Job Specification
Position Title:
Manager, Provincial Enforcement Operations
Job Code:
PRP21 - Resources Planning & Mgt PM-21
Purpose of Position :
To develop, co-ordinate, manage and set direction for the delivery of the ministry's integrated, risk based field enforcement program on both a short term (annual) and long term- strategic basis.
To provide advice and direction to Enforcement Operations Managers at the Regional (3) and Branch (Great Lakes, 1) levels. To provide strong leadership on behalf of the Branch to improve accountability, ensure consistent application of law, policy, training and enforcement program direction, professionalism and reduction of risk.
Duties / Responsibilities :
1. Leads and supports implementation of risk based compliance and enforcement planning at a provincial level, develops and coordinates provincial risk based projects and acts as lead to implement, including allocating staff and financial resources. Reviews and approves Regional level annual risk based plans, conducts in year monitoring on region's performance, makes recommendations for change; ensures roll up of information on a regional and provincial basis, develops a Provincial annual report on the enforcement operations program.
2. Initiates and leads strategic direction to ensure the consistent delivery of the enforcement program within regional/lake boundaries, manages, plans, directs and ensures delivery of an effective, efficient risk based field enforcement program; develops provincial strategic and operational planning and annual reviews. Provides leadership for the Deputy Conservation Program at a provincial level. Analyses trends and patterns from disparate information sources and identifies discrepancies and missing information. Analyses pros and cons of delivery or policies options and the potential impact, in a proactive manner, to arrive at a number of sound recommendations. Analyses current processes and identifies opportunities for continuous improvement and the resulting impact on key performance measures, resource allocation, and cost benefit to make process improvements. Reviews annual Quality Assurance Reviews and ensures recommendations for improvement area incorporated at a provincial, regional and district level. Evaluates year end results, makes recommendations to improve effectiveness and efficiency, sets direction, implements change to ensure continuity and uniformity for the delivery of the enforcement program and provide input into long term strategic direction for the program.. Develops ideas that challenge the status quo, using judgement and assessing risk to improve section and organizational effectiveness.
3. Provides leadership and manages section staff (4 regional level- 28 district/work units – over 70 worksites), identifies and re-allocates human resources to meet work plans; makes decisions on recruitment/hiring (Regional Managers, District/Lake Supervisors), promotion, demotion, dismissal recommendations, disciplinary actions, merit increases, grievances, health and safety issues, performance appraisals, training needs, etc. Provides leadership and develops a high-performing Section, communicates with team members about events and issues that will impact the team, resources available and their achievement of targeted goals. Recognizes individual and team contribution to enhance team morale by providing timely and constructive feedback and direction.
4. Acts as the Enforcement Branch representative to provide linkages with internal program areas in relation to field enforcement of those program areas. Responsible for liaising directly with other Ministry Managers, Committees and Directors to ensure continuity and uniformity for the delivery of the enforcement program across the province. Ensures development of the Work Program Plan for the section, controls expenditures, manages budget of up to 18.0 M, prepares required reports, implements constraints, identifies shortfalls, etc. Makes decisions on movement of funds within section from work unit to work unit, approves purchases in accordance with branch purchasing rules; accountable for inventory asset management and ensures all expenditures comply with Government, Ministry, Divisional and Branch policy and procedures.
5. On behalf of the Enforcement Branch builds internal partnerships and facilitates, ensures and monitors key working relationships between enforcement branch staff at regional and district levels with Senior Staff in Regional and District/Lake offices, ensures adequate linkages in place to support MNR's role and mandate.
6. Acts as a liaison at a provincial level with regulatory stakeholders and partners (OPP, MOEE, DFO, and CWS) to promote and create innovative compliance partnerships and develop and coordinate joint operational activities. Develops positive provincial level relationships with Aboriginal and First Nation organizations, leads and supports joint enforcement partnerships i.e. Aboriginal Conservation Officers. Anticipates and responds/builds strategic long term partnerships to support enforcement program. Builds partnerships with external enforcement agencies to share information and develop enforcement programs and initiatives
7. Develops and maintains positive working relations with the public, interest groups and all resource users at a provincial level. Liaises and works closely with non-regulatory (OFAH, OFN) stakeholders and partners to ensure effective communications of MNR's programs and priorities and promote and create compliance promotion initiatives i.e. partnership projects to promote “MNR-TIPS” line to report violations. Anticipates and responds/builds strategic long term partnerships to support enforcement program.
8. Participates as a member of the Enforcement Program Committee, Branch Management Committee, and Enforcement Branch Policy Leadership Committee, and the Enforcement Operations Committee. Works collegially toward fulfilling the goals and objectives of the Division, the Branch and the Program. Participates in Provincial Committees related to natural resource management issues and provides advice and recommendations related to policy and legislation. As a representative of the enforcement branch, leads participation with program type forums advising on enforcement considerations for the committee to take into account where enforcement operation input is required i.e. aggregates, fisheries.
9. Coordinates the preparation of briefing and information notes and drafts correspondence for the Minister of Natural Resources, Deputy Minister, ADM and Director of the Enforcement Branch. Provides the Director with expert advice on enforcement operations, program issues and their resolution. Ensures the provisions of appropriate, reasoned, and ongoing advice to Ministry management and external stakeholders. Manages provincial issues related to operational aspects of enforcement program, identifies emerging issues and their political implications to contain/resolve issues locally or alert others when such issues may not be able to be contained.
10. Identifies, researches and analyzes current and immerging trends which impact program delivery throughout the province and Ministry program objectives. Formulates recommendations, strategies and options for Senior Management to effectively respond to these issues. Ensures management is kept informed of all significant actions regarding field monitoring, investigative and enforcement; respond to requests for information from media, public and other agencies.
11. Coordinates the development and implementation of provincial compliance promotion initiatives including the promotion of the “MNR-TIPS” line and strategic outreach and educational initiatives, ensures that regions/districts are implementing provincial and regional directions regarding compliance promotion activities.
12. Ensures that a healthy and safe workplace is provided to employees through proactive hazard recognition, evaluation and control. Ensures that mandatory training and safety equipment requirements of COs and DCOs are adhered to. Provides Provincial direction to staff on MNR and enforcement specific health and safety related policies and direction.
Staffing and Licencing :
Valid Class G driver's licence
- Standard First Aid certification
- Pleasure Craft Operators Card
- Proof of having passed Ontario's Hunting Licence examination
- Proof of Canadian Firearms Safety Course certification
Appointment as a Conservation Officer is legally required to enforce specific resource management legislation.
Prior to appointment as a Conservation Officer, applicants will be required to undergo:
- Security clearance to the level appropriate to the position, and
- 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 :
Compliance, Enforcement and Natural Resource Management Strategies:
Extensive/expert knowledge of natural resources compliance and enforcement principles, policies, practices and programs; operational law enforcement policies, practices and programs; operational and contingency planning. Knowledge required to support the delivery of the ministry's integrated, risk based field enforcement program.
Natural Resources Legislation/Regulations, Criminal Code of Canada, Provincial Offences Act, Charter of Rights and other relevant legislations:
Extensive knowledge of natural resource legislation/regulations including procedural legislation at the Provincial and Federal levels, essential for the development and delivery of the field portion of the enforcement program and to protect the provincial interest in the administration of justice, safeguard constitutional rights and ensure operations are in accordance with provincial/legislative requirements and case law.
Risk Based Planning: Knowledge and understanding of OPS and Ministry risk management principles as they pertain to natural resource enforcement and compliance activities. Position is required to lead implementation of provincial risk based enforcement plan, review regional plans, monitor targets and develop/evaluate performance measures. Knowledge of strategic planning methodology, analytical and problem-solving skills, development and implementation of best practices to examine manpower allocation issues and prepare provincial reviews of enforcement efforts and initiatives and develop options and recommendations to keep program current.
Business, Management and Administrative concepts, principles, best practices, performance measures: Management/leadership skills to provide team leadership, implement risk based compliance planning, oversee the development, monitoring and review of provincial and regional type plans. Manage issues and people, implement conflict resolution. To foster high performance and to provide an environment where the performance of individuals and teams is rewarded and recognized. Be able to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and implement change. Knowledge of ministry/OPS policies, practices and procedures, collective agreements, relevant legislation and guidelines associated with human resources management to: effectively manage staff, and respond to labour matters.
Marketing/Communication/Negotiation: Advanced oral and written communication skills to build partnerships and ensure linkages between Enforcement Branch and regional and district staff and numerous diverse parties (e.g. international/federal/provincial/municipal governments, private associations, environmental non-governmental agencies, etc.); to present, defend and promote the Ministry position on resource management and enforcement policies, issues and compliance priorities; to foster continued support of the ministry legislative and policy requirements to best protect our natural resources, and to achieve compliance; to represent the Ministry on inter/intra-ministry and external committees/working groups including enforcement associations and organizations with other ministries, other governments and enforcement associations; respond to media on very high level enforcement issues, as required.
Policy and Program Development: Extensive knowledge of policy and program research, analysis, development and evaluation to assess proposed legislative and regulatory changes by MNR and broader OPS, Criminal Code changes, emerging resource issues, as well as changes in regulatory investigative and monitoring practices. To support the development and continuous improvement in the operational aspects of the provincial enforcement program.
Project Management: Position requires demonstrated project management skills to plan, assign and monitor work plans to integrate and co-ordinate the delivery of numerous multi-region projects and services related to the enforcement program across the province. Knowledge of effective team leadership to develop and deliver team-based multi-region special initiatives.
