Research Scientist Terrestrial Systems Ecology

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.

What can I expect to do in this role?

• 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

How do I qualify?

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.

Please be advised that the results of this competition may be used to form an eligibility list of qualified candidates to potentially fill future vacancies represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU). In accordance with the Collective Agreement, eligibility lists are shared with OPSEU representatives. By applying to this competition, you are providing consent that your name may be shared with OPSEU representatives.

All external applicants (including former employees of the Ontario Public Service) applying to a competition in a ministry or Commission public body must disclose (either in the cover letter or resume) previous employment with the Ontario Public Service. Disclosure must include positions held, dates of employment and any active restrictions as applicable from being rehired by the Ontario Public Service. Active restrictions can include time and/or ministry-specific restrictions currently in force, and may preclude a former employee from being offered a position with the Ontario Public Service for a specific time period (e.g. one year), or from being offered a position with a specific ministry (either for a pre-determined time period or indefinitely). The circumstances around an employee's exit will be considered prior to an offer of employment.

Remember: The deadline to apply is Monday, April 24, 2017 11:59 pm EDT. Late applications will not be accepted.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for further screening or an interview will be contacted.