Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To lead the development, transfer and evaluation of provincial policies, legislation, programs, standards, and guidelines relating to provincial wetland resources, and represent the Section in related policy exercises.

Duties / Responsibilities :

Job is part of a multi-disciplinary team which provides leadership and direction for the management of Ontario's wetland resources. This position will: 1. Identify the need for and lead teams in the review or development of provincial natural resource policies, legislation, programs. standards and guidelines. 2. Carry out public consultation and seek senior management and government approval for proposed policies and programs. 3. Communicate as subject matter expert with provincial and regional client groups and provincial, federal and international resource agencies regarding policy and program initiatives. 4. Transfer policies and programs to staff, agencies and the public for implementation, and monitor policy and program effectiveness. 5. Provide biological and resource management advice to senior management, peers and field staff on policy and program initiatives and issues. 6. Co-ordinate input to provincial and regional planning initiatives of Ministry program areas. 7. Shall work in compliance with the provisions of the Health and Safety Act and regulations and any workplace practices as directed by the Manager and in accordance with Internal Responsibility System as outlines in the O.H.&S.Act.

Knowledge :

Job requires knowledge of current biological/ecological science and principles, resource management practices and planning approaches to develop sound policy and programs; to provide advice to senior management, peers and field staff on resource management issues; to communicate with researchers on science needs and applications; to provide expert testimony at trials and hearings; to represent the Province's position, programs and policies and put forth concerns, issues and implications for consideration and resolution at provincial, national and international forums. Job requires knowledge of the Government's strategic direction, the Ministry's resource management policies (e.g. Our Sustainable Future, Ontario Biodiversity Strategy, Provincial policy Statement (under the Planning Act)) to develop and interpret policy, programs, legislation and guidelines. Job requires knowledge of computer-based analytical, data management and modelling techniques to analyze resource information and recommend effective courses of action. Job requires knowledge of worker responsibilities as outlined in the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Skills :

Job requires interpersonal skills to work effectively with ministry and interagency teams and stakeholder groups. Job requires communication skills to explain current policies and programs to field staff, peers, senior managers, client groups, the media and members of the public, and make formal presentations seeking support for new policy and legislation. Job requires facilitation and consultation skills to obtain input to policies and programs from a diverse array of organizations and interest groups. Job requires negotiation skills to obtain stakeholder support of new policy and programs. Job requires analytical skills to synthesize information and evaluate and recommend policy and program options to address resource issues. Job requires judgment and evaluative skills to assess effectiveness of policies, programs and management actions and to provide advice to field staff, peers, and senior managers. Job requires writing skills to prepare discussion papers, policy statements, briefing notes, management advice and correspondence.

Freedom of Action :

Work is guided by Ministry policies, objectives and priorities and is reviewed by senior managers for overall effectiveness. Job requires independently determining team membership, funding requirements, and problem solving and project management approaches when addressing policy issues. Job requires deciding whether legislation or existing policies are applicable in the circumstance or need revision. Job requires presenting an immediate opinion on provincial policy while representing the province at stakeholder and agency forums at regional, provincial, national and international levels. Decisions on content of discussion papers and analytical approaches to be used and recommendations to be offered are made with support from multi-disciplinary teams.