Job Specification

Purpose :

To manage a team of staff engaged in science research and monitoring programs to inform policy and/or program development of a particular program (e.g., wildlife, fisheries, biodiversity/habitat).

To plan and lead the work of provincial task teams in the review and/or development of provincial and regional natural resource policies, legislation, programs, standards and guidelines.

Key Responsibilities :

1. Provides expertise and support in the development, coordination and implementation of provincial science, research and monitoring programs by providing expert advice on priorities for science research and monitoring, field implementation, information and database management, development of short-term tactical plans and participates in the development of long-term strategic plans (Program Review, Renew and Transformation) to meet Program objectives and organizational goals. Liaises with provincial and regional client groups and provincial, federal and international resource agencies regarding policy and program initiatives.
2. Provides expertise and supervision in the development and implementation of bio-monitoring programs, research and science informed management solutions, to evaluate the health of ecosystems through an assessment of biological communities, e.g., forests.
3. Conducts public consultations to solicit input into proposed policy and programs. Serves as an expert resource person to staff and stakeholders and ensures the development of an integrated program designed to provincial standards and to meet provincial, regional and local goals. Ensures that all components of the program are developed to the highest science and information management standards with respect to methodologies and procedures. Ensures support and coordination for the development of policies, guidelines, and standards, through the provision of biological expertise, field implementation expertise, analysis and assessment of potential impacts and identification of best practices.
4. Works closely with peer Coordinators across Science and Research Branch and elsewhere (e.g. Science Coordinators in Ontario Parks, Technical Coordinators in Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change) to ensure effective and efficient use of resources for development and implementation of science, research and monitoring programs and projects.
5. Identifies the new science needs required to support policy and program development and leads provincial task teams in the planning, review or development of provincial and regional natural resource policies, legislation, programs, standards and guidelines in a particular area of expertise (e.g., forests, biodiversity/habitat).
6. Provides specialized input into the development of support mechanisms, including training, tools, etc.; provides technical guidance in their use for policy and technical staff. Provides advice and direction in the development, implementation, transfer and revision of education and outreach materials.

Managerial Responsibilities
1. Leads and manages a team(s) in the delivery of a program or service operation and contributes to financial, business, strategic planning and evaluation processes.
2. Identifies financial, material and human resources needs, manages and controls the operational/program/project or activities budget. Contributes to long term financial and resource planning.
3. Promotes a values-based and inclusive team through employee engagement, communicating program deliverables, setting and evaluating performance standards, recommends merit increases, identifies staffing needs, and makes hiring decisions, recommends discipline where required, and promptly addresses employee relations matters.
4. Develops and sustains internal and external stakeholder relationships to coordinate shared interests.
5. Ensures compliance with regulatory, legal, financial, collective agreements and ministry policy commitments and advises senior management of sensitive issues/matters.

Factors :

Knowledge :

Ministry strategic directions, policies, programs and service delivery models, to provide operational management of a program area, service or initiative, to determine and plan for program resource requirements and to ensure alignment of programs/projects with corporate, division and branch goals and objectives.

Human resources practices, policies, directives and collective agreements in relation to recruitment, training and development and labour relations to support an inclusive and engaged team; address employee issues and to support talent management.

Government and ministry financial and administrative procedures, to manage and control allocated financial and material resources, including developing annual budgets, and managing assets and contract service providers.

Expertise in project management principles and methodologies to manage the delivery of program plans, initiatives and goals.

Computer-based analytical, data management and modelling techniques to analyze biological/resource situations based on large resource/user data sets; recommend effective courses of action; and input to revisions or development of new modelling techniques.

Occupational health and safety environment, OHSA and committee structure with certification to represent management as required.

Understanding of factors and issues impacting and influencing Indigenous communities/peoples. Understanding of the concepts, barriers and principles for engaging, consulting and building relationships with Indigenous partners, communities and organizations.

Program Responsibility :

Responsible for providing leadership for the development/revision and application of scientific knowledge and information planning/management systems for ministry initiatives related to biodiversity/habitat, forest planning/management, in the areas of policy/program development and transfer for research and monitoring programs, etc.

