Amended - Senior Wildlife Policy Advisor

AMENDMENT: Due to a system outage period, this posting has been extended

Are you interested in bringing highly advanced policy and analytical skills to help shape Ontario's wildlife policies?
Are you able to lead teams, engage stakeholders, anticipate emerging issues, conduct detailed analysis and develop policy?
If so, then consider this exciting opportunity to play a key role at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.

Wildlife Section seeks a highly-motivated, team-oriented professional to lead the development and support of provincial wildlife policy development and analysis.

The Ontario Public Service (OPS) is committed to being an employer of first choice, creating a positive and inclusive work environment.

We offer:
• a defined benefit pension plan
• maternity and parental leave top-up benefits which includes adoptive parents
• comprehensive health plan
• life and disability insurance
• flexible work arrangements
• collegial and professional work culture
• career growth and development opportunities across multiple business areas
• on-the-job training to support your success in the role

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 the OPS 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 "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.

What can I expect to do in this role?

While working with a great professional team, you will:

• provide leadership in the development, delivery and integration of key wildlife landscape and ecologically-based policies and programs
• contribute to the sustainable management of wildlife species
• provide expert advice and support to staff and government on issues
• communicate clearly, and promote the objectives, principles and strategies related to wildlife policy
• work with other government agencies, program stakeholders, clients and the general public

How do I qualify?

Technical expertise:

• You have proven experience working with wildlife resource management theories and practices in order to address fish and wildlife issues and support the objective of sustainable wildlife management.
• You have expert knowledge of relevant legislation and current government strategic direction relating to fish and wildlife in order to participate in the development and review of provincial fish and wildlife management policies, legislation and programs.
• You have knowledge of social, economic, environmental and political trends and environmental scanning techniques in order to develop effective strategies, policies, guidelines and legislation.

Interpersonal and communication skills:

• You have consultation, interpersonal, and communication skills to liaise and work with other ministry staff, external stakeholders and senior management.
• You have advanced written communication skills to prepare summaries of research and findings, develop reports and fully develop briefing materials on recommended program/policy options and implementation strategies.
• You have the ability to represent ministry fish and wildlife interests on multi-disciplinary groups.

Policy development knowledge:

• You have in-depth knowledge of policy development processes and thorough understanding of other resource management programs and issues as they relate to the wildlife program.

Project management skills:

• You have proven experience applying project management techniques and organizational skills to manage concurrent projects and deadlines.
• You have team leadership skills to provide leadership to internal and external staff, task teams, committees, etc.
• You have the ability to facilitate team input and consultation with various parties.

Research and analytical skills:

• You have proven research, conceptual and analytical skills to identify the need for wildlife related policies, to coordinate input from various sources, problem-solve, provide expert analysis, develop options and advise on risks.

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, October 19, 2022 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.