Terrestrial Effects Scientist

We have a unique opportunity for an innovative environmental professional to provide scientific expertise and leadership in investigating, designing, conducting, interpreting, and reporting on terrestrial (soil and vegetation) studies/surveys to assess the impacts of environmental contamination and/or stressors on the Province's terrestrial ecosystems.

What can I expect to do in this role?

• Lead the design and conduct of complex soil and vegetation assessments
• Identify scientific knowledge gaps that warrant further study and suggest procedures and protocols to implement special studies
• Provide expert advice, technical and scientific information to ministry staff, senior management, public, consultants, academia and related industry stakeholders
• Lead a team of scientific peers on projects to obtain terrestrial environmental data in support of the ministry's standard setting and guideline development programs
• Prepare technical reports summarizing soil or vegetation surveys and special studies
• Review and provide feedback on terrestrial components of environmental studies, including risk assessments

How do I qualify?

Mandatory

• You have a valid Ontario Driver's License (Class G) to conduct field work as required
• You have the ability to conduct field work, including field work that may involve multiple days in remote locations and/or involve difficult terrain.

Technical Knowledge

• You have comprehensive knowledge in applying the theories and principles of soil science and/or plant science
• You have direct relevant experience assessing and interpreting the effects of environmental contaminants on terrestrial ecosystems
• You know the cause-effect relationships between environmental contaminants/stressors and ecological endpoints of concern to Ontario
• You know the implications of plant air pollution sensitivities and pollution injury symptoms

Investigative, Risk Assessment, and Legislative Knowledge

• You have knowledge of investigative theory, protocols and methodologies to design and conduct complex, innovative soil and vegetation studies/surveys (e.g. adapting existing investigation protocols to address unusual or unique field situations
• You have the ability to provide expert advice on Environmental Assessments, Risk Assessments and third party soil and vegetation assessments
• You understand the principles, concepts, and approaches associated with risk assessment and management
• You can properly apply relevant policies, regulations (e.g., O. Reg. 153/04 – Record of Site Condition), guidelines (e.g. Upper Limits of Normal, Ontario Typical Range, soil remediation guidelines), standards and legislation (e.g. Environmental Protection Act, Environmental Assessment Act)

Statistical, Data Analysis, and Computer Knowledge

• You have theoretical and practical knowledge of statistical methods, data modelling, data analysis, sources and types of analytical error and associated computer applications/tools
• You have experience using common computer systems and software, including word processing, spreadsheet, presentations, statistical packages and and mapping programs (e.g., GIS)

Leadership, Project Management, and Analytical Skills

• You demonstrate highly developed leadership and project management skills to initiate, lead and/or oversee projects and special studies
• You can assess the scope of environmental emergencies or unique scientific problems and resolve them
• You can evaluate and analyse complex scientific information involving multiple, interrelated and interdependent components

Communication, Relationship Management, and Organizational Skills

• You can communicate highly technical information in a clear and logical manner
• You can develop a variety of written product such as scientific reports, proposals, briefings, etc.
• You have strong stakeholder relationship and interpersonal skills to represent the ministry on inter and intra-ministry working groups and to work effectively with internal staff, other ministry areas, and the public
• You have the ability to effectively plan, organize, and manage time to accomplish multiple requests within competing deadlines

All external applicants (including former employees of the Ontario Public Service) applying to a competition in a ministry or Commission public body must disclose (either in the cover letter or resume) previous employment with the Ontario Public Service. Disclosure must include positions held, dates of employment and any active restrictions as applicable from being rehired by the Ontario Public Service. Active restrictions can include time and/or ministry-specific restrictions currently in force, and may preclude a former employee from being offered a position with the Ontario Public Service for a specific time period (e.g. one year), or from being offered a position with a specific ministry (either for a pre-determined time period or indefinitely). The circumstances around an employee's exit will be considered prior to an offer of employment.

Remember: The deadline to apply is Tuesday, December 16, 2014 11:59 pm EST. Late applications will not be accepted.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for further screening or an interview will be contacted.