Full Time, Permanent Position
Location: Ontario, Canada (hybrid; field-based with provincial travel)
Reports to: Executive Director

Position Overview

The Sheep Extension Specialist provides technical leadership, knowledge transfer, and extension services to support the growth, sustainability, and competitiveness of Ontario’s sheep industry. Working closely with sheep producers, veterinarians, researchers, industry partners, and government, the Specialist delivers practical, science-based information to improve on-farm productivity, animal welfare, environmental performance, and business outcomes.

Ontario Sheep Famers has set a goal to fulfill 50% of market demand for lamb by 2040. This will require existing flocks to grow, management improvements and the onboarding of new producers to double Ontario’s sheep production. This role will support healthy industry growth and sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

Producer Extension & Education

• Deliver extension programming to sheep producers through workshops, webinars, field days, conferences, and on-farm visits
• Translate research and best practices into practical, producer-focused tools and resources
• Provide technical guidance on flock health, nutrition, genetics, reproduction, lamb production, biosecurity, and animal welfare

Knowledge Transfer & Applied Research

• Collaborate with researchers, universities, and government agencies to support applied research relevant to Ontario sheep production
• Assist with the identification of industry research priorities and support on-farm trials and demonstration projects
• Compile, analyze, and report industry data related to production performance and emerging issues

Industry & Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as a technical resource for industry partners, processors, veterinarians, and allied service providers
• Support provincial and national sheep industry initiatives, including participation in working groups and committees
• Represent the Ontario sheep sector at industry meetings, conferences, and stakeholder consultations

Policy & Advocacy Support

• Provide technical input to inform policy development and advocacy efforts related to animal health, veterinary access, traceability, and food safety
• Support producer understanding of regulatory requirements and industry standards

Communications & Resources

• Develop written and digital extension materials, including factsheets, articles, newsletters, and online content
• Contribute technical content to organizational communications and producer outreach activities

Qualifications & Experience

• Post-secondary degree in Animal Science, Veterinary Science, Agriculture, or a related field (graduate degree preferred)
• Minimum 5 years of experience working with livestock production systems; sheep-sector experience is required
• Demonstrated knowledge of sheep production systems, flock management, and animal health
• Experience in agricultural extension, applied research, adult education, or advisory services
• Strong communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to engage effectively with producers and stakeholders

Additional Requirements

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a field-based environment
• Willingness to travel across Ontario, including occasional evenings and weekends
• Valid Ontario driver’s licence

Key Competencies

• Practical problem-solving and analytical skills
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly and effectively
• Strong organizational and project management abilities
• Commitment to supporting producer success and continuous industry improvement

What We Offer

• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on Ontario’s sheep industry
• Collaborative, producer-focused work environment
• Competitive salary and benefits commensurate with experience

Interested in joining our Team? Submit your application by clicking on APPLY TO THIS POSITION.