Hydrogeologist

Are you concerned about protecting Ontario's water resources? Are you a Hydrogeologist looking for an opportunity that is broad in scope and will challenge your analytical skills? If so, then consider this opportunity in the east region to provide your expertise in support of our regional groundwater management program.

Effective January 1st, 2024 the salary range for this position is $1,605.35 to $2,037.57 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.

The Ministry

The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks is committed to healthier communities and economic prosperity through protecting Ontario's air, land and water.

The Division

The Drinking Water and Environmental Compliance Division (DWECD) provides provincial oversight of environmental compliance and enforcement, and supports all communities in Ontario through the delivery of innovative programs that protect clean air, land and water, including safe drinking water and species at risk.

The Regional Offices
The Drinking Water and Environmental Compliance Division's regions, along with district and area offices, are the primary compliance delivery arm of the ministry, protecting the environment and human health in communities across Ontario

Regional offices:

apply a risk-based approach and a range of compliance tools to improve environmental and human health outcomes; use a triage process to respond to spills and incidents remotely and/or in person; provide scientific and technical advice to support decision-making; use operational field experience and divisional analytics to support and inform policy and program development; work with communities, local businesses and key stakeholders to identify and address complex, environmental problems; and work in partnership with the ministry's investigations and enforcement program.

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 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:

• evaluate impacts related to contaminated sites, landfills, industrial spills and proposed water takings and developments
• investigate groundwater quality complaints and support enforcement actions
• provide expert testimony at legal proceedings, and expert advice to ministry staff and stakeholders
• carry out field investigations, and analyze and synthesize scientific data
• prepare reports and recommendations on investigative findings
• liaise with ministry staff, other agencies and the public

How do I qualify?Mandatory

• You are a registered geoscientist or geoscientist-in-training in good standing with Professional Geoscientists Ontario (PGO) or with another regulated association of geoscientists such as the Professional Engineers of Ontario.
• You have a post-secondary degree with specialization in a discipline such as Geology, Hydrogeology, or Earth Sciences.
• 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.

Environmental knowledge:

• You have demonstrated knowledge of contaminant hydrogeology, hydrogeological methods and techniques, and related theories, principles and practices.
• You have knowledge of field investigation, water resource management and emerging environmental management theories, practices and techniques.
• You have proven ability to interpret and apply environmental legislation (e.g. Environmental Protection Act, Ontario Water Resources Act), policies, procedures and guidelines.

Investigative, analytical and project management skills:

• You can research, assess and evaluate environmental issues.
• You can investigate complaints, spills, and other contingencies, and develop the appropriate solution to resolve the problem.
• You can use your project management skills to lead field studies and other initiatives.

Communication skills:

• You know how to communicate technical language in a way that is easy to understand.
• You work well with others and are able to influence diverse interests.
• You can develop and present scientific reports to a wide audience (e.g. courts, councils, the public).

Computer proficiency:

• You know how to use computer modelling and other common office productivity applications such as email, word processing, spreadsheets and databases.

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