Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

Reporting to the Manager, Wildlife Section, the position delivers on core ministry business related to the sustainable management of wildlife and provides leadership in the development, delivery, and integration of key wildlife landscape/ecologically-based policies and programs related to the sustainable management of wildlife species in Ontario. To provide expert advice and support to staff and government as to identification and resolution of wildlife management issues. To communicate and promote the objectives, principles, and strategies related to wildlife policy so that they are understood, accepted and supported by program practitioners, other governments and government agencies, as well as program stakeholders, clients and the general public. To ensure integration with other MNRF programs/branches to facilitate intra/interministerial cooperation.

Duties / Responsibilities :

The position is part of a provincial multidisciplinary team, reporting to the Wildlife Management Coordinator, which provides professional expertise, leadership and direction for strategies, policies, programs, agreements and guidelines related to the sustainable management of various wildlife species in Ontario.

Policy and Program Development and Transfer
Provides project leadership and expertise in the development of wildlife-related provincial policies and procedures by:
• identifying the need for and leading, provincial, regional and local task teams in the review or development of wildlife related policies, legislation, programs, procedures, standards and guidelines for sustainable management of wildlife;
• coordinating input from various government and non-government committees/working groups/task teams/forums;
• leading project teams including assigning project tasks to team members, recommending resources dedicated to projects, tracking project progress, vets draft directives and recommends directives for executive approval and implementation;
• leading individual policy teams which involves the identification of underlying issues, policy needs analysis, development of viable options, consultation and solicitation of input from stakeholders and Aboriginals, and obtaining required reviews and approvals including the development of Cabinet and Management Board submissions;
• co-ordinating input into provincial and regional initiatives.
• reviewing policy proposals and products developed by other MNRF programs or other government agencies as to their implications for wildlife policy;
• providing advice to senior management, peers, program and field staff relating to policy and program initiatives and issues; policy, program and planning processes; and identifying new planning processes and tools to support wildlife management policy and program development; and
• interpreting and transferring policies, procedures and programs to staff, agencies and the public; monitoring the effectiveness of these policies and programs; ensuring that information is managed effectively and reporting on effectiveness.

Policy Analysis:
Lead/conduct detailed research and analysis to:
• develop and support MNRF positions in policy and program development;
• provide context to past MNRF actions related to issue management;
• determine cross-jurisdictional legislation and policy related to legislation and policy development; and
• aid in policy analysis, development of options and recommendations.

Program / Project Planning and Coordination
Leads or participates as appropriate, in the development of implementation plans to ensure that the programs/projects are delivered with maximum efficiency. Leads or participates in the integration of those plans by coordinating the application of resources, developing of policy tools, liaising with government, external partners, contractors and other Ministries identifying and resolving problems, training staff, communicating with the public and stakeholders, and monitoring and reporting on program/project results.

Advisory Support
Provides advice to broad range of ministry programs and staff at various levels related to policy interpretation and programs.

Advice to Government
Coordinates the development of responses to government requests for information. Proactively provides warnings about potentially contentious issues through established government channels. Provides advice to Ontario government central agencies, on request, regarding the implications of external proposals (e.g. interagency or intergovernmental MOUs, resolutions passed by municipal associations).

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 Licencing :

N/A

Knowledge :

Position requires:
• Advanced and demonstrated knowledge of wildlife resource management theories, practices and policy;
• Expert knowledge of policy development processes and thorough understanding of other resource management programs and issues as they relate to the wildlife program.
• Expert knowledge of relevant legislation and current government strategic direction; existing fish and wildlife legislation (including the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, Environmental Assessment Act and Environmental Bill of Rights), polices, programs, strategies, agreements, and policy development, strategic planning techniques and procedures in order to address fish and wildlife issues and support the objective of sustainable wildlife management, by participating in development and review of provincial fish and wildlife management policies, legislation, programs and strategic directions, by performing related analysis, providing expert policy advice and by representing Ministry fish and wildlife interests on multi-disciplinary teams, working groups and committees.
• Sound knowledge of social, economic, environmental and political trends and environmental scanning techniques in order to develop effective strategies, policies, guidelines and legislation.
• Sound knowledge of project management techniques, team leadership and participation, group facilitation and communication, consultation and negotiation techniques in order to provide effective input to wildlife policy and strategic development initiatives in a multi-disciplinary team environment, by coordinating and facilitating team input and consultation with internal and external management partners and stakeholders.

Position requires knowledge of worker responsibilities as outlined in the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Skills :

Position Requires:
• Strong organizational, project management and team leadership skills to provide leadership to internal and external staff, task teams, committees, etc.
• Excellent research, conceptual and analytical skills and experience as they relate to problem-solving, option development and decision-making in the policy development process.
• Practiced public consultation, conflict resolution and negotiation skills.
• Proven advanced verbal communications skills, including the ability to converse with a wide range of external program stakeholders and Ontario Government Staff
• Advanced written communication skills to prepare summaries of research and findings, develop reports and fully develop briefing materials on recommended program/policy options and implementation strategies.

Freedom of Action :

Work is guided by Ministry policies, objectives and priorities and is reviewed by senior managers for overall effectiveness.