Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To participate as a team member in the development and implementation of an effective Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services communications program by assisting in the development and delivery of communications products including internal and/or external communications, briefing materials, emergency information and promotional initiatives.

Duties / Responsibilities :

Working with AFFES Communications staff, under general direction of the Planning and Information Program Leader and AFFES Communications Advisor/Planner, responsibilities include:


1. Collaborating with communications and other program staff in the development of communications and marketing tools and products, including preparing internal or external communications, contributing to branch newsletter etc., preparing reports, working with graphic designers and proposing options on product design and use.

2. Assisting in the development and implementation of social media strategies including use of Twitter, Facebook etc. by:
• participating in project planning activities including scheduling and co-ordinating consultation sessions with staff;
• documenting planning session discussions and identify process gaps and inefficiencies;
• researching and analysing data and information; and
• Assisting with the development of presentations and recommendations to facilitate program implementation.

3. Responding to inquiries from the public, ministries and media on AFFES related initiatives such as FireSmart, Fire Prevention, Emergency Management or Aviation initiatives.

4. Assisting with the development and maintenance of communications material by:
• Consulting with project teams, Information Officers within MNR, Communications Services Branch and other staff as necessary to determine requirements for communications products and services;
• Assisting with the coordinating of communications product development including researching communications methods and recommending approaches;
• Developing and recommending creative and efficient layout, presentation and delivery of communications material;
• Ensuring communications products and information are consistent with corporate communications and other standards.

Managers have the right to assign additional duties.

The incumbent shall, while in the workplace, conduct themselves in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and any workplace practices as directed by their immediate supervisor.

Knowledge :

• Job requires knowledge of communication methods and practices, research techniques in order to assist with the development and maintenance of communication material, coordinating communications product development, including researching communications methods and recommending approaches.
• Job requires a good knowledge of: news media, communication methods, techniques and practices, research techniques, and writing styles, techniques and grammar, punctuation and spelling in order to research and write copy for news and media releases, fact sheets and assist with contentious issues management by preparing media reports, analysis and backgrounders.
• Job requires knowledge of public relations and how to organize conferences or make arrangements for meetings; and prepare media kits and information packages.
• Job requires knowledge of personal computers/software/hardware (e.g. word processing, desk top publishing, database, electronic mail and spreadsheet applications); Internet and social media technology and peripherals (e.g. plotter, printer) to develop and maintain communications.
• General knowledge and understanding of Ontario's geography and natural resources including natural, social and economic values.

Job requires knowledge of worker responsibilities as outlined in the OH&S Act.

Skills :

Job requires:
• Ability to work effectively within a number of multi-disciplinary team, with non-government clients and partners, and with people in person and at a distance.
• Desktop publishing skills to develop and maintain communication material.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to assist with or develop communications and marketing materials, oral communication skills to deal with media inquiries, write reports, prepare options and recommendations, web content, surveys, correspondence, etc.
• Ability to develop media analysis and ability to contact sources of information for gathering and clarifying information for preparing written materials; compiling information; and writing materials in required format, tone and style for approval.
• Presentations skills to assist with the presentation of complex, technical/scientific information creatively and innovatively and in format for effective adult learning.
• Planning and organizational skills to assist with the development of projects and products, and to balance multiple assignments.
• Project Management skills to plan, co-ordinate and manage deliverables as set out under various initiatives outlined above.
• Customer Service Skills to respond to program related inquiries.
• Research and Analytical Skills to conduct research and to analyze/compare information and data, identify issues and preliminary responses.
• Problem solving skills required to identify and resolve program implementation problems, referring more complex issues to the Planning and Information Program Leader.

Freedom of Action :

• Position operates within procedural controls of ministry and government policies, legislation, manuals, guidelines, directives and established practices and procedures.
• Work is regularly reviewed and monitored by manager to ensure project objectives and timelines are met.