Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To assist in providing land use planning, resource management, environmental assessment and Environmental Bill of Rights advice and information as part of the delivery of an integrated planning and resource management program in Algonquin Provincial Park.

Duties / Responsibilities :

1. Assist in the review of 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 providing advice on such matters and to identify potential conflicts with provincial land use planning policy and ministry resource program objectives.

2. Assist in the provision of park planning, resource management planning (including natural heritage), and environmental assessment advice and training to project teams, staff within the park and to external agencies and clients.

3. Consult 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 district.

4. 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. municipal planning).

5. Prepare 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 Licencing :

n/a

Knowledge :

• Understanding of legislation, policies, principles and practices governing park planning, resource management planning, and environmental assessment.
• Knowledge of natural resource management and ecosystem management theory, principles and practices.
• 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 and interpersonal skills, and ability to work independently and contribute within multi-disciplinary teams.
• Good organizational and time management skills.
• Computer literacy (word processing, database, spreadsheets, presentation software), internet capabilities and GIS applications.

Freedom of Action :

Works under the general supervision of the Park Superintendent/Zone Manager and the day to day direction of the Park Planner. Work is reviewed by District Specialist(s) and/or Supervisor for completeness and accuracy.
Job requires working within legislation, regulations, policies and procedures governing 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 Planner/Park Superintendent, decisions on problems/issues such as precedent setting proposals/solutions or conflicting opinions between Ministries, and/or external clients (e.g. park contractors, Algonquin Forestry Authority, Environmental NGOs (Wildlands, CPAWS, OFAH). Issues may be referred to the Minister, or through appeals under the Environmental Assessment Act (MOE).