Director, Science and Research Branch

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Are you keen to lead the development of new scientific knowledge to support delivery of the Ministry of Natural Resources' business activities? If so, consider this exciting opportunity as Director of the newly created Science and Research Branch.

The Ministry of Natural Resources is responsible for developing and managing provincial programs to conserve biodiversity and ensure Ontario's natural resources are protected, managed and available for the enjoyment and use of future generations, and to ensure public safety.

Reporting to the Assistant Deputy Minister, Provincial Services Division, critical to your success will be the ability to deliver key strategies and objectives related to research and monitoring regarding natural resources including; forests, wildlife, aquatic, biodiversity and natural resource information, while contributing to the development of science capacity within the division as well as negotiating and managing partnerships with external researchers and scientific community; to identify, analyze, communicate and report on trends in science to inform policy and program delivery and to help develop science and research priorities with both internal and external stakeholders.

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About the job

As the Director, Science and Research you will:

• Provide leadership and direction to a branch responsible for delivering science, research and monitoring programs in support of natural resource management in Ontario.
• Lead and coordinate a program of science, research, monitoring and knowledge transfer to support resource managers and inform policy development.
• Lead the development and implementation of processes and structures to create science and research priorities to ensure alignment of these activities with ministry policy and operational needs.
• Direct the collection, analysis and reporting of data and trends representing and affecting the province's natural resources.
• Develop strategic partnerships with other agencies, educational institutions and the broader science community and represent the ministry in a variety of interministerial, national and international science initiatives.
• Support and promote a productive team environment which reflects an inclusive, diverse and accessible work place.

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What you bring to the team

Leadership

• You have proven senior leadership experience directing and motivating a team of professionals in multiple regional settings, interfacing with a broad spectrum of clients and stakeholders.
• You have proven abilities in providing strategic direction, establishing policies and priorities and developing and implementing programs.
• You are an inclusive leader who values service excellence and creates a culture of diversity, inclusion and equity in the workplace.
• You have experience in negotiating and managing partnerships.

Knowledge / Technical Experience

• You possess superior analytical and strategic-thinking skills.
• You have expert knowledge of natural resource management.
• You understand relevant legislation/statutes, government priorities, and decision-making processes.

Communication and Relationship Management

• You have proven success in delivering strategic advice on large, complex projects/initiatives involving environmental research methodologies and practices.
• You have demonstrated executive expertise in developing and sustaining effective partnerships with inter-governmental stakeholders.
• You are a polished communicator and negotiator, an effective consensus builder, with exceptional political acuity.

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Additional information:

Note:

• The Ontario Public Service has been chosen as one of:
  • Canada's Top 100 Employers
  • Greater Toronto's Top 90 Employers
  • Canada's Best Diversity Employers
  • Canada's Greenest Employer
  • Top Employer for Canadians under 40
  
  We offer:
  • A defined benefit pension plan
  • Maternity and parental leave top-up benefits which includes adoptive parents
  • Comprehensive Health Plan
  • Life and Disability insurance
  • A progressive work environment that promotes a work/life balance
  • Flexible learning and development opportunities including online, training and mentorship programs
  • Opportunities for career advancement and specialization through a wide range of career fields

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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.