Internal Systems: Knowledge of computer software including specialized MNR applications such as CAVRS, TIPS data base, common GIS technology, and encryption software, to extract, prepare, manage and analyze enforcement related data.
Government Decision Making and Priorities: Understanding of government decision making and priorities related to the development of legislation and regulations on natural resources management: business, financial and quality service planning; compliance and enforcement programs; and operational and contingency plans.
Financial: 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, purchase orders and petty cash disbursements, monitor enforcement related funding including prosecution and special initiative funding.
Valid driver's licence. Ability to qualify as a Conservation Officer.
Judgement :
Position works under the direction of the Enforcement Branch Director and within the broad framework of legislative authorities and law enforcement type policies and standards. The position exercises considerable judgement in directing the consistent program/service delivery of MNR mandated enforcement activities.
Position exercises considerable judgement in making significant contributions to the establishment of strategic direction in the development of provincial enforcement procedures and responses to corporate priorities; developing/monitoring performance measures. Judgement is exercised in planning, organizing and controlling the activities of the provincial staff and in the application of human resources management legislation, policies, procedures and guidelines. Judgement is exercised to identify emerging trends in natural resource law enforcement and policing that may impact on the Ministry's compliance and enforcement program, including inspections, investigations, search and seizure, prosecutions, court findings and case law i.e. court findings, including dismissals, may indicate issues with program delivery relative to investigative techniques or legislative gaps.
High level judgement and analytical skills are required to 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).
Judgement is required in the analysis of research, legislation, regulations, case law and operational and contingency plans, and monitoring and evaluations of annual compliance and enforcement reports, investigative and intelligence reports to identify shortfalls and gaps or recommend changes to field operations i.e. focus of outreach and educational activities to educate resource users.
Judgement is exercised by assessing each situation being investigated against legislative requirements, investigative standards, internal ministry direction and government policies, and technical realities
Position exercises considerable judgement in negotiating strategic partnerships with other provincial and federal regulatory agencies relating to joint forces operations, participating on joint management teams for joint forces operations and negotiating/mediating the resolution of concerns of relating to jurisdictional issues; obtaining consensus in highly diverse communities (law enforcement, public, ministry) concerning contentious resource management and enforcement issues.
Accountability - Programs :
The position is accountable for long term strategic planning and evaluating as well as short term (annual) planning, direction, monitoring, and review of the operational aspect of the enforcement program. This includes overseeing a wide variety of enforcement activities involving highly complex enforcement and legal processes –field monitoring, investigations and prosecutions.
Accountability – Personnel :
Supervises 4 Regional/Branch managers and indirectly supervises 28 managers and 200+ Conservation Officers in multiple (70 plus) work locations across the province. Is accountable for making decisions and effective recommendations on recruitment/hiring, promotion, demotion, dismissal, discretionary actions, merit increases, grievances, health and safety issues, new positions/reclassifications, performance appraisals, leaves, training needs, etc.
Accountability - Finance and Materials :
Directs the development and administration of the section budget, compliance with the Manual of Administration, the development of funding proposals. Position is accountable for the management of physical assets, fleet, etc. The position is accountability to ensure all expenditures are made in accordance with related policy and procedures; ensures the safe working environment and operation and maintenance of Ministry vehicles/equipment (i.e. vessels, firearms and specialized equipment).
Accountability - Impact of Errors :
Significant staffing and dollar resources are managed by this position and decisions made must consider resource base, policies and procedures, and social, economic, and political sensitivities. Decisions regarding protection of public health and natural resources within the province impact ministry credibility, since the position speaks publicly for the ministry in these circumstances. In addition, there is the possibility for major credibility and liability costs to defendants, and/or the government, senior ministry officials, sometimes including the minister, who rely on the position for advice in serious matters. The effect of inability to take the appropriate enforcement action would be serious for both the ministry and for public and resource protection (e.g. violation of Charter of Rights, civil litigation, improper court costs, loss of reputation and cost to ministry).
Contact - Internal :
Ongoing, with managers, colleagues and associates within the branch, division and ministry to exchange information, brief, discuss approaches to solving problems, advise and consult in areas of expertise; Represents ministry on inter/intra-ministry enforcement committees/working groups (e.g. other ministries and law enforcement agencies to arrange specific joint actions and secure specialist assistance). Regular contact with MNR senior management to provide briefings, advice and options on enforcement program operational issues; occasionally, with Minister/Deputy to brief on key issues.
Contact - External :
Regularly and frequently with other senior officials (managers/directors) in other ministries, law enforcement agencies, governments, partners, client groups and stakeholders 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 on highly contentious/politically sensitive enforcement issues, as required.