Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

Under the direction of the Section Manager and the guidance of Senior Science Transfer Specialists and the Strategic Planning and Issues Management Coordinator, provide communications support in the form of research, writing, preparation of graphics, desktop publishing, project support, and website updates for the Branch.

Duties / Responsibilities :

Providing services and support for the development and delivery of Branch communications projects and initiatives.
Developing, writing, and editing various educational and communications products, including pamphlets, brochures, fact sheets, newsletters, presentations, and web content in support of Division and Branch applications.
Assisting Branch/section staff in preparing various information and communications materials.
Assisting with the planning/management of the Branch's communications, including Branch/Divisional projects and creating information and communications materials. Liaising with other divisions and programs about communications issues and expectations.
Reviewing resource management products and services for plain language content to ensure that external-facing documents are factual and concise for public understanding.
Assisting Strategic Planning and Issues Management Coordinator with the development and delivery of issues management across the Branch by researching background material and developing and reviewing briefing notes and other communications products for consistent corporate messaging, approaches, and linkages to Ministry strategic direction.
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, and report any hazards of which they are aware to their immediate supervisor.

Knowledge :

Thorough knowledge of the English language, plain-language writing techniques and styles, editing standards, and the publishing process to develop effective, client-focused communications and information transfer media and services. Knowledge of research techniques and communication methods and practices. Understanding of the use of social media platforms, blogs, websites, and other communication channels to achieve objectives.
Knowledge of methods and practices of communications, public relations, and education including social media, in order to research and reach target audiences.
General knowledge of Ministry resource management mandate, policies programs, and services as they relate to science and research initiatives to identify and analyze emerging issues, assist with planning/implementing of projects, and deliver information/communication products that are relevant, timely and of high quality.
Knowledge of desktop publishing, web design, bibliographic, and digital presentation software and procedures.
Knowledge of work responsibilities as outlined in the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Skills :

Interpersonal, tact, and diplomacy skills to liaise with Branch staff, subject matter experts, other divisions and Communications Services Branch related to the development of strategies/plans, editing of communications materials, and development of information/educational products.
Research and analytical skills to identify research sources, compile, analyze, and summarize information, and to prepare content for written materials and responses.
Planning, coordination and organizational skills to set priorities, assist with the planning/delivery of Divisional/Branch projects, contribute to briefing materials to ensure deadlines are met, and maintain accuracy and productivity on a daily basis.
Written communication skills to write and edit scientific communications material for a variety of audiences.
Oral communications skills to work with partners and target audiences and to work in team environment.
Computer skills and proficiency with the internet, MSOffice, desktop publishing, and other computer software in order to access and research information, develop materials, and send/receive emails. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite/ graphics software to create communication products.
Organizational, time management, and interpersonal skills in order to organize workload and obtain necessary information to meet project deadlines or deliverables.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Freedom of Action :

Work is performed under the direction of the Section Manager and the guidance of senior Science Transfer Specialists and the Strategic Planning and Issues Managemen Coordinator, in accordance with relevant government and Ministry resource management legislation, regulations, guidelines, directives and established communication policies and procedures.
Work requires the ability to work independently and in a team environment. Job requires working within Communications Services Branch, Ministry and Government legislation, policies, directives, guidelines (e.g., OPS Style Guide, OPS Visual Identity Guide). and established protocols and procedures within the Science and Research Branch.
Job requires communicating and promoting Ministry-approved messages.
Job requires work to be regularly reviewed with the Manager to determine the effectiveness of information products/activities developed by the position, and to assess how well they meet Branch communication goals/objectives.