Apply By: Friday, October 9, 2026 11:59 pm EDTMinistry of Agriculture, Food and AgribusinessDivision:Agriculture Development BranchCity:Guelph, SimcoePosition(s) language:Job term:1 Temporary up to 13 monthsJob code:$1,627.28 - $2,077.03 Per week**Indicates the salary listed as per the OPSEU Collective Agreement.Do you want to play a key role in supporting the competitiveness of Ontario's horticulture sector? If so, this is your opportunity to join the dynamic Horticulture Crops team and help Ontario's technology transfer efforts in the assessment of new, emerging and existing practices, products, technology and research with a focus on the pome fruit sector.The Tree Fruit Specialist (pome fruit) requires extensive knowledge of apple and pear production practices along with excellent oral and written communication skills to discuss and present information effectively. If you have the interest and abilities to fill this important role, please consider this position with the Horticulture Crops Unit.the Ministry The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agri-business 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 high quality agricultural production through the application of best management practices, on-farm surveillance and monitoring and contributing to applied research projects to ensure a competitive and resilient agri-food sector.About the jobIn this role, you will:Act as the lead provincial specialist related to pome fruit productionLead Ontario's technology transfer activities through the development, coordination and implementation of strategies, policies programs, educational and awareness-building training and tools to facilitate changeBuild partnerships and consult with stakeholder organizations and agencies to identify concerns, issues, trends and new developments which may relate to and impact on provincial programs, policies and information servicesCoordinate and contribute to applied research and projects designed to assess the applicability of recent and existing practices, products, technologies and programs to Ontario's pome fruit sectorProvide expertise to senior management related to the pome fruit sector across OntarioAct as a liaison between the research community and industryWorking in cooperation with other ministry staff, understand and manage contentious and high priority issuesRepresent provincial and ministry interests on multidisciplinary working groups to develop provincial,



national or international initiatives related to pome fruit productionWhat you bring to the teamMandatory requirementsYou have a valid Ontario class "G" driver's licence to travel in rural areas not serviced by public transportationTechnical expertiseYou have:Knowledge and understanding of scientific theories, principles and practices of production, economics, business management and marketing related to the pome fruit sectorKnowledge of the agricultural industry, and the roles and mandates of farm and commodity organizations in the rural communityKnowledge of acts and regulations that impact pome fruit production sector organizations, producers and agri-businessesKnowledge of current issues, research accomplishments, environmental impacts, production practices, marketing trends and theories as well as programs and services provided worldwideIn order to:Identify the suitability, relevance and impact of new techniques, programs and policies on the pome fruit sectorDevelop expert leading-edge information and educational materials related to pome fruit productionIn partnership with other staff and ministries, provide guidance on compliance of industry practices and techniques with legislation and regulationsEnsure our client base has access to state-of-the-art informationProvide expertise to senior management related to the pome fruit sector across OntarioInterpersonal and communication skillsYou can:Establish and enhance partnerships, coalitions and networks with producers and industry stakeholders at provincial, national and international levels, to facilitate program delivery, sharing of information, education and trainingBuild consensus, encourage and motivate clients to facilitate changePresent and discuss information, outline options and recommendations on how technologies, policies and programs can be applied; facilitate understanding and promote acceptance; and deliver training effectivelyCommunicate concisely, professionally and effectively in writing through the compilation and preparation of technical reports, briefing notes, articles, publications and electronic mediaProject management and coordination skillsYou can:Manage concurrent projects and activities to address agriculture and rural issues related to pome fruit productionPlan and coordinate activities in consultation with clients and stakeholdersIdentify time and resource requirements, forecast and monitor project budgets, plan and coordinate own and other staff time in order to effectively and efficiently meet objectivesResearch,



analytical and problem-solving skillsYou can:Use research methods and practices to investigate viability and applicability of new methods, techniques and technologiesAnalyze validity of research findings, prepare reports and provide recommendations on suitability and applicability for Ontario conditionsAssess training needs of agriculture and rural clients to provide and deliver information, services and alternative innovative strategies and solutionsInvestigate issues, new trends and developments related to production, management and marketing of pome fruits, community economic development, and environmental sustainabilityTraining experienceYou have:Knowledge of adult education methods and techniques, consultation and group facilitation techniques as well as needs assessment techniques and program evaluation methodsDemonstrated experience using adult education principles to develop and deliver educational and training materials for clients and colleaguesComputer skillsYou have proficiency of computer applications for statistical analysis, data base management and electronic communications (including email, internet, social media, presentation tools, digital media e.G. video/audio creation/editing tools)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 accessibilityWe 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 initiativesaccessibilityAnti-Racism PolicyLanguage 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.

📌 Tree Fruit Specialist (Pome Fruit) (Clarington)
🏢 Environment, Conservation and Parks | Environnement, Protection de la nature et Parcs
📍 Clarington