Soil Specialist

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, and food and beverage sectors. That means our team of bright, engaged specialists are always learning, always evolving, and always ready to take on a new challenge. So, what are you waiting for? Come Grow with us.

SOIL SPECIALIST

Perennia's highly skilled and collaborative team focuses on superior customer service, proactive solutions, and innovative approaches to meet client needs.

We are looking for a talented, innovative professional with an understanding and expertise in soil science to initiate and lead soil-based projects, and work as a collaborator with our agriculture production specialists as part of an integrated team. This can be a hybrid home-office position with the understanding that preference would be for candidates able to travel to our Kentville or Truro-based offices as needed. Perennia recognizes how vital soil management and soil health is to the sustainability and success of our farming sector. We want to be a leader in addressing issues and seeking opportunities in this area, and this position will be at the front lines of exciting and impactful work in this area provincially, regionally and nationally.

As provincial Soil Specialist, clients and projects may span the province, but the ideal location for this position is close to either our Truro or Kentville offices or centrally located in the province with a commitment to travel as required.

The successful candidate will be our team's subject matter expert on soils, providing development and proactive leadership of a comprehensive soil extension program and services to clients on soil subjects. This position requires a self-starter with a strong work ethic, positive attitude, comfortable in using technology and virtual information sharing tools, and a high personal standard of excellence.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Provide information, education, and advisory services to farmers on soil subject matter as a lead specialist or as part of a holistic team depending on the path to success for the client
• Lead and support strategies and activities, including beneficial management practices that enhance soil quality, health and fertility, ensuring the continued development of a viable and sustainable agriculture industry
• Share relevant information and advice to increase the knowledge and skills sets of Nova Scotia farmers through presentations, field days and workshops, webinars, online learning, instructional videos, podcasts, blogs, fact sheets and publications and social media
• Work collaboratively with other Perennia specialists to deliver a variety of services
• Conduct in-depth site assessments, testing and make recommendations as needed
• Communicate information within the team in an open and timely manner and be the lead in sharing soil-based updates, research, etc. so they are aware of most recent developments in soil
• Identify projects with short- and long-term impacts on Nova Scotia agriculture from a soil perspective, including develop proposals and budgets, and lead/manage projects
• An appreciation for our role as a partner with relevant provincial departments and a collaborative approach to working with government, industry and academia, for example the provincial soil testing lab

Requirements and Competencies

• M.Sc in Soil Science, agronomy, environmental science, or related discipline
• Relevant professional experience working directly with farmers in some capacity
• Experience working with Canadian agricultural principles, practices, and technologies related to soil, agronomy, crop production, and environmentally sustainable practices
• Experience working with GIS and data collection tools would be considered an asset
• Proficiency in Canadian Soil Management Systems classifications, descriptions, and soil mapping
• Demonstrated experience in managing projects
• Demonstrated experience in developing content for a farm audience
• A collaborative approach to work with an open attitude that contributes to a positive and supportive work environment
• An ability to be adaptable and balance multiple project requirements while demonstrating a high level of technical excellence
• Committed to discretion, professionalism and confidentiality
• Attention to detail, superb organizational skills,
• Open to new experiences and developing new skills
• Positive attitude to effectively represent Perennia and its values
• Has a 'can-do' attitude when working with colleagues and clients

If you have different skills, education and experience that you feel would enable you to be an amazing soil specialist, please feel free to make your case in your cover letter

Perennia offers a competitive compensation package which includes base salary, extended health care benefits, RRSP contribution match, and professional development opportunities

To apply for this exciting position at Perennia, please email a combined PDF cover letter and resume noting compensation expectations and experience by noon on November 14, 2025 to:

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

Perennia is an equal opportunity employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Expected hours: 37.5 per week

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Flexible schedule
• Life insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• RRSP match

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Bible Hill, NS