Lands and Waters Technical Specialist

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Regional Operations Division (ROD) is accountable for the implementation and delivery of provincial resource management policy and programs on local and regional levels.

This is a team of dedicated, collaborative professionals who provide leadership, advice and strategic direction for resource management and conservation activities in the area. We are passionate about the work we do and understand the importance of it.

If this appeals to you, consider this opportunity as a Lands and Waters Technical Specialist in Southern Ontario with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF). We promote a respectful, equitable, accessible, diverse, and inclusive (READI) workplace that is anti-racist and free from harassment and discrimination. Visit the OPS Anti-Racism Policy, the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint and the OPS 2017-2021 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan to learn more about the OPS commitment to advancing racial equity, accessibility, diversity and inclusion.

Please note: These positions are in multiple locations, however, due to COVID-19, remote work arrangements are currently in effect. The employer is willing to consider remote work arrangements beyond COVID-19, however, attendance at the MNRF home office will be required from time to time or as needed.

During the application process, please select ALL of the locations that you would consider working from.

What can I expect to do in this role?

In this role, you will be:

• planning, coordinating, issuing approvals and monitoring activities associated with MNRF's lands and waters program
• participating in work program activities including preparing recommendations, organizing field projects, controlling budget expenditures and monitoring progress and results of projects
• providing leadership, guidance and advice to other staff, management and clients
• ensuring compliance with legislation, regulations, policies and procedures
• supporting long range planning teams by providing technical expertise
• communicating program information to a wide variety of clients including the public, partners, industry representatives and Indigenous peoples
• supporting the delivery of other district resource management programs

How do I qualify?

Mandatory:

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 they have a valid driver's licence upon being hired.

Technical expertise:

• You have experience-based knowledge of lands and waters legislation (e.g. Public Lands Act, Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act, Beds of Navigable Waters Act) and related legislation, regulations, policies and procedures in order to administer land tenure, licence and permit processes (e.g. work permits, land use permits, leases and sales) and to provide technical leadership, advice and training to staff, industry representatives, the public and Indigenous peoples.

Communication and interpersonal skills:

• You have the ability to effectively communicate technical information to diverse audiences using a variety of mediums, where the subject matter or organizational position may be contentious.
• You have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with a variety of internal and external clients and stakeholders discuss and promote understanding of sensitive land and resource decisions, facilitate conflict resolution and disposition of Crown resources.

Analytical and planning skills:

• You have analytical and problem solving skills to review and analyze data, provide recommendations and contribute technical advice to inform the delivery of organizational priorities.
• You have demonstrated planning and coordinating skills to plan, lead and coordinate projects and ensure timely completion of a variety of tasks and competing priorities.

Compliance and inspections:

• You have proven knowledge of enforcement and compliance procedures to conduct, or participate in, operational audits of resource industries/individuals by determining level of adherence to operating approvals, investigating infractions and providing technical information as a witness in cases of non-compliance.
• You have experience in the delivery of field/compliance-related activities in accordance with health and safety related requirements.

Please be advised that the results of this competition may be used to form an eligibility list of qualified candidates to potentially fill future vacancies represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU). In accordance with the Collective Agreement, eligibility lists are shared with OPSEU representatives. By applying to this competition, you are providing consent that your name may be shared with OPSEU representatives.

All external applicants (including former employees of the Ontario Public Service) applying to a competition in a ministry or Commission public body must disclose (either in the cover letter or resume) previous employment with the Ontario Public Service. Disclosure must include positions held, dates of employment and any active restrictions as applicable from being rehired by the Ontario Public Service. Active restrictions can include time and/or ministry-specific restrictions currently in force, and may preclude a former employee from being offered a position with the Ontario Public Service for a specific time period (e.g. one year), or from being offered a position with a specific ministry (either for a pre-determined time period or indefinitely). The circumstances around an employee's exit will be considered prior to an offer of employment.

Remember: The deadline to apply is Wednesday, December 16, 2020 11:59 pm EST. Late applications will not be accepted.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for further screening or an interview will be contacted.