Are you interested in shaping the future of sustainable resource management? The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) is seeking a motivated individual to support policy development, program analysis, and stakeholder engagement in the dynamic field of resource management and wildland fire prevention.
As an intern in the Prevention and Prescribed Burning (PPB) Unit within Aviation, Forest Fire, and Emergency Services (AFFES), you will contribute to developing and interpreting policies, regulations, and programs that promote the sustainable management of Ontario's natural resources and enhance public safety.
Program Area OverviewThe PPB Unit leads the wildland fire prevention, compliance, fuel management, and prescribed burning and cost recovery programs for AFFES.
Key responsibilities include:
• Developing and implementing fire prevention education, compliance inspections, investigations, and cost recovery.
• Overseeing the legislative and regulatory framework related to fire prevention.
• Leading prescribed burning and fuel management programs to promote ecological health and public safety.
Why Join Us?This is an opportunity to gain valuable experience in resource management, policy development, and stakeholder engagement while contributing to the safety and sustainability of Ontario's natural environment. You will work alongside experienced professionals in a collaborative, supportive, and innovative team environment.
About the job
You will play a key role in providing technical, analytical, and administrative support to policy and program development in the areas of wildland fire prevention, compliance, fuel management and prescribed burning. Your responsibilities may include:
• Conducting research, analysis, and synthesis of program data, jurisdictional scans, and other sources to inform evidence-based policy and program development.
• Supporting the development and implementation of policies related to sustainable resource management, including preparing recommendations and options.
• Assisting in engagement initiatives with internal staff, other Ontario ministries, Indigenous communities and organizations, municipalities, and external stakeholders to support consultation and policy interpretation.
• Preparing technical reports, discussion papers, briefing notes, and presentations to communicate policy insights and recommendations.
• Supporting the management of information systems, including maintaining electronic filing systems, databases, and research files.
• Assisting in the coordination of the wildland fire prevention and compliance programs, including inspections, investigations, education, and cost recovery initiatives.
• Contributing to legislative and regulatory framework reviews
• Supporting prescribed burning and fire behavior programs.
• Maintaining confidentiality, professionalism, and high standards of conduct in all aspects of work.
What you bring to the team
Eligibility:
• proof of eligibility to work in Canada
• have graduated or will graduate from an approved or legally authorized college or university with a diploma or an equivalent degree or postgraduate certificate or diploma within the last four years
• candidates are only eligible to participate in one MNR 12-month placement and must not have participated in the MNR internship program in the past
• not a permanent employee in the Ontario Public Service
Qualifications:
Technical knowledge and skills:• Understanding of natural resource management, environmental risk assessment, and wildland fire prevention.
• Knowledge of legislative, regulatory, policy, and planning tools for sustainable resource management in Ontario.
• Familiarity with policy research and analysis techniques, including environmental scanning, modeling, and trends forecasting.
• Experience with data analysis, database management, and research tools (e.g., GIS, R).
Analytical and research skills:• Ability to gather, consolidate, and analyze complex data to support policy development and program implementation.
• Detail-oriented approach to preparing reports, recommendations, and evidence-based insights.
Communication and interpersonal skills:• Strong oral and written communication skills to prepare reports, briefing notes, and presentations and collaborate with stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team or independently with minimal supervision.
Organizational and project management skills:• Excellent time management, planning, and organizational abilities to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access) and collaboration tools such as MS Teams.
Additional Information:
Successful candidates may be required to undergo an employment screening check in accordance with the Ontario Employment Screening Checks Policy.
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: