Lands and Waters Technical Specialist

Are you experienced in program delivery and land claim settlement and skilled in technical leadership and guidance? If so, consider this challenging opportunity as a Lands and Waters Technical Specialist.

The Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry (NDMNRF), 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 northern Ontario. We promote a respectful, equitable, accessible, diverse, and inclusive workplace that is anti-racist and free from harassment and discrimination. The Ontario Public Service (OPS) is committed to being an employer of first choice, and creating a positive and inclusive work environment.

Please note that these position(s) are located at the addresses listed below, however alternate work arrangements, such as telework or remote work, may be available. During the application process, please select ALL of the locations that you would like to be considered for.

What can I expect to do in this role?

In this role, you will:

• advance the settlement of land claims
• administer Lands and Waters program license/permit processes
• participate in work program activities including preparing recommendations, organizing field projects, controlling budget expenditures and monitor progress and results of projects
• provide technical expertise and group leadership through consultation, negotiations, and conflict resolution
• prepare and implement compliance plans, conduct field inspections and investigations and provide testimonial evidence in court
• support long range planning teams by providing technical expertise
• communicate program information to the public, clients, partners, resource industries and Indigenous communities
• participate in the delivery of other district resource management programs (e.g. Aggregate, Fish and Wildlife, Forest)

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.

Technical expertise:

• You are experienced in land use and resource management planning processes and have previously contributed your expertise and technical advice to planning exercises, including land claim settlement.
• You have in-depth working 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/operational leadership to staff, resource clients and the public on Lands and Waters program activities.
• You have knowledge of other resource management programs (Fish and Wildlife, Aggregate, Forestry) and experience participating in the delivery of these programs in compliance with relevant safety legislation.

Communication and interpersonal skills:

• You have strong interpersonal and communication skills to prepare written products and participate in briefings, public meetings, conduct training and present evidence at legal proceedings.
• You have the ability to interact with a variety of internal and external clients and stakeholders to promote understanding and discuss sensitive land and resource decisions, and to facilitate the settlement of land claims and the resolution of land management conflicts and disposition of Crown resources.

Compliance and inspection experience:

• You have proven knowledge of compliance inspection/investigation procedures and experience investigating infractions, determining corrective action and providing technical information and evidence.

Analytical and planning skills:

• You have demonstrated experience using your analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• You have expertise pertaining to planning, leading/coordinating and participating in Lands and Waters programs and projects including land claim settlement, dam operations and emergency flood response.

OPS Commitment to diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and anti- racism:

We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.
We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.
Visit theOPS Anti-Racism Policy and the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.
We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's Human Rights Code. Refer to the application instructions below if you require a disability-related accommodation.

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 Friday, September 3, 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.