Forester Intern

Experience working in the Ontario Public Service – grow your future.

The OPS is dedicated to recruiting and advancing top talent while building a diverse public service that is reflective of Ontario's population and communities. This exciting opportunity offers recent Indigenous post-secondary graduates the opportunity to develop their careers and gain valuable work experience with one of Canada's Top 100 Employers.

Bring your knowledge, experience and perspectives to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. Working with a team of engaged professionals and dedicated leaders, you'll take the next step in your career in a dynamic environment that provides opportunities for personal growth, competitive salary, mentorship, learning and development opportunities, and work-life balance.

What can I expect to do in this role?

As a member of Crown Forests and Lands Policy Branch, you will provide input and support to the development, maintenance, and implementation of a wide range of forest policies addressing topics such as: forest information management, independent forest audits, forest operations compliance monitoring, forest analysis, forest certification, forest health and silviculture, forest management planning, and forest policy.

During your internship you will:
• Apply your knowledge of legislation, theory, principles and practices of resource management to provide information and advice on questions related to sustainable forest management;
• Apply your technical forestry knowledge (e.g., harvest practices, silviculture, forest stand dynamics and environmental impacts on non-timber resources) to important forest policy topics;
• Contribute to the policy development process by assisting in defining problem statements, investigating options and developing draft policy recommendations;
• Research background information and undertake literature reviews;
• Investigate and undertake comparative analysis of policy approaches used in jurisdictions outside of Ontario;
• Assist in policy transfer programs by producing presentation materials, developing graphics, assisting with logistical support, distribution of materials to participants, etc.

How do I qualify?

Mandatory

• Candidates must self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit)
• Graduated within the past five years from a college or university with a diploma, degree or post-graduate certificate.

View Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Indigenous Self-Identification

Knowledge:

• Basic working knowledge of forest management and environmental impacts on non-timber forest resources;
• Some working knowledge of legislation, policies, and procedures governing forest management in Ontario including current forest management principles, practices, and guides used in the Boreal Forest and Great Lakes-St. Lawrence/Deciduous Forest Regions;
• Basic understanding of ecosystem sustainability, wildlife habitat management, and biodiversity;
• Knowledge of worker responsibilities as outlined in the Occupational Health and Safety Act;
• Good interpersonal and communications skills (oral and written); and
• Good organizational and project management skills.

Analytical and Research Skills:

• Understanding of policy and program development, research and analytical approaches and techniques, as well as resource management principles; and
• Basic analytical skills and some knowledge of current analytical resource models.

Computer Skills

• Basic knowledge of computer applications and information management (e.g., Microsoft Office, databases, and GIS)

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, May 10, 2021 11:59 pm EDT. Late applications will not be accepted.

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