FISH AND WILDLIFE TECHNICAL SPECIALIST

Do you have a passion for client service and expertise in natural resource management? Do you have the ability to provide technical expertise on fish and wildlife management? Do you enjoy working as part of a team, focused on finding innovative ways to promote sustainable natural resource development? 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.

If this appeals to you, consider this opportunity as a Fish and Wildlife 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 theOPS Anti-Racism Policy, theOPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint and theOPS 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.

What can I expect to do in this role?

In this role, you will:

• planning, coordinating, issuing approvals and monitoring activities associated with MNRF's fish and wildlife program
• participate in work program activities including preparing recommendations, organizing and implementing field projects, controlling budget expenditures and monitor 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
• participating in the delivery of other district resource management programs (e.g. Lands and Waters, Aggregates, Forestry)

How do I qualify?

Mandatory requirement:

• 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.

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 to discuss and promote understanding of sensitive resource decisions and facilitate conflict resolution.

Technical expertise:

• You have working knowledge of fish and wildlife legislation including the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act and related regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines to review and process licenses, authorizations and permits and to ensure resource operations are in compliance with ecological sustainability standards and legal requirements.
• You have experience-based expertise and technical knowledge of the fish and wildlife program in order to participate in resource management planning processes, plan, organize and conduct field projects and programs and provide technical leadership, advice and training to staff, industry representatives, the public and Indigenous peoples.
• You have knowledge of other resource management programs (Lands and Waters, Aggregates, Forestry) and experience participating in the delivery of these programs.

Analytical and problem-solving skills:

• You have demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills to review and analyze data, evaluate information, provide recommendations and contribute technical advice to inform the delivery of organizational priorities.

Planning and coordination skills:

• You have demonstrated planning and coordinating skills to plan, lead and coordinate fish and wildlife programs/projects and to ensure timely review, assessment, approval and audit of ministry, individual/business and agency projects, initiatives, proposals, licenses, permits and plans requiring the coordination of several processes/projects occurring at the same time.

Compliance and inspections:

• You have proven knowledge of compliance and inspection procedures to conduct, or participate in operational audits/inspections of resource industries/users by determining compliance with operating approvals, determining corrective actions and providing technical information and evidence.
• 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 Monday, December 14, 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.