Protect Ontario's waters—where science meets stewardship.Are you passionate about protecting Ontario's water resources while supporting responsible economic development? If so, we invite you to bring your expertise to our northern region's technical support team!
Join a dynamic group of scientific and technical professionals working on some of the province's highest priorities, including the implementation of Ontario's Critical Minerals Strategy. This is your opportunity to contribute to meaningful environmental protection efforts while supporting sustainable growth in the north.
As a Surface Water Specialist, you will play a vital role in managing and protecting Ontario's surface water resources—its lakes, rivers, and streams. Your work will contribute to maintaining water quality and quantity, supporting healthy ecosystems, resilient communities, and a sustainable future.
NOTE: Consideration will be given to the successful candidates to allow them to work at any of the posted MECP office locations. Work location will be determined based on the successful candidate's current home or work address and operational needs. Working in the northern region, however, would provide the successful candidates the added benefit of in-person networking opportunities with northern region colleagues and ease opportunities for in-field work. Consider the northern region when submitting your application and start your next adventure!
About the job
In this role you will:
• provide expertise in surface water quality and/or quantity in support of regional water programs
• make recommendations to protect, conserve, and manage surface water resources
• act as a regional expert on compliance issues
• evaluate hydrological and ecological impacts of proposed and existing activities
• investigate and resolve surface water spills and assess contaminated site and landfill impacts
• develop and implement field investigations to support ministry water resource management programs and provide advice to clients
What you bring to the team
Mandatory requirements
• You have a degree with specialization in disciplines such as Biology, Hydrology, Chemistry or Water Resources.
• You must have a valid class G driver's license or equivalent, as recognized by the Province of Ontario. The offer of employment is conditional on the successful candidate providing proof that they have a valid driver's license before being hired.
Environmental and Technical Knowledge:
• You have experience applying the principles of surface water management, limnology and water quality assessment techniques and environmental management theories, principles, and practices
• You know how to conduct field investigations and operate surface water equipment
• You know hydrological, chemical, and/or biological methods and techniques with specialization in water resource management and ecology
• You have a demonstrated ability to understand and apply applicable policies, procedures and legislation related to environment protection (e.g. Environmental Protection Act, Ontario Water Resources Act, Environmental Bill of Rights)
Analytical and Problem Solving Skills:
• You have excellent research and investigative skills to collect data during field studies and determine compliance.
• You are highly analytical and have the ability to break down, assess, and interpret complex scientific data.
• You know how to identify and evaluate problems to develop effective solutions.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills:
• You can communicate technical information in a clear manner
• You know how to draft a variety of written materials such as scientific reports, briefing notes, correspondence, etc.
• You work well with others and are able to persuade and influence diverse interests
Project Management Skills:
• You have proven skills in project management.
• You can lead discussions involving conflicting approaches or opinions to develop consensus.
Don't meet every qualification?
If you are excited about this position and meet most, but not all, of the listed qualifications, please still consider applying. We recognize that no one person might have every qualification in this job ad, and you just might be the right candidate!
How we support diversity, inclusion and accessibility
We are building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage everyone interested in working with us to apply, including people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black and racialized individuals, as well as people from all ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.
Our hiring process is accessible, consistent with Ontario's
Human Rights Code and the
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. We are working to prevent and remove barriers in our hiring processes and can offer
accommodation to address specific needs related to Code-protected grounds such as disability, family status and religion. For more information about accommodation during the hiring process please
contact us.Learn more about the work the OPS is doing to create an inclusive, anti-racist, accessible and diverse workplace: