Forest Health Ecologist

Bring your scientific expertise in forest health monitoring to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry’s Science and Research Branch, where you will provide expertise and leadership to important initiatives that impact Ontario’s forested ecosystems.

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 < https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-public-service-anti-racismpolicy  > and the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint  < https://www.ontario.ca/page/ops-inclusiondiversity-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 < http://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/ontario-human-rights-code  >. Refer to the application instructions below if you require a disability-related accommodation.

What can I expect to do in this role?

In this role, you will:

·         identify, plan, organize, implement and report on provincial/regional terrestrial inventory, monitoring and assessment

·         lead data management and analysis, acquisition, development and transfer of forest health ecological data

·         provide scientific and professional expertise and leadership in the development, calibration and technical support to the forest health monitoring program

·         communicate results and achievements through presentations and workshops to project partners, staff, and clients

·         support ministry science priorities, such as Forest Resource Inventories, forest policy, biodiversity conservation, climate change, invasive species, growth & yield and ecological land classification

Location: Peterborough, Rosslyn, Sault Ste Marie, South Porcupine

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 are able to function in a field setting for long hours, in rough terrain, in inclement weather, and in remote locations, requiring extended periods away from home.

Technical expertise

·         You have advanced knowledge of the theory, principles and practices of forest health ecosystem management, forest insect population ecology and management, terrestrial ecosystems classification and productivity, terrestrial habitat classification, and forest health physiology and behavior, monitoring and biometrics.

·         You have knowledge of scientific methods, such as experimental and sampling design and statistical analysis (multi-variate and trend-thru-time, power of detection).

·         You have knowledge of relevant legislation, such as the Crown Forest Sustainability Act and Invasive Species Act.

Communication and interpersonal skills

·         You have the ability to present project/program proposals to clients, partners and Ministry staff; transfer science and technology in symposia and workshops, and provide guidance and advice to partners/clients.

·         You have demonstrated interpersonal skills, tact, and good judgement to collaborate effectively with partners, practitioners and the public.

·         You have excellent written communication skills to provide input to strategic and operational plans and scientific publications/reports, and prepare project proposals and status reports.

Project management skills

·         You have project management skills to lead working groups and workshops, research projects and interview staff.

·         You have group leadership skills to provide advice and guidance to field staff, and work in a team environment.

Computer proficiency

·         You have the ability to use computers for standard experimental and sampling designs, database management, word processing and graphic design to acquire data, prepare and present reports, and transfer results.

·         You have a general working knowledge of ARC-GIS and proven ability to create, manipulate and query spatial data.

Analytical skills

·         You have interpreting and synthesizing skills to translate information from scientific studies into solutions by developing guidelines and recommendations.

·         You have proven analytical and problem-solving skills to clarify problems and evaluate options.

Organizational skills

·         You have organizational skills to research available scientific/technical information, and to organize/facilitate workshops to determine how to interpret forest health data in concert with standardized population sampling protocols.

Salary Range: $1,405.69 – $1,773.11 Per Week

Additional Information:

·         1 Permanent, 1235 Queen St E, Sault Ste Marie, North Region or 300 Water St, Peterborough, East Region or 5520 Hwy 101 E, South Porcupine, North Region or 173-25th Side Rd, Rosslyn, North Region

Please apply online, only, at www.ontario.ca/careers, quoting Job ID 199003 by Friday, June 2, 2023. Please follow the instructions to submit your application. Faxes are not being accepted at this time.

If you require accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please contact us at www.gojobs.gov.on.ca/ContactUs.aspx to provide your contact information. Recruitment Services staff will contact you within 48 hours. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

The Ontario Public Service is an inclusive employer. Accommodation will be provided in accordance with Ontario’s Human Rights Code.

www.ontario.ca/careers