Apply By: Friday, February 27, 2026 11:59 pm EST

Forest Economics Intern

Job ID:
240616
Organization:
Ministry of Natural Resources
Division:
Forest Industry Division
City:
Sault Ste Marie
Position(s) language:
English
Job term:
1 Temporary - up to 12 months
Job code:
02281 - Economist 1 (Bargaining Unit)
Salary:
$1,094.95 - $1,392.54 Per week*
*Indicates the salary listed as per the OPSEU Collective Agreement.


About the job

Working within a team, you will support the Forest Economics Section of the Forest Economics and Business Branch to provide sound policy and economics analysis in matters affecting Ontario's forest industry and emerging forest bioeconomy by:

• Assisting in conducting research and analysis on topics related to social and economic aspects of the forest products sector and the emerging forest bioeconomy.
• Assisting in conducting environmental scanning regarding social, economic, environmental, and political trends and events at a variety of scales (local, regional, provincial, national, continental, and global.
• Assist with the Ministry's monitoring of international trade issues, such as the softwood lumber dispute.
• Assisting in the preparation of discussion papers, fact sheets, development of options and recommendations, presentation materials, briefing notes and correspondence.
• As a contributing member, participating on policy and program development teams, committees, and project working groups in the development of strategies, programs and procedures to meet MNR objectives.
• Assisting in the drafting and review of technical guidelines, procedures and policies.
• Maintaining awareness of major social, economic, trends, issues and innovations affecting the forest sector in Ontario.
• Keeping abreast of new developments, technologies and government programs related to the forest products and forest bioproducts sector, canvassing other jurisdictions, and reviewing relevant legislation, regulation, policy and program delivery framework.
• Responding to information requests (e.g. outside stakeholders, clients, other government and non-government agencies, Freedom of Information etc.) by researching and synthesizing relevant source material (e.g., files, reports, program specialists within and beyond MNR, etc.) and preparing written response;
• Organizing, manipulating, and analysing research data, such as statistical analyses to project trends and identify emerging issues and options to resolve issues.
• Supporting business services team by documenting internal policies and procedures related to invoicing and recording of revenues, receivables and cash receipts and disbursements from forestry trusts.

Managers have the right to assign additional duties.

What you bring to the team


Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of and interest in economic theory with an emphasis on forest economics to be able to conduct analysis and evaluate policy initiatives.
• Knowledge of Ontario's forest industry, its economic significance and emerging trends would be an asset.
• Understanding of policy research methods.
• Knowledge of statistics and statistical software.
• Knowledge of analytical, information management, data modelling and problem-solving techniques to review available information and offer recommendations and advice.
• Proficiency in personal computers, Microsoft Office software and the internet to be able to search for information, prepare reports, and conduct analyses.
• Oral and written communication skills to prepare and present policy and program materials and reports for a diverse audience.
• Interpersonal skills to work and consult with others as part of a team.
• Flexibility to participate in a broad range of activities and manage own time effectively.

Eligibility:

• Proof of eligibility to work in Canada.
• Has graduated or will graduate from an approved or legally authorized college or university with a degree, diploma or postgraduate certificate within the last four years.
• Candidates are only eligible to participate in one MNR 12-month placement and must not have participated in the MNR internship program in the past.
• Are not a permanent employee in the OPS.

Additional Information:

Successful candidates may be required to undergo an employment screening check in accordance with the Ontario Employment Screening Checks Policy.

Don't meet every qualification?

If you are excited about this position and meet most, but not all, of the listed qualifications, please still consider applying. We recognize that no one person might have every qualification in this job ad, and you just might be the right candidate!

How we support diversity, inclusion and accessibility

We are building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage everyone interested in working with us to apply, including people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black and racialized individuals, as well as people from all ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.

Our hiring process is accessible, consistent with Ontario's Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. We are working to prevent and remove barriers in our hiring processes and can offer  accommodation to address specific needs related to Code-protected grounds such as disability, family status and religion. For more information about accommodation during the hiring process please  contact us.

Learn more about the work the OPS is doing to create an inclusive, anti-racist, accessible and diverse workplace:

Additional information:

Apply by:
Friday, February 27, 2026 11:59 pm EST
Position details:
  • 1 English Temporary, duration up to 12 months, 70 Foster Dr, Sault Ste Marie, North Region
Compensation group:
Ontario Public Service Employees Union
Work hours:
Category:
Internships
Posted on:
Monday, February 2, 2026

Note:

  • The information that you provide for the purpose of this competition and the results from this competition may be used to fill other positions. These positions may be of various tenures including short-term assignments. Your information and the results from this competition will be retained for the purpose of filling vacancies in accordance with the applicable collective agreement or policy provisions.


How to apply:

  1. You must apply online.
  2. Your cover letter and resume combined should not exceed five (5) pages. For tips and tools on how to write a concise cover letter and resume, review the Writing a Cover Letter and Resume: Tips, Tools and Resources.
  3. Customize your cover letter and resume to the qualifications listed on the job ad. Using concrete examples, you must show how you demonstrated the requirements for this job. We rely on the information you provide to us.
  4. Read the job description to make sure you understand this job.
  5. OPS employees are required to quote their WIN EMPLOYEE ID number when applying.
  6. If you require a disability related accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please Contact Us to provide your contact information. Recruitment services team will contact you within 48 hours.

Language requirements and assessment:
All external Ontario Public Service (OPS) job ads are posted in English and French. Check the "position(s) language" section at the top of each job ad for the language requirements. For all roles, candidates are assessed in English, the business language of the OPS. If the position is bilingual (English/French), you'll also need to pass a French-language proficiency test.

Exigences en matière de langue et évaluation:
Toutes les offres d'emploi externes de la fonction publique de l'Ontario (FPO) sont affichées en français et en anglais. Consultez la section « Langue du ou des postes » en haut de chaque offre d'emploi pour connaître les exigences linguistiques. Pour tous les postes, les candidats sont évalués en anglais, la langue d'affaires de la FPO. Si le poste est bilingue (anglais/français), vous devrez également passer un test de compétences linguistiques en français.


Strengthening Ontario, together