Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To assist in providing natural heritage information collection, land use planning, resource management, environmental assessment and Environmental Bill of Rights support as part of the delivery of an integrated natural heritage assessment and planning program in the Ontario Parks Algonquin Park.

Duties / Responsibilities :

Assist in the review of natural heritage information collection, land use and resource management policy documents and plans, development proposals and environmental assessment activities proposed in Algonquin Park by obtaining and assessing input from ministry program specialists; applies knowledge of legislation, policy, theory, principles and practices to assist in identifying potential conflicts with provincial land use planning policy and ministry resource program objectives. Assist in the provision of ecological assessment, park planning, resource management planning (including natural heritage), and environmental assessment advice and training to project teams, staff within the Algonquin Park and to external agencies and clients.
Assist Park employees in consulting with external agencies, groups and individuals on park plans, resource management or environmental assessment projects/issues to explain ministry program interests/position on provincial policy and ministry resource management objectives within the Park. Assist in coordinating the provision of land use planning/park planning data and information related to natural resources values, within the planner's over-all role (e.g., area planning). Assist in the preparation of project specific proposals, as directed, for recreational facilities, species at risk assessments, park management functions.

Managers have the right to assign additional duties.

Note: The incumbent shall, while in the workplace, conduct themselves in compliance with the OH&S Act and any workplace practices as directed by their immediate supervisor and in accordance with the Internal Responsibility System as outlined in the OH&S Act.

Staffing and Licensing :

Valid Ontario Driver's Licence

Knowledge :

Understanding of legislation, policies, principles and practices governing park planning, resource management planning, and environmental assessment.

Knowledge of natural heritage (biology, ecology, conservation, biology, biodiversity and natural sciences), resource management and ecosystem management theory, principles and practices.

Knowledge of current resource inventory, monitoring, and assessment techniques.

Knowledge of desktop computer applications in order to analyze data and prepare reports.

Knowledge of analytical techniques.

Knowledge of GIS in order to screen applications and prepare rudimentary maps.

Knowledge of worker responsibility as outlined in the OH&S Act.

Skills :

Good oral and written communication skills.

Ability to analyze and interpret complex and technical data and information.

Good judgment, interpersonal skills, ability to work independently and contribute within multi-disciplinary teams.

Good organizational and time management skills.

Ability to travel to other work locations in Ontario and work safely in remote locations and wilderness settings in order to assist with field inventory or monitoring of natural heritage assessments and or planning projects.

Computer literacy (word processing, database, spreadsheets, presentation software), internet capabilities and GIS applications.

Freedom of Action :

Works under the general supervision of the Operations North Leader/Assistant Park Superintendent).

Job requires working within legislation, regulations, policies and procedures governing ecological assessment, land use planning, resource management, and environmental assessment (e.g. Planning Act, Provincial Policy Statements, Environmental Bill of Rights), and Ministry policies, guidelines and processes.

Job requires making decisions to determine the type of data/information necessary (e.g. resource information, aggregate resource inventories, habitat inventories) for assessing a proposal or plan, and providing advice and recommendations on land/resource use proposals.

Job requires discussing recommendations resulting from projects or input to plans of others, with supervisor/manager before circulating to senior managers or external stakeholders.

Job requires referring to the Park specialists'' decisions on problems/issues such as precedent setting proposals/solutions or conflicting opinions between Ministries, and/or external clients (e.g. park cooperating association, Environmental NGOs (Wildlands, CPAWS, OFAH). Issues may be referred to the Minister, or through appeals under the Environmental Assessment Act (MOE). Situations not covered by established methods and practical procedures are referred to the day to day direction of the Operations North Leader.