Are you interested in providing leadership and oversight in the development and delivery of innovative approaches to Great Lakes water quality monitoring, complex scientific analyses, and the communication of information for a highly specialized water monitoring program? If so, then consider this exciting opportunity with the Ministry of the Environment, Conservations and Parks, Environmental Monitoring and Reporting Branch.
Amended - Effective January 1st, 2024 the salary range for this position is $1,841.88 to $2,445.69 per week in compliance with OPSEU Unified Bargaining Unit collective agreement provisions. The new rates, effective retroactive to January 1, 2024, were recently confirmed and dates for implementation of the new salary rates are still to be determined.
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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.
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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:
• Develop and implement long-term water quality monitoring and reconnaissance programs and studies, with emphasis on Great Lakes ecology.
• Develop new or innovative scientific approaches for assessing the impacts of contaminants, invasive species, climate change, emerging issues, harmful algal blooms, and land use and land management changes on water quality and the health of the Great Lakes.
• Lead and coordinate specialized studies and collaborative research projects to support Great Lakes protection.
• Be involved in field work on the Great Lakes and the associated preparation and planning.
• Prepare reports outlining critical issues and actions required to ensure sound environmental management of the Great Lakes.
• Provide expert advice supporting monitoring and investigative studies concerning the ecological and limnological context of the coastal waters of the Great Lakes.
• Represent the ministry externally as the Great Lakes ecological and limnological expert.
What you bring to the team
Mandatory requirements
Valid Ontario Driver's License
Scientific Skills:
• You have advanced knowledge of the theory and application of principles in large lake limnology, aquatic ecology, biology, chemistry, or toxicology, with expertise in complex data analysis.
• You have strong knowledge of and direct experience related to scientific practices, research/analytical techniques and practices, and pollution control and remedial action techniques.
Technical Knowledge:
• You have experience in leading studies to investigate the effect of physical factors, contaminants, invasive species and nutrients on aquatic ecology.
• You have demonstrated proficiency in complex lake-based fieldwork.
• You have knowledge of environmental legislation, regulations, standards, policies, directives and guidelines of surface water management and protection to investigate problem areas and identify any issues of non-compliance..
• You have knowledge of various government and non-government organizations involved in the study of Great Lakes issues, understand their roles and mandates to be able to serve as scientific liaison and expert.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills:
• You have demonstrated communication skills and are able to explain complex information in plain language.
• You have demonstrated oral communication and writing skills when developing recommendations to address water and sediment quality concerns.
• You have strong interpersonal skills and can work well in a team environment.
• You have demonstrated excellent, independent writing skills to prepare discussion papers, scientific reports and papers, briefing materials and to respond to a variety of correspondence.
• You have consultation, facilitation and negotiation skills and experience to influence and seek support for new policy and legislation.
Analytical and Organization Skills:
• You have analytical skills to synthesize information and evaluate and recommend policy and program options.
• You have strong evaluative skills to assess effectiveness of policies, programs and management actions and to provide advice and make recommendations.
• You possess analytical and organizational skills to consolidate, lead, and conduct analyses of data, including using statistical and data modelling techniques.
Problem-Solving Skills:
• You have problem-solving skills to develop recommendations on source control, remedial and preventive action and on the follow-up required by monitoring programs to measure the effectiveness of actions.
• You have problem-solving skills in defining the need for innovative scientific approaches to ecosystem monitoring and developing these for application.