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- Position/Title
- Deputy Line Fence Referee (Part-Time)
- Agency
- Line Fences
- Advertisement Date
- 05-Oct-2026
- Closing Date
- 19-Oct-2026
- File Number
- PAS-260053
- Position Type
- Part-Time
- Remuneration
- PER DIEM
- Roles and Responsibilities
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness is seeking two (2) Deputy Line Fence Referees to conduct occasional line fence appeals hearings throughout the province.
- The Line Fence Deputy Referees are responsible for hearing appeals under the Line Fences Act and determining the outcome of appeals of line fence decisions made by municipal fence viewers. The Deputy Referees act as an impartial arm's length appeal body for citizens entering complaints against a municipal fence viewer's decision. The Referees arrange and conduct hearings and award decisions on each appeal. Decisions are final and binding.
- The Deputy Referees work alongside the Line Fence Referee who acts as a source of technical expertise to municipalities and provide training to the Deputy Referees for line fence matters as required.
- One position will require proficiency in both English and French.
- Qualifications
The candidate must have a valid Class G Ontario Driver's Licence. Deputy Referees must be able to travel across the province, as many of the appeals are in rural and/or remote areas.
Ideal candidates will have a background in municipal administration and/or negotiation, arbitration or other legal training, and strong problem solving and dispute resolution skills.
Bilingual Deputy Line Fence Referee must be fluent in both English and written and oral French, ideally at the superior level.
Knowledge and Analytical Skills:
- Knowledge of relevant legislation including the Line Fences Act
- Background in negotiation, mediation/arbitration, formal hearings processes or municipal administration
- Understanding of land use/administration in Ontario, particularly as it relates to rural and agricultural lands
- Experience with examinations under oath, orders and awarding of costs
- Ability to apply relevant legislation to make impartial decisions
Communication and Interpersonal Skills:
- Strong ability to work independently, as well as with a wide range of administrative and management staff (municipal and provincial)
- Experience working effectively with parties on opposing sides of an issue to elicit relevant information, reach decisions and provide clear and concise rationale
- Excellent oral and written communication skills and experience writing reports
- Term
-
3 years
• The initial appointment is for a fixed term of 3 years with the potential for being reappointed. - Time Commitment
-
Meet as required
• Referees and Deputy Referees must be able to travel across the province, as many of the appeals are in rural and/or remote areas. • Appeals to the Line Fences Act are infrequent with approximately 3 to 7 appeals per year. As a result, the Referees’ services are required on an occasional and as-needed basis only. - Expenses
-
Yes
• The Deputy Referee is paid a per diem of $398 per day and reimbursed for eligible travel expenses for hearings consistent with government directives and policies.