Are you interested in engaging, building and maintaining relationships with Indigenous communities, primarily in northern Ontario, to work within community-based processes to listen to and understand Indigenous community interests, to share with Indigenous communities information about the application and relevance of geoscience, and to support Indigenous communities and the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry (NDMNRF) to collaborate to help address mutual interests through geoscience initiatives? If interested, join the Ontario Geological Survey team to help develop and share information with Indigenous communities related to the broad application of geoscience and help determine communities' interest to collaborate on Ministry geoscience initiatives.
About the job
In this position, you will:
• visit remote and non-remote Indigenous communities to engage, build relationships and share information with the communities, based on Ministry and Indigenous geoscience interests
• promote a co-operative working relationship between government and Indigenous communities
• provide information related to the general mandate of NDMNRF and the Ontario Geological Survey to Indigenous communities in Ontario
• plan and arrange meetings with Indigenous communities or organizations to promote involvement in the design, delivery, and application of geoscience programs and initiatives
• brief the Ontario Geological Survey (OGS) Director or colleagues to address specific needs or issues raised during Indigenous community visits
• develop and facilitate development and delivery of geoscience information using educational tools and methods compatible with Indigenous culture
• provide issues management administrative support to management and staff to increase effectiveness of engagement activities
What you bring to the team
Mandatory requirements
• You must have a valid class 'G' driver's licence or equivalent, as recognized by the Province of Ontario. The offer of employment is conditional upon the successful candidate providing proof that they have a valid driver's licence upon being hired.
• You have the ability to travel extensively to remote parts of Ontario throughout the year and to stay multiple days, generally fewer than 5, in an Indigenous community.
Technical and cultural expertise:
• You have knowledge of Indigenous communities, culture, value systems and social practices.
• You have an understanding of Indigenous community dynamics, issues and concerns.
• You have general knowledge about Indigenous and Treaty rights.
• You have knowledge or the ability to obtain an understanding of Ministry mandate and business objectives, including the Ontario Geological Survey mandate and activities, and general knowledge about the relevance and application of geoscience.
Interpersonal and relationship building skills:
• You have strong interpersonal skills to foster relationships with Indigenous youth, elders, and leaders.
• You exercise tact and discretion when responding to concerns and issues raised by community members and can manage changing circumstances, develop relationships and build understanding within Indigenous communities.
Communication skills:
• You have communications skills to explain the role of the Ontario Geological Survey, advocate and promote geoscience programs and initiatives, develop and deliver training programs and present information in a culturally appropriate way.
• You have the ability to communicate effectively using a variety of tools and techniques in a cross-cultural setting (e.g. oral, hands-on, and written).
• You have excellent listening skills beyond just hearing words (e.g. body language, understanding the intent of words or context).
Organizational and project management skills:
• You have demonstrated planning and organizational skills to plan, prioritize and implement activities within tight and conflicting timeframes.
• You have the ability to work independently and maintain project deliverables including tracking and reporting expenditures.
Analytical and problem-solving skills:
• You have the ability to recognize and mitigate difficult situations and develop options and recommendations.
• You can conduct research, organize observations and findings, and carryout syntheses to report to NDMNRF or Indigenous leadership and officials.
Computer proficiency:
• You have working knowledge of computers and typical office productivity software, such as databases, word processing, presentation, email and internet applications.
OPS Commitment to diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and anti- racism:
We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.
We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.
Visit the
OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the
OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.
We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's
Human Rights Code. Refer to the application instructions below if you require a disability-related accommodation.