Wildlife Research Analyst

Effective January 1st, 2024 the salary range for this position is $1,380.35 to $1,705.03 per week in compliance with OPSEU Unified Bargaining Unit collective agreement provisions. The new rates, effective retroactive to January 1, 2024, were recently confirmed and dates for implementation of the new salary rates are still to be determined.

Do you have a background in wildlife biology and forest ecology, with experience in wildlife field research? If so, consider this interesting role with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.

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
• 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:
• plan, conduct and coordinate field and laboratory components of a research program investigating the impacts of forest management and other activities on large mammals and other wildlife in the Boreal Forest
• provide specialized scientific and analytical support to the Northern Mammal Ecology Program (NMEP) research programs to deliver on objectives and goals in a timely, safe and efficient manner
• analyze data, write scientific reports and communicate results and achievements to a variety of project partners and clients
• provide group leadership and report on the activities of the research team in the study area(s)

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 have the ability to work long hours, in rough terrain, in inclement weather, in remote locations requiring extended periods away from home.

Technical expertise:

• knowledge of one or more areas of natural science is required to understand the context of anthropogenic disturbance, forest ecology and advanced principles of wildlife biology and management
• knowledge of policies, procedures and legal instruments (Crown Forest Sustainability Act, Forest EA, Endangered Species Act) governing forest management in Ontario

Field experience:

• knowledge of habitat sampling procedures; large mammal capture, immobilization and handling procedures; radio and satellite telemetry and analysis of wildlife tracking data
• technical skills to undertake field operations, including the ability to operate boats, ATVs, snowmobiles etc. and conduct aerial surveys in fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft

Communication and interpersonal skills:

• ability to communicate with scientific and technical audiences, or the public, and write concise technical documents such as reports, guidance documents, and publish in scientific peer-reviewed journals
• tact, negotiation and consensus-building skills to work with team members, research partners and co-ordinate activities to achieve common goals and deliver results

Technology proficiency:

• knowledge of standard experimental and sampling designs, GIS and database management and applicable software multivariate statistics, word processing, graphics software and information technology to acquire data and analyze it, prepare and present reports, and transfer results

Project management:

• planning and organizational skills to implement field projects of a complex nature in order to develop project teams, contribute to determining objectives and approaches, and meet project deliverables with minimal supervision
• ability to work within a team as group leader or in support of project team members

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 Monday, May 6, 2024 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.