| Job Category | Lands and Resources | |
|---|---|---|
| Employee |
Dan Science Management Coordinator FOREST RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT SECTION |
|
| Ministry | Ministry of Natural Resources | |
| Region | North | |
| City | Sault Ste. Marie |
Before I joined the OPS, I … completed an honours degree in Science from the University of Guelph. I worked at the University of Guelph in the arctic on contract for four months and in veterinary pathology for six months.
I began my career in… the Ministry of Natural Resources in 1999. I have been a Fisheries and Wildlife Biologist in 4 districts across northern Ontario (Geraldton, Atikokan, Ignace and Cochrane), and was responsible for assessing and managing fish and wildlife populations and habitat and participating in numerous forest management plans.
And now I am … with the Forest Research and Development Section as a Science Management Coordinator working with a team of 29 people, including 7 scientists working in the areas of climate change, boreal and Great Lakes-St. Lawrence forest management, forest ecology, pathology, and physiology.
A day in my shoes… is never the same everyday. Each day brings some human resources activities and administration. The day may involve meeting with science staff, other managers, MNR clients or partners in the forest industry or universities to discuss science solutions, providing input in to OPS projects (relating to for example: biodiversity, bioenergy, climate change and forest management), looking in to funding opportunities, responding to senior management requests for information or advice. Every day I learn something new and I am challenged in different ways. It is always interesting, rewarding and fun.
I have chosen to work for the public service because… I enjoy the outdoors and learning about the natural environment. I believe that by working in the public service through the Ministry of Natural Resources, I serve the greater good and make a difference in how we manage natural resources sustainably.
The thing that has surprised me the most about working for the OPS is… it’s like a family. Moving around the province in different jobs has allowed me to build a network of excellent colleagues and friends.
Outside of work, my most memorable achievement is/was... having a wonderful family (wife and 3 children) and spending time with them.
