Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To assist biology and planning staff with biological and ecological information collection, management, analysis and reporting for the purposes of natural resource planning and management.

Duties / Responsibilities :

Under the general supervision of the Timmins District Planning and Information Management Supervisor, and professional direction of the Planning Biologist and District Planner: - Assist the biologists and planning staff with the collection, management, analysis and reporting of information pertaining to natural resource management planning initiatives including population and ecosystem management, water management planning, forest management planning, land use planning, and protected area planning. This could include written information and spatial data regarding land cover, vegetation, habitat, geology, fish, wildlife, species at risk, cultural heritage, and other values. - Assist with field inventory and monitoring of natural heritage features, as required. - Assist with information management initiatives including the maintenance of biodiversity related spatial databases, as required. - Assist with the review of environmental assessment reports for development proposals and other resource management activities. - Attend courses focusing on resource management topics as they relate to the conservation of biodiversity and maintenance of ecological sustainability. - Participate in the transfer of knowledge and applied science to District functional and leadership teams. - Become familiar with the Ministry's legislation, regulation and policy framework as they relate to natural resources management and planning. - Participate on project teams to help establish objectives, transfer information, and report on progress. The incumbent shall, while in the workplace, conduct themselves in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations, and any workplace procedures or practices as directed by their immediate supervisor, report any hazards of which they are aware to their immediate supervisor, report all work related injuries and illnesses to their immediate supervisor.

Staffing and Licencing :

Valid Ontario Drivers Licence.

Knowledge :

- Job requires knowledge of biology and ecology including conservation biology, biodiversity and the natural sciences. - Job requires knowledge of current natural resource inventory, monitoring, and assessment techniques with regard to natural landscapes, wildlife habitat, geology, water quality and quantity, and other values. - Job requires knowledge of the field identification and assessment of biodiversity (ecosystems, flora, and fauna) of North- eastern Ontario. - Job requires an understanding of conservation issues, and legislative and planning tools that support the protection of natural heritage values and areas in Ontario. - Job requires familiarity with resource management planning processes in Ontario, including, but not limited to water management, forest management, land use and protected area planning. Job requires working knowledge of geographic information systems and mapping. - Job requires knowledge of analytical techniques and computer applications to analyze data and prepare reports. - Job requires knowledge
of worker responsibilities as outlined in the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations.

Skills :

- Job requires interpersonal skills and ability to work independently, or within a multi-disciplinary team and with clients and partners. - Job requires communication skills, both oral and written to communicate a variety of types of information clearly and concisely to a variety of audiences. - Job requires organizational and analytical skills in order to organize own time and be able to problem solve with the information provided. - Job requires ability to travel to other work locations within the Timmins District to assist with field inventory or monitoring of natural heritage features. - Job requires ability to use GIs technology (e.g. ArcMap) and to input GIs data, digitize and produce reports and maps relating to natural features. - Job requires ability to use personal computer software including word processing, record keeping, spreadsheets, electronic mail and internet software applications.

Freedom of Action :

- Position works under the general supervision of Planning and Information Management Supervisor and day to day direction of the Timmins District Planning Biologist and District Planner. - Work is guided by Ministry and government legislation, policies, standards and priorities and performed in accordance with established methods and practical procedures. - Job contributes to decision-making about priorities and major tasks in consultation with the Timmins District Planning Biologist and District Planner. Work is reviewed for general accuracy and adequacy. - Situations not covered by established methods and practical procedures are referred to supervisor.