The Job

Are you a policy professional looking to contribute to the sustainable management of Ontario's forests?

As a Senior Policy Advisor you will lead the development of forest policy for Ontario's Crown forests by leading/participating on multi-disciplinary policy teams, conducting policy research and analysis and providing advice in support of the development and implementation of forest policies and programs.

Please note: These positions are located at 70 Foster Drive, Sault Ste Marie, however alternate work arrangements may be available.

The Ministry

The purpose of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) is to provide opportunities for resource development and outdoor recreation for the continuous economic and social benefit of the people of Ontario; and to administer, protect, and conserve public lands and waters. The ministry's programs are concerned with the use of the physical resources such as land, water, trees, fish, animals and certain minerals for resource utilization and recreation.

The Branch

Crown Forests and Lands Policy Branch provides leadership in policy, legislation and regulation development and program design that advance the management and stewardship of Ontario's Crown forests and Crown lands.

The Location

Sault Ste. Marie offers a family-oriented lifestyle, with affordable housing, a wide range of educational opportunities across the full spectrum from junior kindergarten through university, new hospital facilities, and a tremendous variety of indoor and outdoor recreational opportunities and facilities. Imagine the time you would have with a 20-minute or less commute to work each day. Living in the “Soo” means you are only minutes away from all the hiking, biking, boating, skiing, snowmobiling, fishing and outdoor adventures you could dream of – with the added bonus of all that the Upper Peninsula of Michigan has to offer! Learn more about beautiful Sault Ste. Marie.

Why work for the Ontario Public Service?

The Ontario Public Service (OPS) is committed to being an employer of first choice, creating a positive and inclusive work environment.

We offer:

• Competitive compensation and benefits
• 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:

• Lead and coordinate the development of forest policy, including legislation and regulations
• Oversee and project manage the review, development, transfer and support for forest policy initiatives
• Lead consultation with Indigenous communities, other ministries, stakeholders and the public on forest policy initiatives
• Provide strategic forest policy interpretation, advice, support and expertise to divisional senior management
• Research, analyze, and evaluate forest policy

How do I qualify?

Policy and Program Knowledge and Skills

• You have experience conducting policy research, development and analysis
• You can lead policy initiatives to provide advice, expertise and recommendations to branch management
• You have knowledge of policy evaluation, research, development and analysis principles, practices and methods to support the development of public policy

Forest Management Knowledge

• You have knowledge of forest management theory, principles, techniques and scientific methodologies to lead the development, implementation and transfer of ministry legislation, regulations and policy
• You can interpret and apply legislation, policies and procedures related to forestry and Ontario's forest management system

Leadership and Project Management Skills

• You have experience in project management principles and methodologies to successfully plan, lead and manage assigned legislation and policy development projects
• You can perform budget planning, control and reporting procedures and processes of assigned policy development project budgets
• You have planning, coordination and organizational skills to be an effective project leader, and to integrate opposing interests and professional opinions on complex resource issues
• You have leadership skills to coordinate projects consisting of multi-disciplinary ministry staff and/or external partners

Interpersonal and Communication Skills

• You can lead consultations, promote Ministry initiatives and represent the ministry on committees
• You can effectively collaborate with people representing potentially divergent views
• You can prepare and present a wide variety of correspondence that include complex analyses, strategies and recommendations

Research and Analysis Skills

• You can identify, analyze and assess forest policy issues to develop issues management strategies and solutions
• You have political acuity to ensure that policy recommendations reflect the overall Ministry direction and objectives

Additional Information:

Note:

• Less qualified applicants may be considered on an underfill basis.
• The information that you provide for the purpose of this competition and the results from this competition may be used to fill other positions. These positions may be of various tenures including short-term assignments. Your information and the results from this competition will be retained for the purpose of filling vacancies in accordance with the applicable collective agreement or policy provisions.
• C-NR-188221/22(3)