Apply By: Monday, October 13, 2025 11:59 pm EDT

Chief Park Naturalist

Job ID:
234556
Organization:
Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
Division:
Marten River Provincial Park
City:
Marten River
Position(s) language:
English
Job term:
1 Temporary seasonal, annually recurring contract for up to 42 weeks per year (March - December)
Job code:
14024 - Biologist 2B
Salary:
$1,380.35 - $1,705.03 Per week*
*Indicates the salary listed as per the OPSEU Collective Agreement.

Discover a Career Where Nature is Your Office

Imagine spending your days immersed in the natural beauty of one of Ontario's most scenic parks, leading engaging educational programs, and contributing to the conservation of our province's rich ecological and cultural heritage. If you're ready to trade your office lights for forest canopies and winters off, and bring your interpretive skills to life in a truly inspiring setting, we encourage you to apply.

The Ontario Public Service (OPS) is committed to being an employer of first choice, creating a positive and inclusive work environment.

We offer:
• a defined benefit pension plan
• comprehensive health plan
• life and disability insurance
• 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

About the job

In this role, you will:
• plan, prepare and lead educational/learning, cultural heritage, and ecological integrity monitoring/restoration strategies and programs
• integrate park communication and stewardship activities with fish, wildlife and species at risk strategies
• provide ecological and cultural expertise for the planning and management of the park
• provide group leadership and training to staff

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 s/he has a valid driver's licence upon being hired.
• You have the ability to work shifts, including nights, weekends and statutory holidays as per schedule.
• You have the ability to travel extended distances by vehicle to support programming.
• You have the ability to work in inclement weather.
• You possess or have the ability to achieve certification in public speaking and/or interpretation.

Interpretive ability:

• You have in-depth knowledge of communication and interpretive principles, theory, techniques, and practices (including traditional and/or inquiry-based learning techniques).
• You have the ability to transfer complex ecological concepts and/or cultural information in an engaging way through a variety of media, including scientific and technical reports, interpretive programs and products, video, and social media.

Technical expertise:

• You have in-depth knowledge of the natural and cultural history of Ontario, including ecological integrity monitoring and reporting principles and procedures as they apply to provincial parks.
• You have a thorough understanding of the theories, principles and practices of conservation biology (including ecological restoration) and of relevant legislation, policies and procedures.
• You have the ability to identify and interpret natural and cultural features.

Communication skills:

• You possess very strong public speaking and presentation skills, as well as strong group leadership, interpersonal and communication skills.
• You can communicate effectively with the Park Superintendent and report on work progress on a continual basis.

Computer and equipment proficiency:

• You are able to operate, maintain and perform minor adjustments/repairs to various field (e.g. GPS locators, all-terrain vehicles) and audio visual and photography equipment.
• You are proficient with common office productivity software, such as word processing, spreadsheet, database, email, design and presentation applications.
• You are able to effectively utilize social media platforms to deliver programming and marketing.

Analytical skills:

• You can use your analytical skills to identify environmental and visitation trends, pressures, gaps, and opportunities and give priority based on knowledge of subject matter or by discussing with other experts.

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:


Additional information:

Apply by:
Monday, October 13, 2025 11:59 pm EDT
Position details:
  • 1 English Temporary - Seasonal, duration up to 42 weeks, 2860 Hwy 11 N, Marten River, North Region
Compensation group:
Ontario Public Service Employees Union
Work hours:
Category:
Parks
Posted on:
Monday, September 15, 2025

Note:

  • Less qualified applicants may be considered on an underfill basis.


How to apply:

  1. You must apply online.
  2. Your cover letter and resume combined should not exceed five (5) pages. For tips and tools on how to write a concise cover letter and resume, review the Writing a Cover Letter and Resume: Tips, Tools and Resources.
  3. Customize your cover letter and resume to the qualifications listed on the job ad. Using concrete examples, you must show how you demonstrated the requirements for this job. We rely on the information you provide to us.
  4. Read the job description to make sure you understand this job.
  5. OPS employees are required to quote their WIN EMPLOYEE ID number when applying.
  6. If you require a disability related accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please Contact Us to provide your contact information. Recruitment services team will contact you within 48 hours.

Language requirements and assessment:
All external Ontario Public Service (OPS) job ads are posted in English and French. Check the "position(s) language" section at the top of each job ad for the language requirements. For all roles, candidates are assessed in English, the business language of the OPS. If the position is bilingual (English/French), you'll also need to pass a French-language proficiency test.

Exigences en matière de langue et évaluation:
Toutes les offres d'emploi externes de la fonction publique de l'Ontario (FPO) sont affichées en français et en anglais. Consultez la section « Langue du ou des postes » en haut de chaque offre d'emploi pour connaître les exigences linguistiques. Pour tous les postes, les candidats sont évalués en anglais, la langue d'affaires de la FPO. Si le poste est bilingue (anglais/français), vous devrez également passer un test de compétences linguistiques en français.


Strengthening Ontario, together