Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To provide the full spectrum of management responsibility for direct delivery of the ministry's compliance and enforcement program for fish, wildlife, lands, forestry, aggregates, species at risk, parks and protected areas, fire, Niagara Escarpment and Petroleum within a designated geographic area. To
provide program administration as well as leadership and direct supervision of field staff involved in the delivery or support of the district/lake enforcement activities. To estimate, co-ordinate and manage staff, material and fiscal resources to meet current and future needs. To implement operational plans and regional strategies, including developing initiatives and plans which are consistent with government initiatives and ministry business plans in a politically sensitive, litigious environment. To actively participate in regional long term planning and program decisions as part of the regional management team formulating/coordinating the implementation of local and inter-jurisdictional enforcement initiatives, strategies and plans. To act as a Provincial Enforcement Branch representative on the district/lake management and other teams.

Duties / Responsibilities :

With delegated responsibility for a full range of management activities in program delivery and administration, the incumbent1. Manages and co-ordinates the activities of field staff involved in enforcement and compliance activities to ensure compliance by client groups (e.g. hunters, fisherman, license issuers, commercial forestry/aggregate/petroleum companies, off-road motor vehicle operators) with legislation (e.g.27 plus pieces of legislation including the Crown Forest Sustainability Act, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, Fisheries Act, Aggregates Resources Act, Species At Risk Act), regulations, policies and procedures. Manages and co-ordinates enforcement violations/prosecutions and ensures proper procedures are followed through the courts. Resolves complex, contentious or difficult prosecutions with Crown Counsel.

2. Leads the development and implementation of integrated risk-based enforcement operational plans. Plans, coordinates and implements an enforcement program for the area by developing and preparing a proactive annual enforcement plan, contingency plans and operations plans as required; discussing needs and issues with the Regional Enforcement Operations Manager and District/Lake Manager to determine risk based priority of effort and appropriate level of service required to ensure public safety and resource sustainability; directing objectives, enforcing all appropriate legislation to support MNR programs including fish, wildlife, lands, forestry, aggregates, species at risk, parks and protected areas, fire, Niagara Escarpment and Petroleum (e.g. 27 plus pieces of legislation including the Crown Forest Sustainability Act, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, Fisheries Act, Aggregates Resources Act, Species At Risk Act). Is responsible for allocating resources to meet enforcement plan objectives and tracking effort to ensure approved plans carried out. Is responsible for TIPS program requirements and other reactive enforcement efforts in the area, reviews and assigns investigative responsibility for all incoming TIPS, reviews all completed TIPS to ensure completeness, timeliness and appropriateness of investigations and officer actions.

3. Provides leadership and advice in the development and delivery of a broad based compliance program across all program areas. As a representative of the Provincial Enforcement Branch responsible for developing and maintaining critical positive working relationships with other parts of MNR, (e.g. district/lake manager and leadership teams, Ontario Parks, Fire and other specialty areas such as the Niagara Escarpment Commission and Petroleum Resources Centre). Consults and provides advice on enforcement needs for their respective program areas, considers input when developing annual enforcement operational plans. Represents the Provincial Enforcement Branch on the District/Lake Leadership teams as part of a landscape-wide management team and provides compliance and enforcement advice and considerations for the team to take into account when carrying our resource planning and implementation of compliance and enforcement delivery across all program areas. Participates as a member of the Regional Enforcement Committee to ensure consistency of delivery,resolution of problems, plan multi-unit/regional initiatives including staff and financial allocation of resources on a regional basis and input into provincial initiatives, planning and operational policy. Interacts with district, regional, provincial and program subject-area experts to interpret legislation and determine the most efficient and effective enforcement response to violations. Participates as a member of program area committees, as assigned, to represent the Enforcement Branch and provides expertise and guidance to the committee to ensure consistency of delivery, resolution of problems, etc. Participates in provincial committees as an Enforcement Branch representative related to natural resource enforcement and management issues and provides advice and recommendations related to policy and legislation changes.

4. Discusses program planning and delivery objectives and improvements with the Regional Manger and head office staff and management, keeps staff aware of trends and new developments and promotes a climate of information exchange and teamwork with staff. Ensures that the ministry's business plan, corporate vision and values, legislation, policy and procedures are communicated to staff. Actively participates as a member of the regional management team and on ministry committees contributing to major decisions and recommendations regarding program polices, procedures, staffing and training.

5. Projects staff requirements for the area and oversees the staffing process through recruiting, hiring and training of staff, including developing training plans. Administers the performance management process and approves appointments, merit increases, promotions, discipline and recommends dismissals. Deals with grievances and other employee relations issues in accordance with collective' agreements and provides technical input and information at grievance hearings. Fosters long term learning and development of staff through coaching, training or other management techniques.

6. Forecasts and manages fiscal and material resource requirements for the area (including budget, area office and sub-offices, facilities/equipment, assets and contracts)to meet current and future needs. Monitors fiscal performance against budgeted expenditures and ensures optimum performance is achieved from enforcement assets and equipment such as, marked and unmarked vehicles, all terrain, snowmobile and vessels computers, and officer personnel.

7. Manages incidents and contentious issues through discussions with stakeholders, client groups, regional and head office staff, the judiciary and Crown Counsel, Office of Legal services, other enforcement agencies, etc. Prepares briefing notes, reports, house notes and correspondence on contentious and emerging issues for the Regional Manager and senior staff. Conducts routine and complex investigations on alleged violations.

8. Develops and implements enforcement outreach and educational initiatives targeting both recreational and commercial resource stakeholder audiences. Provide preventive, deterrence and educational material and messages to support provincial enforcement priorities both for own work unit and multi-unit/regional initiatives. Ensures the enforcement unit is implementing provincial directions regarding enforcement outreach and educational activities including the promotion of the "MNR-TIPS" line and strategic outreach and educational initiative. Oversees development and approves media releases for significant cases and acts as media contact on behalf of Enforcement Branch.

9. Initiates and leads the development and implementation of enforcement and compliance partnership arrangements with other enforcement agencies including the Canadian Border Services, OPP and Environment Canada. Establishes relationships, liaises and works closely with stakeholders, other ministries, law enforcement agencies and local resource management committees to share information and develop enforcement programs and initiatives, to promote and create innovative partnerships and develop and coordinate joint operational activities. Implements an integrated enforcement and compliance program by directing staff, setting priorities, liaising with regional/main office units regarding intelligence and investigation priorities, etc. Develops positive local relationships with Aboriginal and First Nation organizations and communities, leads and supports joint enforcement partnerships, (e.g. Aboriginal enforcement interns and conservation officers)

10. Responsible in the event of an emergency under the Enforcement Critical Service Emergency Plan Priority to ensure continuity of enforcement services relating to the administration of justice ego commercial fish food safety: precedent setting cases/of provincial significance, protection of human health/critical assets and infrastructure, emergency support, participates on provincial team, monitors status and makes staffing and resources recommendations and requests. Participates in local landscape emergency management planning and provides support in the event of an emergency, is contactable 24/7 as required.

11. Directs, participates in and ensures participation in cross enforcement unit/region enforcement efforts and participates in cross agency horizontal initiatives (e.g. inspection, investigations and enforcement initiatives). Develops and leads local enforcement operations that have regional or provincial significance.

12. The incumbent shall work in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations.

Staffing and Licencing :

Appointment as a Conservation Officer is legally required to enforce specific resource management legislation.

Valid Class G driver's licence.

Prior to appointment as a Conservation Officer, applicants will be required to undergo:
- Psychological/physical assessments to determine suitability and fitness for the position.

This position requires an enhanced-level screening check under the OPS Employment Screening Checks Policy which includes a criminal record check (CPIC), Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) check, Niche/RMS file check (Local Police Record check) and Credit (Equifax) check.

Knowledge :

Work requires a thorough knowledge of government and ministry planning processes, ministry business plan and objectives and division programs.Position requires advanced knowledge and experience in natural resource enforcement and compliance activities. Extensive knowledge of natural resource legislation/regulations, including procedural legislation at the Provincial and Federal levels (Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, Fisheries Act, Endangered Species Act, Parks and Conservation Reserves Act, Public Lands Act, Lakes and Rivers Protection Act, Forest Fires Prevention Act, Crown Forest Sustainability Act, Oil, Gas and Salt Resources Act, Niagara Escarpment Planning and Development Act, Off Road Vehicles Act, Motorized Snow Vehicles Act, Small Vessel Regulations, Liquor Licence Act and Provincial Offences Act and Criminal Code) and related policy administered by MNR and other jurisdictions. Job requires a thorough understanding of legal methods, procedures, relevant case law and precedents to collect intelligence information and conduct field enforcement activities and complex investigations. Comprehensive knowledge of legislation and legal processes related to warrants, prosecutions, plea resolutions, court procedures and penalties, including Charter of Rights requirements related to search, seizure and arrest of individuals and business entities as well as First Nation Treaty and Charter entitlements. Expert knowledge of when and how to take prosecutorial action.Expert knowledge and application of investigative techniques normally acquired through formal enforcement and ministry training courses as well as of forensic procedures ego related to the collection, handling, submission and examination of samples to be used as evidence.Strong oral communication skills are needed in order to clearly and succinctly identify and explain enforcement actions and policies, enforcement issues, options, recommendations or advice and their rationale to persuasively present the Ministry position. Excellent communication skills to advise staff and industry, media, MPP's, other governments on the application and explanation of programs/legislation and brief/advise regional and head office management on contentious issues and recommend service and policy improvements. Negotiating and interpersonal skills are required in responding to dangerous situations, emergencies and in dealing with potentially contentious issues and situations, ego Conservation Officers, MNR employees, the public and stakeholders, First Nations rights, special interest groups, etc.Knowledge and understanding of OPS and ministry risk management principles as they pertain to natural resource enforcement and compliance activities. Knowledge of computer software including specialized MNR applications including, CA VRS, common GIS technology and encryption software to extract, prepare, manage and analyze enforcement related data. Knowledge of strategic planning methodology, analytical and problem-solving skills, development and implementation of best practices to lead the development of an enforcement plan, examine manpower allocation issues and prepare enforcement unit reviews of enforcement efforts and initiatives and develop options and recommendations to keep program current.Clear and concise writing skills are required in preparing plans, enforcement/compliance reports, briefing notes, correspondence, etc.Ability to plan, organize, direct and coordinate human, financial and material resources in order to achieve a variety of enforcement and compliance program objectives and to supervise and develop staff, long distance leadership skills to supervise off site employees. Good knowledge of human resource practices, principles and policies including recruitment, training and development, performance contracts and assessment, labour relations and discipline to interpret collective agreements, handle staff grievances, assess staffing needs, recruit, hire, train, discipline, monitor performance and promote a productive team environment Knowledge of ministry/OPS fiscal and procurement practices/policies/procedures to develop funding proposals, manage the acquisition of physical assets, fleets, accommodations and authorize expense accounts, monitor enforcement related funding including prosecution and special initiative funding.Detailed knowledge of all aspects of multi-program natural resource law enforcement activities in order to provide immediate advice to COs in the field facing emergency situations and to hand le special investigations and sensitive/confidential information. Detailed know ledge of the Charter of Rights, criminal law, evidence law, search and seizure and the administration of justice.Knowledge of ministry/OPS policies, practices and procedures, collective agreements, relevant legislation and guidelines associated with human resources management to: recruit and effectively manage staff, respond to labour matters, etc. Knowledge of management theories/practices as they apply to the OPS to manage and develop staff. Knowledge of Workforce Information Network (WIN) sufficient to initiate processing of specific HR information.Excellent working knowledge of employer and worker responsibilities as outlined in the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the regulations that apply to high risk field enforcement activity; knowledge of any potential or actual danger to health or safety in the workplace; familiar with the ministry work-related accident reporting process and the injury management strategy; knowledge of the MBS Health and Safety Directive and other corporate and ministry specific health and safety policies and programs. Knowledge of all Ministry policy, ego WDHP and the use of IT Resources.Ability to handle firearms and other use of force and defensive equipment. Good media relations skills.

Judgement :

Under the general direction of an offsite Regional Enforcement Operations Manager and within the broad framework of legislative authorities and law enforcement type policies and standards, the position exercises considerable judgment and independent decision making in planning, coordinating and implementing the consistent program/service delivery of MNR mandated enforcement and compliance activities on a broad landscape based area and regional and provincial initiatives as assigned. Significant judgement is required in making sound management decisions for the operation and delivery of services in all functional activities for the program. Judgement is required when serving on committees to identify and recommend program delivery improvements and influence policy development.Judgment and analytical skills to analyze and interpret legislation, plan/direct the field enforcement program; to regulate a wide variety of enforcement activities involving both recreational and commercial uses; to authorize/approve the development and implementation of enforcement plans; provide strategic direction of human, material and financial resources to support high profile and time sensitive investigations/projects (e.g. major incidents and public expectation of speedy enforcement and legally complex cases). Position authorizes/approves enforcement actions in support of activities to encourage general and specific deterrence against violation. Judgment is exercised by assessing each situation being investigated against legislative requirements, investigative standards, internal ministry direction and government policies and technical realities.Judgment is required in planning and organizing peak period risk-based enforcement efforts to provide effective coverage. To determine the impact of the enforcement and compliance program on other ministries, agencies and groups to ensure responsible integration. Judgment is required to balance staffing levels and schedules to maintain stability of ongoing compliance programs and provide support to other Ministry programs for special or non-recurring assignments.Judgment is required in providing advice and recommending enforcement direction regarding the use of penalty and remedy provisions of relevant legislation and providing advice on case law. Judgment is exercised in resolving financial and personnel problems.Frequently acts on behalf of MNR and Enforcement Branch management and must exercise political sensitivity, technical and professional judgment accordingly. Judgment is used formulating enforcement actions, field patrols, investigations, road and border checks, special investigation requests and plans, in selecting staff and arranging for special investigations and undercover surveillance. In emergency situations, such as forest fire, habitat destruction, environmental disaster, assaultive suspects, wildlife attacks on the public, the incumbent is required to make immediate decisions involving the reordering of program priorities and the reallocation of resources without immediate access to the Regional Enforcement Operations Manager or other manager.

Accountability - Programs :

The incumbent is directly accountable for: Incumbent is accountable for managing the delivery of the enforcement program within the area, including implementing requirements to achieve the goals of the ministry and division business plans, developing operational plans and implementing strategies to address specific enforcement concerns. Incumbent contributes operational input and field expertise to regional administrative procedures, planning processes and budgets and makes significant recommendations for the development and implementation of new programs/policies by participating on committees/task forces and determining/recommending best program delivery mechanisms. Plans, coordinates, implements, monitors and evaluates the compliance and 24/7 enforcement program for the area in support of the Provincial Enforcement Program within their work unit. Implements regional and provincial enforcement initiatives. Recommends and provides input into the formulation of/alterations to enforcement operations and a broad range of provincial and federal natural resource legislation, policies, procedures and program strategies. As a representative of the Provincial Enforcement Branch responsible for developing and maintaining positive working relationships with other parts of MNR on assigned landscape ego District/Lake Manager and leadership teams, Ontario Parks, Fire and specialty areas such as the Niagara Escarpment Commission and Petroleum Resources Centre. This is an essential element in providing enforcement services in the assigned landscape area.

