Economic Development & Agricultural Officer (202631)

As part of the Economic Development division, the Economic Development and Agricultural Officer leads the development and implementation of workplans, programs, strategies and initiatives focused on supporting and growing a thriving local agricultural and food and beverage sector and rural economy. Providing agri-sector expertise, the Officer supports the Halton Hills Agricultural Roundtable in the development and implementation of its workplan through collaboration with agri-business, including farmers, supply-chain industries, government agencies, and other stakeholders. The position contributes to broader economic development objectives through the implementation and support of the Town’s Economic Development Strategy, Business Retention and Expansion Program, Investment Attraction, Business Concierge Program, Community Improvement Plan and other projects focused on creating a Thriving Economy. This position contributes to positioning Halton Hills as a prime location to live, work, play and invest.

Accountabilities:

Agricultural Sector Leadership

• Coordinates the Halton Hills Agricultural Roundtable as project manager, supporting workplan development and implementation, meeting coordination, and stakeholder engagement.

• Builds and maintains up-to-date knowledge of the agri-business sector, including local data collection, analysis and reporting; agricultural practices, food and beverage systems, sector analysis, industry trends and best practices.

• Acts as the primary liaison between the Town and the agricultural community, providing direct support, fostering strong relationships, and identifying issues, barriers, solutions and opportunities.

• Provides subject matter expertise and policy review and analysis on municipal and external policies impacting rural and agri-business operations.

• Represents the Town on internal and external committees related to agriculture, food systems, and rural economic development, including the Golden Horseshoe Food and Farming Alliance and the Ontario Food Cluster.

• Builds and maintains collaborative relationships with regional, provincial, and federal partners, industry organizations, and post-secondary institutions.

• Collects, analyzes, updates, and publishes local and regional agriculture and food and beverage sector data, including supply chains, employment, land use, and economic development indicators, including the development of sector profiles, performance measures, and key indicators to support program development, investment attraction, and promotional materials.

• Develops and hosts events and workshops that support the long-term economic viability of agriculture.

• Participates as a subject matter expert on internal and external committees and projects that include consideration of agricultural matters.

• Prepares professional advice, briefing materials, reports, and presentations related to agricultural initiatives for the Manager, Senior Management Team, Council, Agricultural Roundtable, and others, as required.

Business Services & Supports:

• Advances a thriving economy by supporting the Business Retention and Expansion (BR+E) and Corporate Calling programs, including engagement with agricultural and rural businesses to identify sector growth opportunities, operational challenges, and solutions.

• Assists with the implementation of the Business Concierge program, providing tailored, coordinated and customer-focused support to agricultural and major agri-business and food and beverage investors navigating municipal processes and approvals.

• Maintains the Economic Development and Investment Management System with accurate records and updates, ensuring consistent tracking of business interactions and follow-up activities.

• Contributes to domestic and international investment attraction efforts, particularly focused on the agri-business and food and beverage sectors.

• Coordinates and assists with the implementation and marketing of programs through the Community Improvement Plan (CIP), including on-farm diversification and agri-tourism incentives.

• Leads the development and implementation of the annual Business Conditions Survey, including survey design, promotion, data collection, analysis, reporting, and business follow-up.

• Plans and delivers networking events, workshops, and marketing initiatives that support business attraction, retention, and growth across target sectors.

• Supports marketing efforts, including preparing reports, infographics, newsletters, and presentations to share data insights and promote Town programs to businesses, stakeholders, and the public.

Strategy and Project Management

• Contributes to the development and implementation of the Town’s Economic Development Strategy, with a focus on agriculture, agri-business, and food and beverage sectors, and related focus areas.

• Develops, manages and implements agricultural plans, programs, and initiatives that support sector development, on-farm diversification, agri-tourism, value-added agriculture, and rural economic vitality, including requests for proposals (RFPs), consultant procurement and oversight, project coordination, and budget tracking, as required.

• Works collaboratively with internal departments to support cross-departmental initiatives and coordinate service delivery related to agriculture, rural economy, and overall economic development.

• Researches, identifies, and leads funding applications and partnership opportunities related to agricultural, rural, and economic development initiatives, and supports the administration of funding agreements, including coordination of applications, documentation, monitoring, reporting, project coordination, consultant oversight, and budget tracking, as required.

• Supports special projects and emerging priorities, as assigned.

Qualifications:

• University degree in relevant fields such as Economic Development, Commerce, Agriculture, Business, Public Administration, Environmental Studies, or similar.

• Certificate in Economic or Rural Development, Agricultural Policy, or related discipline preferred.

• 3-5 years’ experience in economic, agricultural, or rural development within a municipal setting.

• Proven ability to work with businesses, farmers, agri-business stakeholders, Council, and committees on relationship management, governance, issue resolution, partnerships, and strategy development.

• Strong understanding of agri-business and economic development best practices, including supporting sector strategies, action plans, BR+E initiatives, and business engagement activities.

• Experience with CIP, on-farm diversification, agri-tourism, incentive programs, and concierge service delivery.

• Skilled in project and program management—coordination, implementation, reporting, procurement, contract management, and budget tracking according to municipal policies.

• Proficient at research and analysis, preparing reports, briefings, presentations, and recommendations based on economic and policy data.

• Experience managing funding programs: grant applications, agreements, MOUs, and reporting.

• Knowledge of agriculture, agri-business, food systems, rural development, sector trends, and value chains.

• Ability to manage multiple complex projects, timelines, budgets, and reporting in fast-paced settings.

• Excellent communication skills for preparing and delivering professional reports, presentations, and recommendations.

• Experience with RFPs, consultant procurement and oversight, and contract management in line with municipal procedures.

• Proficient with office software, data management, and CRM systems.

• Membership(s) with relevant organizations such as:

  Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC)

  Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO)

  Ontario Institute of Agrologists (P.Ag. or AIT)

  Canadian Institute of Planners

  Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI)

  Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC) - Ec.D. designation (or working towards certification) is preferred

Compensation:

The salary for this position (35 hours per week) is $89,936 - $107,066 annually.

Position Details:

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Location:

This position allows a blend of working onsite and remotely based on the needs of the business, in accordance with the Town’s Work from Home Policy, and is subject to change. This position will also require some flexibility in the incumbent’s availability and work schedule.