Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

Under the general supervision of the Coordinator - Wildlife Research Ecosystems, and in a team environment, to develop, design and implement a diverse research program in the areas Species at Risk (SAR) and Conservation Biology. To provide relevant and timely scientific results and advice for
policy and program development, and management decisions.

Duties / Responsibilities :

1. Designs, coordinates and conducts a diverse, multi-taxonomic Conservation Biology/SAR program by:
- assessing research needs and priorities through consultation with clients (e.g. MNRF Policy and Management sections, science working groups, Region and District staff, other scientists, external partners);
- rationalizing current research against client needs including ISAP priorities and adjusting as appropriate;
- identifying research problems and the methods and resources required to address them, including research on approaches to recovery planning and evaluation for SAR;
- implementing research projects and surveys, compiling and analyzing results, developing and testing models, developing decision-support tools;
- seeking external funding and participating in collaborations within and external to the Ministry to increase the resources and expertise available to address science priorities (e.g. within Applied Research and Development Branch, Biodiversity Section, Regional Science and Information sections,
Federal Science Groups, Universities, ENGOs);
- publishing research findings in the primary literature.
- providing scientific advice, reviewing research proposals, consulting with staff, preparing budget submissions and grant applications;
- maintaining adjunct status at one or more universities
- supervising graduate students
- directing and training technical and professional staff in the implementation of research programs;
2. Transfers science to clients by:
- publishing in scientific journals, newsletters, annual reports, technical reports, and other publications;
- presenting at scientific meetings, workshops, training courses, field tours, seminars and other forums;
- ensuring policy, planning and operations staff are aware of scope and results of work (informal liaison);
- providing expert scientific advice and recommendations to Ministry management and staff and to external agencies and parties as required;
- acting as spokesperson for the Ministry as required (e.g. representing MNRF at international scientific conferences, provincial or national committees
related to conservation biology/SAR research);
- providing technical evidence in court or other legal or quasi-legal proceedings.
3. Ensuring policy and practice is based on best available science by:
- supporting planning initiatives and participating in the development of policy and practices, especially in support of Biodiversity and the SAR Sections initiatives;
- fostering linkages to policy, management planning, and operations staff and other business areas.
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.

Staffing and Licencing :

Ph.D. in a natural science discipline from a University of recognized standing or a Masters in a directly related discipline, with extensive research experience and the ability to achieve a Ph.D.

Valid Driver's License.

Knowledge :

Job requires knowledge of conservation/SAR biology theory, principles and practices needed to conduct research which is authoritative. Job requires
knowledge of procedures and approaches required to initiate, design, conduct, analyze and publish research, integrating population biology into a
spatial or habitat mosaic with expertise in two or more of: development and application of spatially-explicit population models, population viability
analysis, metapopulation ecology, landscape ecology, community ecology, theory of reserve design and evaluation. Job requires knowledge of
resource management principles and practices, especially around management of habitat for SAR, evaluation of recovery programs and evaluation of "allowable harm" in order to initiate, develop and implement a research program that meets the requirements of MNRF's mandate. Job requires practical knowledge of field and laboratory-based research gained from previous conservation biology/SAR research experience and a demonstrated ability to work across taxonomic groups.
Knowledge of worker and supervisor responsibilities as outlined in the OH&S Act.

Skills :

Job requires planning and coordination skills to develop and maintain complex multi-year programs. Job requires project management skills to manage a research program to successful completion on time and within budget. Job requires oral communication skills to present and discuss highly detailed or
complex information at an audience-appropriate level and to understand and respond to MNRF direction and client needs and priorities. Job requires written communication skills to prepare scientific reports, journal papers, technical notes, and other articles for a variety of technical and lay audiences.
Job requires reasoning/problem solving skills to formulate hypotheses, design a multi-year research program, analyze issues related to human dimensions of resource management and provide alternative solutions to problems. Job requires technical/analytical skills to plan and perform statistical
and spatial analyses using associated software packages, and to use modern, state-of-the-art equipment for ecological research. Job requires group leadership/interpersonal skills to oversee research and transfer programs and direct assigned staff; to work with provincial and bi-national committees,
to train other staff in advanced methods and to generate positive interactions with co-workers and clients.

Freedom of Action :

Job leads a research program and provides scientific expertise to the Ministry, collaborating agencies and external partners. Job recommends research objectives, assesses conclusions and identifies implications of research for Ministry long-range planning and policies with specific regard to
conservation biology and SAR. Job decides on experimental design and methods of data collection and analysis for research studies and develops conclusions and recommendations that are authoritative. Job exercises considerable latitude in making decisions within the limits of Ministry objectives,
policies, or practices. Job refers to Section Manager in relation to changes to work plans and budgets, reporting on staff problems/issues, and accomplishment of research and transfer objectives. Results are reviewed for overall adherence and effectiveness within context of Ministry priorities.