Senior Engineer, Agri-Food Systems

Apply By: Tuesday, July 14, 2026 11:59 pm EDT

Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness

Division:

Food Safety and Environment Division / Environmental Management Branch

City:

Brighton, Clinton, Elora, Guelph, Kemptville, Lindsay, London, Ridgetown, Simcoe, Stratford, Vineland, Woodstock

Job term:

2 Temporary one Water Quality for up to 18 months, and one Water Management/Drainage for up to 8 months, with possibility of extension

Job code:

PE0306 - Barg-Eng 03 Research and Development

The Engineering and Innovation unit serves as the Ministry's core engineering and environmental science resource on environmental issues, safety standards, sector innovation and technical expertise for the agri-food community. The EI unit is hiring for a Senior Engineer, Agri-Food Systems (Water Quality focus) and a Senior Engineer, Agri-Food Systems (Water Management/Drainage focus).

About the job

• Act as a senior engineering specialist and technical leader to lead the development and evaluation of engineering solutions to address 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.

NOTE: We are offering two positions:

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

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

• You are a Professional Engineer, licensed with Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO).
• You have a valid Class ‘G’ driver's licence (or equivalent) and ability to travel.

Technical knowledge

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

Communication and stakeholder engagement skills

• You can communicate complex technical information clearly through reports, presentations and briefings.
• You have experience providing technical advice to internal and external stakeholders, including senior decision-makers.
• You can build strong working relationships and collaborate with diverse partners, including government, industry and sector stakeholders.
• You have consultation and negotiation skills to resolve issues and support consensus-building.

Research and analytical skills

• You have experience leading or contributing to applied research, pilot or demonstration projects.
• You can evaluate complex engineering proposals, assess emerging technologies and conduct cost-benefit analysis.
• You can analyze complex technical problems, identify risks and develop evidence-based recommendations.

Leadership and project management skills

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

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 might be the right candidate.

What we offer

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

We offer:

• A defined benefit pension plan
• Maternity and parental leave top-up benefits which includes 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

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.