Are you a motivated policy professional with the skills needed to lead policy projects and the development of collaborative approaches? Do you have a passion for the protection and sustainability of Ontario's natural resources? Can you provide team leadership and coordination of mitigation, fire management agreements and FireSmart activities for the ministry's wildland fire mitigation program?
If so, consider this exciting opportunity in the Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES) Branch, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry where you will provide expert interpretation, analysis and advice related to wildland fire mitigation and related legislation.
About the BranchThe Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services Branch provides forest fire management services for the province including fire management policies and strategies, fire prevention and detection, and the basic resources for managing forest fires; aviation flight and maintenance crews and equipment in support of forest fire and natural resources management, and other specialized aviation services, including non-scheduled air transport to all government ministries and agencies; and emergency management in response to forest fires, floods, drought/low water, dam failures, erosion, soil and bedrock instability, crude oil and natural gas exploration, natural gas and hydrocarbon underground storage, and salt solution mining emergencies.
Note: Please note the successful candidate will be required to travel to places not accessible by public transit.The successful candidate may work from one of the following locations:
• 70 Foster Drive, Sault Ste Marie
• 95 Ghost Lake Road, Dryden
Why work for the Ontario Public Service?The Ontario Public Service (OPS) is committed to being an employer of first choice, creating a positive and inclusive work environment.
We offer:
•
Competitive compensation and benefits• Flexible work arrangements
• Collegial and professional work culture
• Career growth and development opportunities across multiple business areas
• On-the-job training to support your success in the role
How we support diversity, inclusion and accessibility
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 "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.
About the job
In this role, you will:
• Provide team leadership and coordination of mitigation, fire management agreements, and FireSmart activities for the ministry's wildland fire mitigation program.
• Provide the primary source of Ministry-wide expert interpretation, analysis and advice related to wildland fire mitigation and related legislation in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.
• Initiate, lead and coordinate the development of legislation/regulations and policy pertaining to protection and sustainability of Ontario's natural resources
• Leads, plans, manages and coordinates activities of multi-disciplinary internal and external staff in the conduct of wildland fire mitigation, FireSmart and fire management agreement planning
• Lead all aspects of policy research and development of existing services/programs and delivery models
• Provides advice, guidance and direction on confidential/sensitive material and issues as well as the interpretation and application of legislation, regulations, policy, agreements and contracts
• Prepare and coordinate responses such as Minister's letters and briefing notes, for Branch Director, Assistant Deputy Minister, Deputy Minister, and Premier and provide input to similar responses for other program areas within the Ministry.
• Develop, facilitate and foster relationships between program areas, communities, stakeholders and OPS ministries.
What you bring to the team
Team Leadership and Project Management Skills:
• You have project management skills and experience to move innovative ideas from concept to completion.
• You can provide team leadership, technical advice and direction to staff.
• You can provide advice and expertise to senior management.
• You are well-organized to prioritize workload and assign work.
Technical Knowledge and Expertise:
• You have experience in policy and program development to lead a team in the research and development of standards and policies for mitigation, FireSmart and fire management agreements.
• You have knowledge of risk management theory, techniques and tools to identify and assess risk factors.
• You have knowledge of economic theory, principles and financial analysis skills to estimate impacts.
• You can interpret and apply relevant legislation.
Stakeholder and Issues Management Skills:
• You can develop and maintain relationships and partnerships with stakeholders.
• You can identify, coordinate, and analyze issues for executive and senior management's attention and provide recommendations for resolution.
• You can review and analyze contentious issues, determine problem areas and provide solutions.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills:
• You have oral communication skills to present the Ministry's policies and program initiatives to senior management, staff and stakeholders.
• You have written communication skills to develop manuals, policies, training materials, briefing notes and other documentation.
• You have negotiation and mediation skills to work co-operatively with other divisions, ministries, and stakeholders.