Coordinator, Forest Management Unit

Are you an innovative and strategic leader looking for a challenging and rewarding leadership opportunity? Are you passionate about forest research and supporting resource management policy and decision making? The Science and Research Branch within the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) is seeking someone who is self-motivated and can take the initiative to move our programs forward strategically. We need a collaborative leader, someone who is able to actively listen to teams and act as a strong go-to person for researchers and stakeholders.

Science and Research Branch @ MNRF
The Science and Research Branch is responsible for developing new scientific knowledge for ministry clients and for key partners. The scientific knowledge is delivered in products and services supporting the delivery of a wide range of core business activities including fish, wildlife, forestry and water resource management planning, policy and program development, and issues management.

Please note: attendance at the Sault Ste Marie office will be required in alignment with OPS' current hybrid work model and as operational needs require.

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?

Forest Research and Monitoring Section @ MNRF
The Forest Management Unit is within the Forest Research and Monitoring Section at theOntario Forest Research Institute (OFRI). The section 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. The team supports policy development and operational resource management to contribute to the conservation of Ontario's forest ecosystems. Critical to their work is understanding ecosystem processes, patterns and diversity; evaluating disturbance effects and recovery of forest ecosystems; developing alternative silvicultural practices; and developing methods and tools to support sustainable resource use decisions.

As theCoordinator, Forest Management Unit, you will:
• manage a team of staff engaged in science research and monitoring programs to inform policy and program development, and facilities management.
• manage the operations of the Unit and staff, provide strategic advice/analysis, and manage issues responses and stakeholder relations.
• provide expertise 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.
• promote and demonstrate commitment to diversity, accessibility and inclusiveness.

How do I qualify?

Strategic Leadership Skills

• You demonstrate the leadership behaviours, attributes and mindset for leaders, across the organization, to lead the OPS into the future and deliver our vision.
• You have demonstrated leadership and operational management skills to develop, motivate and inspire staff in an inclusive/accessible workplace.
• You have effective planning skills to coordinate and oversee program and service delivery.
• You foster a collaborative, inclusive and anti-racist work environment with employees, colleagues and stakeholders.
• You have experience developing and implementing practical solutions to unique and complex issues.
• You demonstrate expertise and knowledge in human resources management, financial resources management, performance management, training and development and labour relations issues.

Technical Expertise and Specialized Knowledge

• You have a good understanding of relevant resource management legislation, policies and programs.
• You have the ability to provide leadership for the development and application of scientific knowledge and information related to forest management.
• You have the ability to understand and translate 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.
• You have the expertise in project management principles and methodologies to manage the delivery of program plans, initiatives and goals.
• You have the ability to lead or participate in projects that are comprised of multi-disciplinary teams dedicated to science, research and monitoring programs.

Communication and Relationship Management

• You have excellent oral, written and presentation communication skills to provide expertise regarding program delivery.
• You have a collaborative leadership style and recognize the value of working with partners both internally and externally.
• You have proven experience building and maintaining relationships with internal and external stakeholders, partners and consultants to gather input, build consensus, and deliver on priorities.
• You have demonstrated collaboration skills to develop linkages with key networks and stakeholders for various land/nature resource management planning initiatives.
• You have demonstrated political acuity and are able to successfully influence senior leaders/stakeholders without formal authority.

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 Tuesday, March 28, 2023 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.