The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is seeking an energetic and enthusiastic individual to join our team in the full-time, permanent position of Member Services Representative (MSR).

Are you passionate about facilitation, coordination, and delivery of programs that help people feel engaged, aware of important issues, and ready to act. Are you a fast learner with a growth mindset who focuses on the details and thrives at being organized and completing high quality work.

We are currently seeking a Member Services Representative for ZONE 5 in Halton, Hamilton-Wentworth, Niagara Regions, to join OFA’s Member Services Group.

Applicants may submit their cover letter and resume, in confidence to hr@ofa.on.ca no later than Friday September 12, 2025, at 4:00 PM.

Who is OFA?

OFA is the largest general farm organization in Ontario, proudly representing 38,000+ farm family members across the province. OFA is a trusted, producer-led organization that works to represent and champion the diverse interests of Ontario’s agri-food sector and rural communities. Our work includes government relations, farm policy development, research, lobby efforts, community representation, media relations and more. We have a strong voice for our members and the agri-food industry on issues, legislation and regulations governed by municipal, provincial and federal governments.

 

Key Position Responsibilities and Duties:

The Member Services Representative (MSR) is responsible for the successful facilitation, coordination, and delivery of OFA programs to members within the region. To increase retention of members and provide superior levels of service through relationship management, effective public relations and contributing to organizational and leadership development in the delivery of these benefits and services. The incumbent provides a key link between members, community and local boards and will endeavour to build and maintain the OFA as an exceptional service-driven organization.

 

A. Member Relations and Services:

• With support and direction of the Manager of Member Services for the region, and support from the OFA staff, provide and ensure consistent and coordinated services to the membership
• Assist members with farm-related problems through investigation, providing access to information, collaborating with internal and external resources, and additional support as required to assist in effective resolution options
• Input and track member contact information via the OFA IMIS database
• Encourage and assist in communications with members through Local Federation meetings, newsletters, and other forms of media where appropriate

B. Member Retention:

• Receive and respond to member inquiries and concerns regarding registration under the Farm Business Registration Act
• Develop and support programs to encourage and promote recognition and retention of members in the OFA
• Respond to individual, farmer-member concerns and issues by providing information, consultation, potential solutions, and support to members and local organizations
• Promotion of OFA at Trade Shows, and events

C. Leadership Development:

• Assist Local Federations with the recruitment for participation within their organization
• Assist in training and development of members to take on leadership roles at the local and provincial levels of the Federation Organization
• Provide coaching and resources to leaders in the form of access to training and development programs and opportunities

D. Organizational Development:

• Assists in the development of the OFA organization at the local and provincial level through participation in meetings, development of effective local committees and local delivery of OFA programs and benefits
• Assist County Federations to enhance and improve organizational effectiveness
• Support local efforts to address broader issues and concerns within the farming community
• Liaise with OFA Zone Board Director to ensure coordination of communication in response to emerging issues and OFA programs

E. Public Relations:

• Encourage and assist in the development and execution of programs and activities to enhance the image of the OFA, farmers, and farm organizations (i.e., developing media relationships, partnership projects, participation at trade shows etc ).

F. Support Functions:

• Provide information and co-ordination for OFA led campaigns and events (i.e., lobby campaigns).
• Attend OFA functions and events including the annual meeting and convention
• Provide an active and effective presence for members in the field area
• Provide reports of updates on current issues directed by Management, such as weekly reports, time tracker, County federation reports, time tracker, County federation reports, etc.

G. Operations:

• MSR’s are required to follow all OFA policies, procedures, health and safety requirements

 

Physical Requirements & Other Duties

• Must live/reside within Territory (Requirement).
• Ability to bend, lift at least 15-25lbs.
• Ability to assemble and take down display materials
• Can operate battery operated drill for installation purposes

Other:
Continue to seek opportunities to further them. They also will continue to seek to improve their skills through various learning opportunities. Assist the Manager to compile and maintain statistical information. Perform other related duties as required in support of OFA and all departments.

 

Qualifications:

Education:

• Completion of a minimum of two (2) years’ post-secondary education from an accredited educational institution or equivalent experience preferred

Experience:

• Experience and/or training in the agriculture industry
• Experience in a customer service / volunteer driven organization is preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Superior facilitative and organizational skills
• Effective English, written, oral and presentation skills
• Demonstrates a high level of initiative
• Appreciation and understanding of agriculture in Ontario and the nature of farming culture
• The ability to work effectively unsupervised as well can collaborate within a team
• Access to a reliable vehicle / transportation which meets OFA Vehicle Policy
• Hold a valid Ontario (G) Driver’s License
• Strong computer skills
• Demonstrates discretion and adheres to confidentiality in handling delicate or complex situations.
• French language capabilities an asset

Working Conditions:

• Works in an office environment (remote – home office) as well as out in the field – as required
• Participation in virtual meetings (video conference call).
• Required to attend 3 to 5 evening monthly meetings.
• Possesses a reliable vehicle which meets OFA Vehicle Policy and Ontario Driver’s License (Class G).
• Will be required to work flexible hours (including evenings and weekends) to attend meetings, events or functions or to meet annual obligations during periods of the business cycle
• May deal with conflict and member relations issues causing stress at times
• May experience tight deadlines and stressful conditions at times
• Spends a frequent amount of time sitting and looking at a computer screen and on the telephone.
• Must be able to manage frequent interruptions and multiple tasks daily
• Usually works a standard thirty-five-hour work week, Monday to Friday 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
• It is required to maintain high levels of concentration and attention to detail for extended periods
• May encounter and need to manage stress at times due to competing work priorities and conflicts arising from OFA policy adopted without the benefit of full consensus

Benefits & Renumeration

• Salary Range: $55,000 – $82,000 /Yr.
• Starting Salary $55,000/yr.
• Work week: Hours of work – 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. (35-hours)
• Location: Remote work – Must live/reside within region/territory (Requirement).
• Benefits: OFA’s group benefit program, three (3) months upon their Start Date
  • Health care
  • Dental care
  • Vision care
  • Disability insurance, LTD (employee paid)
  • Employee & Family Assistance Program (EAP)
• Pension Plan: OFA defined benefit Pension Plan upon completion of six months (6) of employment. The OFA pension plan is shared 50/50 responsibility between the Employer and the Employee
• Vacation: Three weeks (15 days) pro-rated yearly
• Sick time: Sick leave benefits earned/accrued monthly over the course of each calendar year, (twelve – 12 days)
• Personal Time: 35 hours of personal time as needed, outlined and limited by policy (pro-rated).
• Volunteer Time: 21 hours of volunteering within your community with a recognized charity group per year is available as per policy
• Mileage Per/Km: Vehicle use will be compensated at a rate per km for work related mileage when applicable, following policy

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome diversity within our workforce. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with disabilities act, 2005 and Disabilities Act of Canada, upon request, accommodation will be provided throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities. You may reach out to request an accommodation via email: hr@ofa.on.ca or phone: 519-821-8883 Ext.282.

Applicants may submit their cover letter and resume, in confidence, to the Attn: Human Resources no later than September 12, 2025, by 4 pm. directly to hr@ofa.on.ca . Late applications may not be accepted.

We wish to thank all applicants in advance for their interest; however, only those who will be considered for an interview will be contacted.

Application deadline: September 12, 2025, by 4 pm
Expected start date: September 22, 2025 (some flexibility)