Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To provide technical leadership for and participate in implementing the delivery of the district aggregate resources program by conducting compliance monitoring, inspections and audits, taking appropriate compliance actions, monitoring and auditing aggregate extraction operations and reviewing/approving site plans/amendments designed for aggregate resource extraction. To administer requirements of the Aggregate Resources Act and Regulations and to provide technical expertise and advice to enforcement staff during investigations. To consult and liaise with ministry staff, other agencies, proponents, and the public regarding the Aggregate Resources Act, Regulations and ministry policies. To recommend licence/permit approvals/ revocations to the Minister/Supervisor.

Duties / Responsibilities :

Job is part of an integrated resource management team, lead by an Area Supervisor, that plans, organizes, implements, inspects and monitors aggregate resources management for the district, to assess and minimize environmental/social impacts and ensure consistency with ministry policies, provincial standards, and legislative requirements, and provide technical advisory services on aggregate resources management to other district staff, municipalities, industry, consultants, government agencies and the public to ensure the effective management and extraction of the resource.

1. Reviewing/evaluating/processing licence and permit applications (e.g. new licences/permits, transfers, amendments to existing licenses/permits/site plans), identifying/obtaining information, reviewing environmental reports in support of aggregate extraction applications, meeting with applicant and consultants regarding details of proposed extraction operations/notices, reviewing comments, preparing reports indicating recommendations for approval/referral, or modifications to the licence/permit application and any conditions. Accepting the surrender of a licence and/or permit if the rehabilitation has been completed in accordance with the site plan and conditions and that all financial matters are up to date.

2. Reviewing, monitoring and inspecting approved aggregate extraction sites, and compliance reports to assess compliance with the Aggregate Resources Act, Regulations and policies, and conditions of the licence and/or permit/site plans. Identifying non-compliance including illegal operations, and ensuring progressive and final rehabilitation of licensed/permitted sites, meeting with industry/site representatives to provide expertise in recommending corrective action including issuance of rehabilitation orders under Section 48(2) of the Aggregate Resources Act. Revising and amending aggregate resources site plans based on new developments, issues, and changing conditions on the site Taking appropriate compliance action, liaising with MNR enforcement staff (i.e. on problem operations/operators) and aggregates program policy staff and MNR legal counsel respecting policy, legislative interpretations, recommending changes to policy/legislation. Serving documents to address non-compliance (e.g. suspension notices, revocation notices and rehabilitation orders), preparing required documents (e.g. briefing/issue notes, letters, witness statements, technical information in support of Crown Briefs), support lead investigator in conferring with Crown Attorney re: charges/case disposition, in cases of non-compliance with legislative requirements of the Aggregate Resources Act.

3. Appearing as a witness representing the ministry in Court and/or at hearings/tribunals (i.e. Ontario Municipal Board, Niagara Escarpment Commission, Mining and Lands Commissioner) by preparing and providing expert technical information to give evidence in support of MNR's position (i.e. infractions of ARA; planning designations consistent with Provincial Policy Statements; changes to licences/permits).

4. Participating in surveys and utilizing other information gathering instruments to obtain data regarding extent of aggregate resource sites, area and volume of resources, impact on land and potential aggregate development opportunities. Screening and participating in Class EA reviews for permits. Determining if an excavation is a pit/quarry. Preparing postings and decision notices for EBR registry.

5. Maintaining ALPS to ensure collection of all relevant technical data. Ensuring collection of delinquent licence/permit fees, royalties and annual production reports.

6. Meeting with provincial ministries, federal agencies (i.e. Conservation Authorities, MOE, OMAF, MNDM, DFO, MOL), municipalities, First Nations and industry representatives (i.e. TOARC, APAO), to obtain information regarding proposed aggregate resource requirements, review land use issues and development plans, negotiate/resolve controversial applications and problem areas and ensuring that MNR Protocols with TOARC, MOL, MTO, and MOE are adhered to.

7. Compiling, analyzing and evaluating all available information in order to prepare long range district aggregate resource plan recommendations, outlining goals, objectives, and fiscal resources required. Providing advice to ministry managers and/or manages aggregate issues (i.e. complaints, MOE/MNR protocols) on behalf of the district. Researching information and responding to FIPPA requests.

Managers have the right to assign additional duties.

