Senior Engineer, Agri-Food Systems / Ingenieur principal, systemes agroalimentaires;...

Senior Engineer, Agri-Food Systems

The Engineering and Innovation unit serves as the Ministry's core engineering and environmental science resource for environmental issues, safety standards, sector innovation, and technical expertise in the agri‑food community. We are hiring for a Senior Engineer, Agri‑Food Systems with a focus on Water Quality and another Senior Engineer, Agri‑Food Systems with a focus on Water Management/Drainage.

About the job

In this role, you will:

• Act as a senior engineering specialist and technical leader to develop and evaluate engineering solutions for water quality and water management challenges.
• Lead applied research, pilot, and demonstration projects to evaluate emerging technologies and innovative practices.
• Provide expert technical advice and engineering input to support the development of legislation, policies, programs, standards, and best management practices.
• Work collaboratively with internal and external partners to support innovation and continuous improvement across the sector.

We are offering two positions:

• Senior Engineer, Agri‑Food Systems (Water Quality)
• Senior Engineer, Agri‑Food Systems (Water Management/Drainage)

Focus areas

• Water Quality : Advance solutions to improve rural water quality through nutrient management, runoff mitigation, and on‑farm treatment systems; support soil and water conservation practices.
• Water Management/Drainage : Lead initiatives related to drainage systems, water retention, and hydrologic management; improve water movement, storage, and resilience in agricultural landscapes.

What you bring to the team

Mandatory requirements

• Professional Engineer, licensed with Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO).
• Valid Class ‘G’ driver’s licence (or equivalent) and ability to travel.

Technical knowledge

• Advanced knowledge of engineering principles in water resources, hydrology, environmental, civil, agricultural, or biosystems engineering.
• Experience with water quality, drainage systems, hydrology, erosion control, or environmental management practices.
• Experience using engineering tools such as GIS, modelling, or data analysis (considered an asset).
• Knowledge of farm practices (e.g., livestock, cropping) and agronomy is an asset.

Communication and stakeholder engagement skills

• Ability to communicate complex technical information clearly through reports, presentations, and briefings.
• Experience providing technical advice to internal and external stakeholders, including senior decision‑makers.
• Skill in building strong working relationships and collaborating with diverse partners, including government, industry, and sector stakeholders.
• Consultation and negotiation skills to resolve issues and support consensus‑building.

Research and analytical skills

• Experience leading or contributing to applied research, pilot or demonstration projects.
• Ability to evaluate complex engineering proposals, assess emerging technologies, and conduct cost‑benefit analysis.
• Skill in analyzing complex technical problems, identifying risks, and developing evidence‑based recommendations.

Leadership and project management skills

• Experience leading complex engineering or research projects, including planning, budgeting, and managing timelines and deliverables.
• Experience working with or overseeing consultants, contractors, or research partners.
• Ability to provide technical guidance, mentorship, or leadership to others.

If you meet most, but not all, of the listed qualifications, you are encouraged to apply. We recognize that no one person might have every qualification in this job ad, and you might just 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, and 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 work 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.

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

What we offer

The Ontario Public Service (OPS) is committed to being an employer of first choice, creating a positive and inclusive work environment.

• Defined benefit pension plan
• Maternity and parental leave top‑up benefits (including adoptive parents)
• Comprehensive health plan
• Life and disability insurance
• Flexible work arrangements
• Collegial and professional work culture
• Career growth and development opportunities across multiple business areas
• On‑the‑job training to support your success in the role

The deadline to apply is Tuesday, July 14, 2026, 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.