Research Forester

Are you interested in ensuring the sustainability of Northern Ontario's forests? If so, consider this exciting opportunity to join our team as a Research Forester.

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

Effective, January 1, 2024, the updated salary range for this position is $1,380.35 to $1,705.03 per hour/week in alignment with the recently ratified OPSEU Unified collective agreement.

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:

• work in a team to organize and conduct field research programs investigating forest management impacts on ecosystem structure and function
• manage databases and undertake statistical analyses to contribute to scientific publications
• plan and develop strategies to ensure the sustainability of forest ecosystems and integration of resource management activities
• provide leadership in the implementation of projects
• monitor and assess the sustainability of forest resources
• provide professional advice on forest policy and management
• communicate research findings to internal and external audiences
• participate in public consultation and partnerships

How do I qualify?Mandatory requirements:

• 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.

Essential skills:

• You have technical skills to undertake field operations and use various surveying equipment (e.g., Geographical Information Systems (GIS), GPS receivers, soil survey equipment, digital cameras, electronic capture devices).
• You have demonstrated analytical and conceptual skills to analyze and organize data and develop science based technology using open source software including R and RStudio.
• You are proficient with computers and various software applications (ArcGIS, QGIS, R, RStudio) to organize and analyze data.

Technical expertise:

• You have knowledge of principles and practices of forest ecology and biology.
• You have knowledge of plant and soil classification and ecosystem level patterns and processes.
• You have knowledge of experimental and sampling designs, statistical analyses and database management using R and RStudio.
• You have experience interpreting and applying related legislation and guidance (e.g., Crown Forest Sustainability Act, Forest Management Class Environmental Assessment, Forest Policy guides).

Communication and Interpersonal skills:

• You have proven interpersonal, consultative and negotiation skills to provide expertise to clients on complex projects and research.
• You have written communication skills to write and review technical documents, reports and publish peer-reviewed scientific papers.
• You have consensus building skills to liaise with stakeholders/partners.
• You have demonstrated presentation skills to transfer research results.

Project management skills:

• You have well developed project management and organizational skills to plan, organize and implement field projects.
• You have demonstrated leadership skills to guide projects in a team environment.

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