The incumbent shall, work in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its Regulations and any workplace practices as directed by the employer. The incumbent shall take precautions to protect the health and safety of themselves and others by complying with such acts, codes, policy, procedures or accepted workplace practices as may be appropriate. The incumbent shall advise workers of actual and potential dangers in the workplace and the required precautions.

Staffing and Licencing :

Mandatory: Valid Class G Driver's licence or equivalent as recognized by the Province of Ontario to conduct fieldwork.

Knowledge :

Job requires knowledge of aggregate resource management, land rehabilitation, and associated resource management fields to assess resource extraction proposals.

Job requires thorough knowledge of the Aggregate Resources Act, the Provincial Standards, regulations, policies and other provincial/federal legislation and Regulation (i.e. Federal Fisheries Act, Environmental Assessment Act, Planning Act, Ontario Water Resources Act, etc), ministry policies, procedures and provincial standards/manuals (e.g. Provincial Standards, Provincial Policy Statements, Mineral Resources and Natural Heritage Policy statements, class EA requirements), municipal planning processes, and the role and functions of various quasi-judicial authorities (i.e. Ontario Municipal Board, Mining and Lands Commissioner, Niagara Escarpment Commission), and industry representatives (i.e. TOARC, APAO) to ensure that aggregate extraction proposals/operations are consistent with applicable legislation, regulations, licences/permits, plans, and policies. To provide expert witness evidence representing the ministry position at hearings/tribunals.

Job requires integrated knowledge of aggregate resource management, mineral resource extraction operations, land rehabilitation and associated resource management fields to assess industry compliance with approved site plans.

Job requires knowledge of compliance to determine adherence to legislation, policies, and licence/permit conditions, to undertake appropriate compliance actions regarding infractions, etc. and to provide technical evidence as a witness in court regarding non-compliance.

Job requires knowledge of personal computers/software including word processing, data base, electronic mail, internet, and spreadsheet applications in order to perform a variety of duties including data entry and retrieval (i.e. ALPS/CAVRS), accessing and preparing summaries, correspondence and technical reports.

Job requires good working knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and those regulations made under the Act that apply to the workplace, worker, and supervisor (when performing group leader responsibilities).

Job requires knowledge of protocols/Memorandums of Understanding with Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Labour, Ministry of the Environment and the Ontario Aggregate Resources Corporation.

Skills :

Job requires problem solving and analytical skills to review and assess data (i.e. licence/permit applications, consultant reports, public issues, etc.) in order to ensure licence/permit applications are complete and consistent with the Provincial Standards and applicable legislation, regulation, and policy.

Job requires interpersonal, and oral/written communication skills, tact and good judgement to interact with staff, industry, consultants, lawyers, and the general public to promote understanding of applicable legislation/regulations/policies, address compliance issues, discuss sensitive resource decisions, prepare briefing notes, write technical reports, draft Minister's letters, act as a witness in court (evidence of non-compliance) and in hearings/tribunals (i.e. OMB, Mining and Lands Commissioner) presenting technical details supporting the ministry's position.

Job requires time management/prioritization skills to ensure reviews/reports/audits/inspections are completed per time sensitive requirements, and to coordinate several processes/demands occurring at one time.

Job requires negotiation, consultative and consensus building skills to assess/address potential/actual areas of conflict between aggregate extraction and social/environmental impact, and the ability to maintain perspective while dealing with contentious issues.

Job requires the ability to travel extensively, conduct site inspections on varied terrain and under all types of weather conditions and to work irregular hours.

Job requires the ability to work independently, as a member of a team, and collaboratively in a multi-team setting

Freedom of Action :

Job requires working within the procedural controls of legislation and regulations and ministry and government policies, manuals, guidelines, directives and established practices.

Job requires working in a team environment and to accept responsibility for actions taken and work carried out.

Job requires making decisions on aggregate program activities by independently (or in consultation) determining level of compliance with site plans, legislation/regulations, policies, and standards which may form the basis for recommendations/ actions regarding licence/permit issuance/amendment, suspensions, investigations, charges or revocations.

Situations not covered by ministry policies should be discussed with Aggregate & Petroleum Resources Section to assist in a recommended course of action and further discussed with supervisor (e.g. contentious issues, site plan amendment requests).