Job Overview
Western Fair District is seeking a highly motivated and experienced individual to step into the role of Agri-Business Manager on a temporary basis to cover a maternity leave. This contract position will continue through November 2026.This exciting opportunity involves leading a variety of key agricultural events and initiatives, including the National Poultry Show, London Farm Show, and Western Fair livestock programming, while also supporting innovative agri-tech projects through Innovation Farms Ontario and the AgRobotics Working Group.
Key Responsibilities:
Agricultural Event Leadership
- Lead the planning and execution of major ag events including the National Poultry Show, London Farm Show, and livestock displays at the Western Fair.
- Manage all aspects of event development: budgeting, logistics, exhibitor coordination, team leadership, and post-event evaluation.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with departments such as Marketing, Sales, Operations, and Security to ensure successful execution.
- Act as the on-site event lead during setup, event days, and teardown.
AgRobotics & Innovation Program Management
- Lead the AgRobotics Working Group, fostering partnerships with producers, researchers, vendors, and funding partners.
- Budget & track finances for the AgRobotics Working Group and Innovation Farms Ontario, including ensuring reporting deadlines are met between each project
- Manage research projects and demonstration initiatives aimed at accelerating agri-tech adoption.
- Organize Knowledge Translation & Transfer (KTT) activities, industry demos, and student-focused programs.
- Oversee the development of the AgRobotics Lab at The Grove.
Systems & Technology
- Gain an understanding for Ungerboeck event management software: training, troubleshooting, and system optimization.
Qualifications:
- Post-secondary education in Agriculture, Event Management, or a related field.
- Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in agricultural events, programming, or innovation-focused projects.
- Strong understanding of Ontario’s agri-food sector and emerging ag technologies.
- Strong skills in project management, communication, and stakeholder engagement.
- Experience with industry associations, research organizations, or public-sector partners is an asset.
- Ability to track time allocated between different projects and events, ensuring funding guidelines are met and timing is managed properly
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with Ungerboeck software preferred.
- Flexibility to work evenings and weekends during key events.
- Valid driver’s license required..
A portion of this role’s wage is funded through the AgRobotics Working Group and the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, as well as a portion through Innovation Farms Ontario, funded by FCC AgExpert. The applicant is required to manage time allocations between each project.
Job Types: Part-time, Fixed term contract, Casual
Contract length: 14 months
Pay: $65,000.00-$82,000.00 per year
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
- Employee assistance program
- On-site parking
Schedule:
- Holidays
- Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person
Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Benefits:
- Company events
- Disability insurance
- On-site parking
- Vision care
- Wellness program
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed
Work Location: In person