Amended - Vessel Master

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has an opportunity in Port Dover for a uniquely-skilled individual to act as Vessel Master of a large lake vessel (up to 20 metres in length, Tonnage 112), to lead the implementation of field work for fisheries assessment, management and research for Ontario's Great Lakes.

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?

In this position you will:

• ensure safe working practices at all times such as safety of staff on board the vessel as well as compliance with all relevant Transport Canada regulations regarding the maintenance of the vessel
• provide technical advice and leadership in the design, construction, maintenance and inventory of the unit's fish gear
• perform the duties of a fisheries technician, including index gillnetting, near-shore trap netting, census, biological sampling of fish species, etc.

How do I qualify?

Mandatory

• 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.
• You possess, or ability to obtain a valid Transport Canada vessel ticket up to 150 gross tons (or as may be required in accordance with Provincial or Federal Legislation).
• You possess, or ability to obtain Domestic Vessel Safety training as required by Transport Canada.
• You possess, or ability to obtain Marine Basic First Aid.
• You possess, or ability to obtain a Radio Operators Certificate, Marine Class.
• You possess, or ability to obtain Valid Passport for international travel.

Leadership and safety skills:

• You exercise good judgment in a team leadership role, ensuring safety and security of staff and equipment during survey and vessel operations, taking consideration of weather, lake conditions, capabilities of support staff, and capabilities and status of vessel.
• You have good working knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and those Regulations made under the Act that apply to the workplace and the work being performed.

Vessel operation and maintenance knowledge:

• You have demonstrated ability to safely operate large lake vessels under a variety of weather conditions, including inclement weather.
• You have detailed knowledge of great lakes vessel design and maintenance (engines, hydraulic equipment, navigational electronics, and communications gear).
• You have the ability to operate motorized vehicles (light trucks, automobiles, ATVs, snowmobiles, boats and motors).

Fisheries knowledge:

• You have sound knowledge of fish and wildlife legislation to provide technical guidance.
• You have knowledge of fish population assessment and research techniques for data collection for long-term data sets and for immediate use in fisheries management decision making.
• You have experience using fisheries assessment equipment such as gill nets, hoop nets, trawls and seines, and the ability to modify this equipment to meet local conditions/needs.

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, February 3, 2023 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.