hire.

Technical knowledge:

• you have experience applying scientific theories, principles and practices of production, economics, business management and marketing related to the livestock sector.• you have knowledge of production practices and economics within the francophone livestock producer organization/agri-business/producer sector.
• you have knowledge of the agricultural industry, farming and the agricultural value-chain, its economic significance, and social importance, and the roles/mandates of farm/commodity organizations in the rural community.
• you have knowledge of relevant acts and regulations impacting livestock organizations/producers/agri-businesses to provide information on commodity standards and advise on compliance.

Research, analytical and problem-solving skills:

• you can apply research methods and practices to investigate viability and applicability of new methods, techniques and technology, analyze validity of findings, and prepare reports/make recommendations.• you can assess information, education and training needs of agriculture and rural clients and to provide information, services and alternative innovative strategies/solutions in the francophone livestock producer/agri-business sector..
• you can investigate issues, new trends and developments related to production, management and marketing in the livestock sector.
• you can review methods/techniques/programs/policies in the agriculture industry and evaluate suitability for Ontario conditions.

Training and consultation expertise:

• you have experience applying adult education techniques and training to develop educational and training materials and conduct training on new products/techniques.• you can conduct needs assessment and program evaluation methods to evaluate educational/training services and policies/programs.
• you can facilitate program delivery, sharing of information, education and training to enhance partnerships.

Interpersonal and communication skills:

• you can create and prepare technical reports, briefing notes, articles and electronic media, and conduct group presentations and one on one dialogue.• you have demonstrated interpersonal skills to develop and maintain effective working relationships and partnerships.
• you have experience presenting information, and outlining options and recommendations on technologies/policies/programs.
• you can influence agricultural and rural organizations to develop and support sustainable policies and programs.

Project management and organization skills:

• you have organizational skills to coordinate concurrent projects and activities to ensure efficient resource use.• you have project management skills to identify time and resource requirements and to develop policy and program options for clients and stakeholders.
• you have experience administering contracts of service providers and forecasting and monitoring project budgets.

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:

• diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives
• accessibility
• Anti-Racism Policy

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
• tailored flexible 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

 Additional information:

Apply by: Friday, October 3, 2025 11:59 pm EDT 

Position details:

• 1 Bilingual English/French Permanent, 59 Ministry Rd, Kemptville, East Region

Compensation group:  Ontario Public Service Employees Union 

Work hours: Schedule 6

Category: Agriculture 

Posted on: Friday, September 12, 2025 

Note: 

• This ad is also available in French.
• T-AF-232886/25

 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