Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To support the development and interpretation of evidence-based policies related to dam safety, water management planning for dams, the administration of the Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act and other natural resource management policy and program development priorities of the Crown Forests and Lands Policy Branch, through policy research and analysis and the preparation of materials such as policy options and recommendations, discussion papers and presentation materials.

Duties / Responsibilities :

Assist in the research, analysis and synthesis of program data, records, jurisdictional scans and other sources of information to inform evidence-based policy development and interpretation with respect to Crown land and waters.

Assist Crown Forests and Lands Policy Branch staff in the development of options and recommendations on policies with respect to dam safety, water management planning and administration of the Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act.

Liaise with other branches and ministries on policy projects and networks, and assist staff in consulting with other MNRF staff, other Ontario ministries, Aboriginal communities and organizations, and other governments to contribute to policy development and interpretation.

Assist in the preparation of technical reports, discussion papers, correspondence, presentation materials, briefing notes, analyses and other written communications to support the development and interpretation of policies regarding protected areas and conservation lands and waters.

Help to assess the implications and potential effects of proposed changes to current government policies and programs with respect to dam safety,
water management planning and administration of the Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act.

Gather, summarize and interpret information from sources such as information systems, websites and jurisdictional scans to inform the development of evidence-based policies.

Assist in developing and maintaining effective information management systems including research files and databases, electronic tracking/filing systems and hard copy records, and identifying opportunities to improve the management of information.

Participate in reviews of relevant policy materials led by other MNRF programs.

Maintain high standards of professional conduct and accountability for maintaining confidentiality of information.
Managers have the right to assign additional duties.

The incumbent shall, while in the workplace conduct themselves in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and any workplace practices as directed by their immediate supervisor. The incumbent shall report any hazards of which they are aware of to their immediate supervisor.

Knowledge :

Knowledge of one or more of: dam safety, water management planning or the Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act.

Knowledge of policy development processes and Aboriginal and public consultation approaches.

Knowledge of policy research and analysis techniques, environmental scanning, modelling and trends forecasting, including utilizing databases and websites to gather, summarize and interpret information.

General understanding of Crown land management, dam safety and water management planning issues.

General understanding of legislative, regulatory, policy and planning tools that support dam safety, water management planning for dams and the administration of the Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act in Ontario.

Job requires knowledge of worker responsibility as outlined in the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Skills :

Well -developed research and analytical skills to conduct research, analyze, assess and report on complex and diverse issues with attention to detail.

Strong interpersonal and communication (oral and written) skills to assist in the preparation of technical reports, presentations, briefing notes and decks, and communications materials.

Professionalism, judgement and demonstrated ability to work in teams, address contentious issues with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.

Demonstrated ability to use computer software including word processing, spreadsheets, presentation and database packages.

Strong organizational and time management skills to undertake and balance multiple tasks and shifting timelines.

Information management skills and computer skills to conduct research, maintain electronic information systems and prepare reports.

Ability to work effectively within a multi-disciplinary team and with clients and partners.

Freedom of Action :

Work is assigned and carried out under the general supervision of the Policy Coordinator, Crown Land Section, with professional guidance by senior policy staff. Work is guided by Ministry and government policies, legislation, objectives and priorities. Position communicates and works in cooperation with MNRF staff throughout the province. Position acquires and analyzes a variety of information sources and data sets. Position designs and prepares reports appropriate for various audiences.