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

Forest Innovation Policy Intern

Job ID:
240636
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.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNR) is seeking enthusiastic, team-oriented, highly motivated individuals to assist with conducting research and analysis in support of initiatives and policies to help transform Ontario's forest sector. The incumbent will participate in a broad range of associated projects including: sector strategies, efforts to address perceptions amongst young people about careers in the forestry sector and efforts to inform key stakeholders about Ontario's sustainable forest management system.

About the job

As the Forest Innovation Policy Intern, you will collaborate with branch staff, and outside agencies in the development of policies and programs that help to support the continued evolution of Ontario's forest sector.

What you bring to the team


Knowledge

• Knowledge of program and policy development principles and decision-making processes in the preparation of draft policy options for consideration by senior managers.

Analytical, Research, and Organizational Skills

• Organizational and time management skills to effectively manage and implement projects, and to maintain several tasks at one time.
• Consultation skills to exchange information, discuss issues, gain support and liaise with other branches/ministries/ stakeholders on policy/program issues in order to seek information and feedback.
• Research policies and programs in other jurisdictions and assess application to Ontario.
• Identify and evaluate several sources of data for research purposes, prepare statistical analyses and present research findings.
• Review and summarize stakeholder comments to incorporate into proposed solutions/options.
• Develop draft options and impact analyses regarding programs and policies.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

• Communication skills to respond to information requests, write reports, prepare meaningful analyses, draft correspondence, briefing notes, and policy documents for cabinet submissions, and prepare a range of communications materials.
• Interpersonal skills to work and consult with others as part of a team.
• Presentation skills to effectively communicate information to a variety of contacts for research and in support of consultation processes, and to convey research findings to senior staff on branch policy and program development projects.
• Client relations/relationship-building skills and diplomacy in researching issues, responding with discretion to external information requests, and liaising with stakeholders.
• Identify stakeholder issues, define the problem, and provide recommendations to support policies developed by senior staff.

Computer Skills

• Demonstrated experience with computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, project scheduling and the internet to research and prepare materials, and to develop on-line communications such as news bulletins.

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, postgraduate. certificate or diploma within the last four years.
• Candidates are only eligible to participate in one MNRF 12-month placement and must not have participated in the NDMNRF 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:

  • W-NR-240636/26


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