About the Job

Reporting to the Manager of Horticulture and working as part of Perennia's horticulture team, the Vegetable Specialist plays a central role in supporting the growth, sustainability, and competitiveness of Nova Scotia's vegetable industry. This position serves as Perennia's provincial subject matter expert for vegetable crop production and is responsible for designing and delivering extension programming, conducting applied research, and providing technical expertise directly to growers and industry partners.

Nova Scotia's vegetable industry is a significant contributor to the province's food supply, with a diverse range of crops grown across the province. This role offers an exciting opportunity to work directly with producers, researchers, industry associations, government partners, and colleagues to address production challenges, evaluate emerging opportunities, and advance innovation across the sector.

This position is based in Kentville, Nova Scotia. Regular travel throughout Nova Scotia is required to support producers, industry events, field research, and extension activities.

What you’ll do

- Develop and implement a comprehensive provincial extension program that addresses the needs of Nova Scotia vegetable producers.
- Provide technical information, education, and advisory services on vegetable production systems, crop management, pest management, soil fertility, nutrient management, and emerging industry issues.
- Work closely with growers, commodity organizations, researchers, and government partners to identify opportunities that enhance the profitability, sustainability, and resilience of the vegetable sector.
- Design, lead, and evaluate applied research, demonstration, and development projects that address industry priorities.
- Develop funding proposals, project plans, and budgets in collaboration with the Manager and external partners.
- Communicate research findings and technical information through presentations, workshops, field days, webinars, online learning platforms, videos, podcasts, blogs, fact sheets, publications, and social media.
- Monitor industry trends, production practices, and emerging research to ensure Nova Scotia growers have access to current, science-based information.




- Collaborate with other Perennia specialists to provide integrated support and solutions to clients.
- Contribute to provincial, regional, and national committees, working groups, and industry initiatives.
- Maintain strong stakeholder relationships while representing Perennia as a trusted and credible source of technical expertise.
- Share information and project updates openly with colleagues and contribute positively to a collaborative team culture.

What’s needed The successful candidate will possess strong technical expertise in horticulture, excellent communication skills, and a passion for helping producers succeed. This position requires self-starters with a passion for agriculture, strong work ethic, positive attitude, a high personal standard of excellence and who enjoys working in a cooperative team environment.

Specifically, we are looking for someone with:

- M.Sc. in Horticulture, Plant Science, Agronomy, or a related discipline.
- Minimum five years of experience working within the horticulture industry, with direct experience supporting vegetable production preferred.
- Strong knowledge of vegetable crop production systems and best management practices.
- Experience developing and delivering extension programming and knowledge transfer activities.
- Experience in pest management, including entomology, plant pathology, and/or weed management.
- Solid foundation in plant physiology, soil science, and nutrient management principles.
- Demonstrated experience conducting field-based applied research and managing technical projects.
- Familiarity with digital communication tools and technology-based extension methods such as webinars, videos, blogs, podcasts, and online learning platforms is considered an asset.
- Strong diagnostic, observational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.




- Demonstrated ability to build productive relationships with producers, industry organizations, government, and research partners.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Commitment to professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality.
- Positive attitude and strong commitment to Perennia's values and client service standards.
- Member, or eligible for membership, with the Nova Scotia Institute of Agrology (P.Ag.).

If you have different combinations of education, skills, and experience that would enable you to excel in this role, we encourage you to tell us why you would be a great fit.

Why Perennia

Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation is Nova Scotia’s development agency focusing on the food sector. Our mission is to support success, transformation, and economic development in Nova Scotia’s agriculture, seafood, food and beverage sectors. Perennia’s highly skilled and collaborative team focuses on superior customer service, proactive solutions, and innovative approaches to meet client needs.

We also like to identify team members who have a desire to develop and learn new skills. Professional development is also encouraged and supported.

We offer a competitive compensation package which includes base salary, extended health care advantages, three weeks’ vacation to start and RRSP contribution matching.

Learn more at www.perennia.ca

How to apply To apply for this exciting position at Perennia, please email a combined PDF or Word cover letter and resume clearly noting relevant experience, compensation expectations and a potential start date, by noon on November 4, 2026 to [email protected]

Only those candidates who move on to the interview phase will be contacted.

Benefits

- Casual dress
- Company events
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Flexible schedule
- Mileage reimbursement
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Vision care

Application question(s):
- Tell us why you would be a great fit?

Education:
- Master's Degree (required)

Experience:
- Horticulture, Plant Science, Agronomy : 5 years (required)

Licence/Certification:
- Nova Scotia Drivers license (required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Kentville, NS B4N 2N1

📌 Vegetable Specialist (Kentville)
🏢 Perennia Food and Agriculture
📍 Kentville