Indigenous Internship Program – Junior Environmental Officer Intern

Indigenous Internship Program

The Indigenous Internship Program (IIP) is a 12-month paid internship program designed to provide recent Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, Inuit) post-secondary graduates, with the opportunity to gain professional level work experience and a pathway through which they can build and develop transferable skills that can be used to gain sustained employment in their field of choice.

You must self-identify as an Indigenous person to be eligible for this program. The term Indigenous refers to individuals who identify as being descended from the original inhabitants (the first peoples) of what is now known as Canada. In this context, Indigenous people are First Nations, Métis and/or Inuit.

Personal Information

The Ontario Public Service (OPS) is committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities it serves and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful, and equitable workplace. To enable this commitment and advance broader organizational objectives, this dedicated internship has been created for eligible applicants who self-identify as an Indigenous person. As part of the application process, all applicants must respond to a self-attestation. Applicants who do not self-identify as Indigenous or who choose not to identify will not be eligible.

What makes working in the Ontario Public Service great

Are you interested in applying your knowledge of environmental sciences to identify, monitor, and report on a variety of sources of pollution? If so, consider this rewarding opportunity to achieve a greener Ontario! The OPS is dedicated to recruiting and advancing top talent while building a diverse public service that is reflective of Ontario's population and communities. This exciting opportunity offers recent Indigenous post-secondary graduates the opportunity to develop their careers and gain valuable work experience with one of Canada's top employers. Bring your knowledge, experience and perspectives to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. Working with a team of engaged professionals and dedicated leaders, you'll take the next step in your career in a dynamic environment that provides opportunities for personal growth, competitive salary, mentorship, learning and development opportunities, and work-life balance.

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?

Eastern Region:

The Drinking Water and Environmental Compliance Division is responsible for protecting and supporting clean air, land and water, including safe drinking water, through provincial oversight and delivery of compliance and enforcement programs. As an Indigenous Environmental Intern, you will be required to assist in the identification, monitoring and reporting on a variety of sources of pollution such as small non-complex industrial sources, sewage disposal systems, agricultural practices, waste management sites and water supply systems. You will be responsible for receiving, understanding and managing data on municipal and industrial sources of pollution; and respond to outside requests for information. You will assist in the review and development of the ministry's compliance program to ensure their effectiveness for environmental protection.

Northern Region:

The Drinking Water and Environmental Compliance Division is responsible for protecting and supporting clean air, land and water, including safe drinking water, through provincial oversight and delivery of compliance and enforcement programs. As an Indigenous Environmental Intern, you will be required to assist in the identification, monitoring and reporting on a variety of sources of pollution such as small non-complex industrial sources, sewage disposal systems, agricultural practices, waste management sites and water supply systems. You will be responsible for receiving, understanding and managing data on municipal and industrial sources of pollution; and respond to outside requests for information. You will assist in the response to reports of potential Harmful Algal Blooms from members of the public.

Environmental Monitoring and Reporting Branch – Air Monitoring and Modelling Section (Etobicoke):

As part of Air Monitoring and Modelling Section, interns will assist environmental technicians and senior scientists in maintaining and operating the ministry's ambient and roadside air monitoring networks, conducting mobile air, soil and vegetation investigations, and delivering the ministry's Far North environmental monitoring programs. This work will include supporting and participating in related field work, supporting field related logistics and/or preparation field equipment and vehicles for field work, maintenance of air monitoring stations, set-up, testing and calibration of monitoring equipment and instrumentation, maintenance and/or repairs of monitoring equipment and instrumentation, collection of soil and vegetation samples, processing of soil and vegetation samples, data analysis, data visualization and data management, and various administrative tasks. This position includes participation in field related activities that can include overnight trips and/or multi-day trips across the province.

How do I qualify?

Mandatory

• You must have graduated or will complete the requirements to graduate with a degree, diploma or post-graduate certificate from a recognized or legally authorized post-secondary institution in the last five years (May 2018-June 2023).
• You must self-identify as an Indigenous person. The term Indigenous refers to individuals who identify as being descended from the original inhabitants (the first peoples) of what is now known as Canada. In this context, Indigenous people are First Nations, Métis and/or Inuit.
• You must be legally entitled to work in Canada.
• This position requires the successful candidate to have a valid G2 driver's licence or above. The offer of employment is condition upon the successful candidate providing proof that they have a valid driver's licence upon being hired.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills:

• Well-developed oral and written communication and interpersonal skills to deal with public, municipal and industrial officials
• Written skills to produce clear, concise, and grammatically correct documents
• Ability to communicate regulatory requirements, explain findings, results, and actions
• Ability to work with diverse client groups

Technical Knowledge:

• Knowledge of environmental legislation, policies, guidelines, abatement procedures and programs
• Evaluative skills in reviewing content of submissions for accuracy and adherence to ministry policy, regulations, objectives
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of industrial and municipal environmental controls, waste management
• Knowledge of sample collection and field measurement techniques
• Knowledge of conducting inspections and audits, and in regulating and influencing behavior to achieve compliance

Analytical, Problem-Solving and Judgement Skills:

• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills to identify issues, problems and outcomes
• Demonstrate judgment to develop strategies when dealing with complex, contentious issues

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, June 21, 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.