Analytical Thinking :

Resolves provincial resource policy issues by developing provincial teams, researching policy problems and possible approaches and analyzing the problem through discussion with program and client representatives.

Examines existing approaches and/or develops innovative solutions to resource issues or policies. Job requires considering all relevant factors needed for an ecosystem approach to resource management, including biological, physical, social and economic, applied through time and at various scales and drawing on expertise from various disciplines as necessary.

Evaluates the consequences of applying/revising guidelines, standards or new processes to policy and management planning exercises. Defines, develops and evaluates new and revised science and information strategies, policies and practices. Applies synthesis, analysis and evaluation techniques to support the provision of advice and to evaluate the effectiveness of policies, programs and management actions, by managing data and information.

Planning / Coordinating :

Coordinates and plans the delivery of a program, operation, service or project considering the strategy and mandate of the branch and ministry.

Determines financial, material and human resources needs, coordinates operations with other areas of the branch and division, and organizes work to meet program objectives. Participates in divisional results based and strategic planning, processes.

Coordinates consultation and advisory meetings relating to program/service initiative with external and internal stakeholders, partners and consultants.

Leads the planning, review or development of provincial and regional policies, legislation, programs, standards and guidelines in a particular area of expertise.

Leads/participates projects that are comprised of multi-disciplinary teams dedicated to the design, development, implementation, monitoring and reporting of Science and Research Programs.

Plans and manages public consultations to obtain key input from stakeholders, considering the most effective means of communication with and involving public interest in the development and implementation of new policy and program approaches through discussion with key clients, field staff and senior management.

Contributes to priority setting and planning exercises, developing and implementing assigned portions of the section work plan.

Leadership/Guidance :

Manages its team(s) by communicating values, strategies, expectations, and promotes an engaged and inclusive environment.

Ensures that identified organizational standards and operational goals are met by: contributing to succession planning; establishing performance standards; conducting regular performance management reviews; recommending merit increases; determining the organization of the work unit and by building individual and team competencies

Identifies and recommends staffing needs, conducts recruitment and selection activities, manages orientation/training, develops remedial plans; addresses employee/labour relations/employee matters.

Independence of Action :

Works under the general direction of the manager /management team and within the framework of ministry, division, branch policies, directives, guidelines and objectives.

Exercises independence of action in participating and providing program/service recommendations as a member of the management team. Provides expert opinions/briefings, advice to senior management on identified and emerging issues impacting program or service goals, outcomes or efficiencies.

Exercises discretion and independent judgement to determine and manage work activities where past practices may not exist.

Works with both internal and external stakeholders in the policy/program review process, and provides updates to management, as required.

Serves as an expert resource in field of expertise.

Interpersonal/Communication :

Seeks directions and obtains input from senior management and ADM, Policy Division. Provides briefings and recommends courses of action.

Discusses local issues with managers, supervisors, and staff in other branches and divisions to resolve problems and issues.

Obtains or provides information/input and makes presentations, to discuss issues of mutual interest or concern with personnel of other agencies, such as Ontario Forest Industries Association, Forestry Futures Committee, Indigenous communities, local citizen committees, Forest Management Planning teams, Canadian Wildlife Service, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs, Canadian Forest Service, Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, Northern Ontario Tourist Outfitters, Federation of Ontario Naturalists, Ontario Fur Managers, and other stakeholder organizations.

Maintaining relationships with Indigenous partners to discuss areas of mutual concern.

Physical Effort :

Frequently standing and/or walking for long periods, climbing, bending, and carrying heavy equipment while assisting with forest surveys during the summer/operating season.

Sensory Effort :

Requires visual attention and concentration (i.e. reading without interruption) to: evaluate programs; identify new science needs required to support policy and program development; and to give direction to project teams.

Working Conditions :

Majority of time is spent travelling throughout the province.
May be exposed to extreme weather conditions, rough terrain, and rough lake conditions.