Accountability – Personnel :

Supervises various numbers of conservation officers, intelligence and investigative officers, enforcement interns and fixed-term staff in multiple worksites requiring off-site supervision. When leading regional or provincial enforcement initiatives responsible for supervising conservation officers and enforcement staff from other Ontario locations and other jurisdictions. Leads the local volunteer deputy conservation officer program. Provides matrixed direction to district/lake staff in compliance and enforcement matters (e.g. Port Officers). Position is accountable to ensure workers receive information and instruction to protect their health and safety in a high risk enforcement role, including task-specific direction related to the performance of their work; ensure that hazard controls are in place and used to effectively protect the worker; ensure that a Joint Health and Safety Committee or Health and Safety Representative, as appropriate under the OHSA, is established and provide assistance and cooperation. Is accountable for making local decisions and effective recommendations on recruitment/hiring, promotion, demotion, dismissal, discretionary actions, grievances, health and safety issues, performance appraisals, leaves, training needs, etc. Participates in centralized recruiting and makes recommendations on hiring for own and other enforcement work units.

Accountability - Finance and Materials :

Recommends and prepares work plan and administers and controls unit annual budget and the purchase and delivery of services and supplies; ensures the safe working environment and operation and maintenance of high profile and unmarked enforcement vehicles/equipment (e.g. vessels, firearms and specialized equipment) and for ensuring compliance with legislation ego firearms storage and safeguarding Ministry from associated litigation. Responsible for the security of seized articles. Responsible for the audit of outside issuers of licences. Monitors staff purchasing and expenses and ensures procurement policies are followed.

Accountability - Impact of Errors :

Lack of an effective, integrated risk-based enforcement and compliance program would result in threats to public safety, a potential loss in ecosystem sustainability, endangered species or resource allocation opportunities; loss of revenue to our Special Purpose Account and indirectly to the business community. Poor judgment could place conservation officers and the public in dangerous situations. Poor judgment could result in advice that results in significant political implications both locally or at the provincial level. Poor judgment could result in the operational decisions that violate the rights of Ontarians, have a negative impact on the administration of justice, result in civil liability for the Ministry and negatively impact on the Ministry's reputation. Failure to provide a healthy and safe workplace for employees could result in: work-related accidents, illnesses up to fatalities, higher WSIB claim costs for the organization, and the potential for Ministry of Labour orders or prosecutions. Self, as well as direct reports, carry sidearms, batons and pepper spray and may use deadly force - error could result in a fatality.

Contact - Internal :

Member, District/Lake Management Team, Regional Enforcement Team with ongoing frequent contact with Regional Enforcement Operations Manager, Local Landscape Manager, Area Supervisors, Business Services, Niagara Escarpment Commission and Petroleum Resources Centre personnel to facilitate the Provincial Enforcement program across a wide district/lake based landscape. With the Policy, Standards and Training Section re changes to compliance policies and amendments to legislation, input into enforcement training requirements and course content; with lawyers in Legal Services Branch to obtain legal advice and direction re pending charges. With program area staff to obtain and to provide advice critical to enforcement support of delivery of program initiatives.

Contact - External :

Frequent contact with numerous diverse parties (e.g. provincial/federal/municipal/international governments, outdoor and naturalist groups/associations, consultants, lawyers, private, commercial and industry senior management) to present, defend and promote the ministry position on natural resource enforcement policies and issues, to foster support of the ministry legislative and policy requirements and to achieve general and specific deterrence towards violations, to negotiate with other enforcement groups and non-government associations to ensure consistent enforcement actions are understood. Contact with outside experts in order to ensure their service supports investigations effectively. Responds to media and politicians (e.g. MPPs, MPs, Municipal) on highly contentious/politically sensitive enforcement issues, as required. With OPP, other enforcement agencies in and out of the province and Crown Attorney to discuss charges, seek assistance and advice. Native groups, media, etc., to discuss and resolve program issues, legislation problems, conflicts, etc. With landowners and municipal councils and special interest groups to encourage cooperation in programs and projects developing local partnerships.