Senior Advisor, Microbiology

Are you ready to take your scientific expertise to new heights? Join our dynamic team and become an integral part of shaping the standards that safeguard human health and the environment. If you're passionate about making a difference and ready to influence policies that impact Ontarians, then this is the opportunity you've been waiting for! Join us on this exciting journey of scientific discovery and environmental protection. Apply now to be part of a team that's shaping the future of public health and environmental stewardship.

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'll be the go-to authority, providing invaluable guidance and advice to internal teams and external stakeholders on the research, development, and implementation of standards concerning microbiological contaminants in various environmental mediums. From drinking water to wastewater, your insights will drive policy formulation, program planning, and evaluation, ensuring we stay ahead of emerging threats to human health.
- dive deep into the realm of microbiology and standards development, where your expertise will shape the future of guidelines and policies related to water quality, air, and soil. Your recommendations will be instrumental in assessing new methodologies and ensuring the applicability of standards for maximum impact.
- unravel complex scientific data, assess pathogen risks, and stay at the forefront of emerging issues in microbiological contamination. Whether it's assessing spills or researching treatment technologies, your expertise will guide us towards effective responses and improved standards.
- forge strong connections within the ministry and beyond, collaborating with stakeholders to implement innovative pollution control techniques and procedures. Your network will be instrumental in developing cooperative agreements and staying abreast of the latest advancements in microbial risk assessment and standards on a national level.

How do I qualify?

Scientific expertise:

- Knowledge of and demonstrated ability to apply the theory, principles, practices, methodologies and techniques of microbiology, human toxicology, water chemistry, process design and operations, hazard identification and risk assessment/management of microbiology contaminants to the level normally acquired from an advanced university degree.
- Experience applying scientific methods and techniques to conduct research, analyze information/data and making recommendations regarding risks, trends and emergency response situations.
- Proficiency with computer software applications (e.g. statistical software, word processing, spreadsheets, data base management, graphics) to obtain/manage information, conduct research/analysis, perform calculations, prepare reports, draft standards and presentations.

Analytical skills:

- Ability to research, evaluate and analyze large quantities of scientific/technical data, assessing risks/hazards, and identify current and anticipating emerging risks, issues and trends.
- Ability to synthesize information to provide interpretation of policies, standards and guidelines, advice on their application and to prepare reports and recommendations.

Communication skills:

- Proven ability to communicate effectively internally, and externally to provide varying levels of scientific/technical advice, input to development of standards, participation on technical committees and to provide expert testimony in legal proceedings.
- Written communication skills to prepare briefing notes, reports and presentations.

Leadership and interpersonal skills:

- Leadership to provide scientific/ technical direction, advice and support to consultants and academia.
- Consultation, negotiation and consensus-building and partnership-building skills.

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 5, 2024 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.