Research Scientist Terrestrial Systems Ecology

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Do you have a demonstrated advanced knowledge of terrestrial systems ecology? If so, consider this opportunity with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, where you will use your research and leadership skills to examine the multi-scale cumulative effects of land use policies and practices and help ensure the sustainability of Ontario's natural resources.

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About the job

• engage key policy clients in formulating a research program and provide advice
• design, coordinate and conduct applied research programs focused on government priorities
• evaluate the effects of current policies, management practices, and environmental change on natural resources
• publish research findings in primary and secondary literature; deliver presentations at scientific meetings, workshops; conduct training courses to resource management staff
• formulate research proposals and grant applications for internal and external funding; collaborate with partners to acquire research funds, and prepare periodic budget reports

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What you bring to the team

Mandatory requirements:

• post-graduate degree in quantitative terrestrial ecosystem science discipline with specialization to the Ph.D. level or equivalent
• valid driver's license

Technical knowledge:

• You have knowledge of terrestrial ecosystem ecology, principles and practices as they relate to natural resource management.
• You have knowledge of quantitative ecology, landscape ecology, ecosystem function, ecosystem services, and spatial statistics relevant to terrestrial ecosystem ecology and cumulative effects.
• You have demonstrated experience with procedures and approaches required to initiate, design, conduct, and publish research.
• You are familiar with supervisor and worker responsibilities under occupational health and safety acts, for example the Ontario Health & Safety Act.

Research, analytical and problem solving skills:

• You have technical and analytical skills to plan and perform advanced statistical analyses and develop simulation models.
• You have experience in advanced research methodologies
• You have knowledge of statistical analysis, pattern analysis, spatial data and quantitative modeling.
• You have reasoning and problem solving skills to formulate testable hypotheses and ability design and implement research projects to address those hypotheses.

Planning, coordinating and project management skills:

• You have planning and coordination skills to develop and maintain a complex multi-year research program.
• You have project management skills to manage a research program towards successful completion on time and within budget.

Leadership skills:

• You have demonstrated leadership skills to oversee collaborative research programs.
• You have experience working with committees (e.g. regional, state/provincial, national) to effectively contribute your experience and knowledge to broad initiatives (e.g., integrated monitoring programs, impact analysis, land use planning).

Communication and interpersonal skills:

• You have strong interpersonal skills to foster a diverse network of collaborators.
• You have excellent oral communication skills to interpret, simplify and present highly complex information for a range of audiences.
• You have the demonstrated ability to prepare scientific reports, journal papers, technical notes, and other articles for a variety of technical and non-technical audiences.

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Additional information:

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Language requirements and assessment:
All external Ontario Public Service (OPS) job ads are posted in English and French. Check the "position(s) language" section at the top of each job ad for the language requirements. For all roles, candidates are assessed in English, the business language of the OPS. If the position is bilingual (English/French), you'll also need to pass a French-language proficiency test.

Exigences en matière de langue et évaluation:
Toutes les offres d'emploi externes de la fonction publique de l'Ontario (FPO) sont affichées en français et en anglais. Consultez la section « Langue du ou des postes » en haut de chaque offre d'emploi pour connaître les exigences linguistiques. Pour tous les postes, les candidats sont évalués en anglais, la langue d'affaires de la FPO. Si le poste est bilingue (anglais/français), vous devrez également passer un test de compétences linguistiques en français.