Research Scientist - Wildlife Landscape Ecology

Do you consider yourself a subject matter scientific expert in wildlife landscape ecology? If so, consider this opportunity where you will provide scientific expertise and leadership for Ontario's related research program, particularly as it pertains to conservation of habitats at diverse scales.

What can I expect to do in this role?

You will:
• assess research needs and priorities through consultation with clients;
• rationalize current research against client needs and adjusting as appropriate;
• identify research problems and the methods and resources required to address them, including research on wildlife landscape ecology;
• implement research projects, compiling and analyzing results, developing and testing models, developing decision-support tools;
• seek external funding and participate in collaborations increase the resources and expertise available to address science priorities;
• publish research findings in primary literature;
• provide scientific advice, review research proposals, consult with staff, prepare budget submissions and grant applications

How do I qualify?

Mandatory

• You must possess either a Ph.D. in a natural science discipline from a University of recognized standing or a Masters degree in a directly related discipline, with extensive research experience and the ability to achieve a Ph.D.
• You must possess a valid class G Driver's License, as recognized by the Province of Ontario.

Specialized knowledge:

• You have knowledge of wildlife landscape ecology theory, principles and practices, especially around management and conservation of habitats at diverse scales, to conduct authoritative research and publish finding in primary literature.
• You have knowledge of procedures and approaches required to initiate, design, conduct, analyze and publish research, integrating wildlife landscape ecology into a research program with expertise in two or more of: spatial ecology, biodiversity conservation, remote sensing application to ecology, fragmented habitats and connectivity ecology, community ecology.
• You have practical knowledge of field and laboratory-based research gained from previous landscape ecology research experience and a demonstrated ability to work across taxonomic groups.

Analytical and problem solving skills:

• You have 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.
• You have 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.

Communication and interpersonal skills:

• You have group leadership/interpersonal skills to oversee research, transfer programs and direct assigned staff, to work with provincial and binational committees, to train other staff in advanced methods and to generate positive interactions with co-workers and clients.
• You have oral communication skills to present and discuss highly detailed or complex information at an audience-appropriate level and to understand and respond to direction and client needs and priorities.
• You have written communication skills to prepare scientific reports, journal papers, technical notes, and other articles for a variety of technical and lay audiences.

Project management and planning skills:

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

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 Friday, December 8, 2017 11:59 pm EST. Late applications will not be accepted.

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