Coordinator, Forest Ecosystems Unit

Are you looking for a challenging and rewarding position where you can utilize your exceptional leadership skills? If so, consider this opportunity with the Forest Research and Monitoring Section with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.

About us:

The Forest Research and Monitoring Section at the Ontario Forest Research Institute (OFRI) is committed to providing scientific leadership and excellence in forest research, program development, and technology transfer to a range of natural resource clients in Ontario. We work in support of policy development and operational resource management to contribute to the conservation of Ontario's forest ecosystems. Major emphases include understanding ecosystem processes, patterns and diversity; evaluating disturbance effects and recovery of forest ecosystems; developing alternative silvicultural practices to achieve sustainable forestry objectives; and developing methods and tools to support sustainable resource use decisions. We work in partnership with our clients and in cooperation with other scientific organizations to ensure the effectiveness of our efforts.

What can I expect to do in this role?

In this role, you will:
• manage a team of staff engaged in science research and monitoring programs to inform policy and program development, and facilities management
• provide leadership and support in the development, coordination and implementation of provincial science, applied research and monitoring programs in support of sustainable resource management
• work closely with peer Coordinators across Science and Research Branch to ensure effective and efficient use of resources
• identify new science needs required to support policy development and resource management
• develop and foster science collaborations

Leadership in the OPS
The Ontario Public Service (OPS) Leadership Behaviours defines what it means to be a leader through the following expected behaviours and attributes:
• You are committed to the responsibilities of being a leader by demonstrating authenticity, accountability and courage.
• You are innovative by embracing positive disruption, maintaining a future mindset and leading with a common purpose.
• You are collaborative by driving people-centered outcomes, being inclusive and helping staff and colleagues grow, every day.

Visit the Leadership Talent Office on Yammer to learn more about the OPS Leadership Model and to view the application preparation guide for management competitions.

How do I qualify?

Strategic Leadership:

• You are a dynamic, values-based leader
• You have been successful in promoting equitable practices that value diversity and inclusion into your work environment and that support employee engagement
• You have experience motivating and inspiring staff to achieve results in a rapidly changing environment
• You have excellent analytical and strategic thinking skills along with a strong sense of political acuity to deal with a variety of sensitive issues

Technical knowledge and skills:

• You have the ability to provide leadership for the development and application of scientific knowledge and information related to forests management.
• You have the ability to understand and translate (ministry's) strategic directions, policies, programs and service delivery models, into planning, acquiring and aligning program resource requirements.
• You have the ability to identify financial, material and human resources needs, manage and control the development of annual budgets.
• You have a demonstrated understanding of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and committee structures and ability to represent management on health and safety committees

Relationship Management and Communication:

• You have demonstrated superior written, oral and interpersonal skills and can influence and negotiate with partners and stakeholders to find collaborative solutions to complex issues
• You have demonstrated stakeholder management skills with the ability to establish and maintain relationships of trust with senior management, clients and partners
• You can effectively manage expectations and anticipate and resolve major obstacles and conflicts
• You have experience managing sensitive and contentious issues

Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility and Anti-Racism
The OPS is an innovative, responsive and accountable public service that works hard to be diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, merit-based, and equitable. Diversifying leadership is a top priority for the OPS. Our goal is to achieve parity with the Ontario labour force by 2025 for the most under-represented groups (Indigenous, racialized and persons with disabilities) on our leadership teams.

The OPS is an accessible employer and we offer accommodation in all aspects of employment, including the recruitment process. Visit the OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advancing racial equity, diversity and inclusion.

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, August 16, 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.