Senior Berry 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, 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.

Description:

Senior Berry Specialist

We are seeking a talented, innovative senior professional with deep expertise in horticulture and a strong understanding of berry crops. As the Berry Specialist, you will report directly to the Manager of Horticulture and play a pivotal role in developing and implementing a comprehensive province-wide outreach and extension program.

Nova Scotia is recognized across Canada for its leadership in berry production, with a vibrant community of growers, nurseries, and research partners. At Perennia, you'll be at the front lines of exciting and impactful work that shapes the future of the berry industry provincially, regionally, and nationally. As part of a seven-person horticulture team, the Senior Berry Specialist crop responsibilities include strawberries, brambles and highbush blueberries. This can be a hybrid home-office-field position with the understanding that candidates are required to be present regularly in Kentville and responsible for working with team members and client's province-wide.

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. Specific duties include technology transfer; facilitation of farmer education; field research; development of educational materials using various technologies; remaining current on industry trends and research-based knowledge; participation on various committees and boards; and other initiatives as required to support industry development including proactively developing applied research projects for outside funding.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Develop robust agriculture extension program to meet the needs of berry producers in Nova Scotia.
• Provide information, education, and advisory services to berry farmers.
• Identify new research or opportunities in berry production that, if advanced, would ensure the continued development of a viable and sustainable berry 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.
• Communicate information within the team in an open and timely manner so they are aware of recent developments.
• Identify projects with short- and long-term impacts for Nova Scotia berry farms, including developing proposals and budgets, and lead/manage projects.
• Appreciation for our role as a partner with relevant provincial departments and a collaborative approach to working with government, industry and academia.

Requirements and Competencies:

• M.Sc. in Horticulture, plant science, or related Discipline.
• Minimum of five years' experience working in the horticulture industry with direct experience in berry extension preferred.
• Experience in pest management e.g. entomology, plant pathology, and/or weed management.
• Solid foundation in plant physiology, soil science and nutrient management principals.
• Experience in technology-based knowledge transfer to the agriculture industry would be an asset with demonstrated experience or aptitude in blogs, videos, podcasts and/or webinars. ·
• Good observational and diagnostics skills. ·
• Demonstrated experience in managing projects and conducting applied research trials in field environments.
• 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.
• A P.Ag. or eligible for P.Ag. status with the Nova Scotia Institute of Agrologists.

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 or Word cover letter and resume noting compensation expectations, experience in seafood, agriculture, or food processing, and a potential start date, by noon on November 30, 2025 to:

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

Perennia is an equal opportunity employer.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Designated paid holidays
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Vision care

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