Terrestrial Ecology Researcher

Bring your scientific and forest ecology expertise to the Forest Ecosystem Unit, where you will conduct impactful research that sheds light on the impacts and adaptation of terrestrial ecosystems to natural and human pressures.

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?Working in a team environment, you will assist in conducting research projects that will advance the knowledge and science of terrestrial ecology, including climate change impacts and adaptation, resistance and resilience to disturbance, and forest migration and dynamics to ensure natural resource sustainability.

How do I qualify?MandatoryYou have a Ph.D in ecology, biology, forest management or related science, or post-graduate degree with equivalent experience.

Forestry knowledge:• advanced knowledge of concepts in forest ecology, plant community ecology, landscape ecology, and disturbance ecology
• familiarity with temperate and boreal terrestrial ecosystems, including their structures, compositions, functions, and interactions across trophic levels
• understanding of concepts in conservation and management of natural resources, including cumulative effects, wildlife habitat, and biodiversity

Technical expertise:• understanding of hypothesis testing, experimental design and quantitative methods to conduct scientific research
• comprehension and expertise in research methods for the development of advanced statistical models
• understanding of remotely sensed spatial data of terrestrial ecosystems and their use in spatiotemporal analyses of ecological patterns and processes
• knowledge and capacity to use landscape or ecological simulation modelling applications

Communication and interpersonal skills:• proven experience in scientific writing and publication in order to write scientific papers and publish research results in scientific journals
• communication skills to communicate effectively with staff from forest industry, other ministries/governments, and non-government organizations, and co-ordinate activities to achieve a common goal

Field experience:• proven experience in conducting ecological fieldwork, including working in remote environments, field safety and logistics
• ability to identify boreal trees, shrubs, and vascular plants in the field
• ability to conduct greenhouse or controlled growth facility based experiments

Computer proficiency:• experience and knowledge of computer programming techniques and data science to develop efficient workflows and analyze large datasets
• skills in computer programming (e.g., R, Python) and database management systems (Access, SQL Server), including manipulation of large and complex datasets

Analytical skills:• ability to propose hypotheses, design experiments, and conduct ecological experiments
• ability to perform exploratory data analyses and visualizations, identify patterns and relationships, and analyze multidimensional data
• skills in organization and planning to develop and implement programs of a complex nature and produce deliverables to a fixed timeline with minimal supervision

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