Are you looking to lead a research program that meets the needs of Ontarians today while charting a course for future innovation in applied fisheries and aquatic sciences? Do you have experience implementing your scientific expertise into products and advice that address real world issues in environmental management? Do you like the idea of contributing scientific evidence to the development of provincial policy and regulations for the management of Ontario's aquatic resources? If so, we are looking for an individual to create and lead their own research program within a broader team of scientists, biologists and technicians who collectively support the evidence-informed approach of aquatic resource management in Ontario.
Please note that this position provides an excellent opportunity for advancement; while candidates are hired at the Research Scientist 3 classification, they may be considered for the Research Scientist 4 level depending on their knowledge and experience level. During the course of employment there is also the opportunity to advance to the Research Scientist 4 or 5 level with acquired experience and demonstrated expertise. The performance and candidacy for the Research Scientist role will be assessed using nine criteria. These are: research program planning and development; research relevance; advance on prior science; program management; productivity; recognition; transfer planning; transfer effectiveness; and impact.
Research Scientist 3: $1,348.81 - 1,714.73 per week
Research Scientist 4: $1,670.94 - 2,200.40 per week
Research Scientist 5: $1,711.15 - 2,272.11 per week
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 role, you will:
• design, coordinate and conduct a comprehensive applied aquatic ecology and fisheries research program
• collaborate within and external to the ministry to address ministry science priorities
• publish in scientific journals, newsletters, reports and other publications
• present at scientific meetings, workshops and training courses
• provide scientific advice and recommendations, and participate in the development of policy and management decisions
• requires regular travel, and participation in field and laboratory activities
How do I qualify?
Mandatory requirements:
• 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.
Project management and group leadership skills:
• You have project management skills to plan and coordinate all resources to develop and maintain complex multi-year research programs and manage them within budget.
• You have group leadership, team membership and interpersonal skills to oversee programs, lead staff and work as part of an inter-disciplinary research group.
Analytical and problem-solving skills:
• You have strong statistics/data analysis knowledge and skills to effectively integrate, analyze, and interpret large scale multi-variable aquatic and environmental data sets.
• You have reasoning and problem-solving skills to formulate hypotheses and design a multi-year research program to analyze issues related to aquatic ecology and to provide alternatives for solution of problems.
Technical knowledge:
• You have expert knowledge of aquatic ecology in order to conduct advanced scientific research which is authoritative, typically acquired through the completion of a post-graduate degree in a related discipline from an institution in recognized standing,
• You have knowledge of aquatic research and aquatic management principles and practices to initiate, develop, and implement applied research.
• You have an expertise in two or more of the following: fish population ecology; population, community or ecosystem models; food web ecology; advanced experimental design or development of indicators; fisheries stock assessment methods, risk assessment or decision analyses; landscape or spatial ecology; eco-hydrology; or application of new technologies to aquatic ecosystem research.
Communications:
• You have excellent written communication skills to prepare scientific reports, journal papers, technical notes, and articles.
• You have strong verbal communication skills to present and discuss information with a variety of audiences.
