Surface Water Specialist

If you are looking for a unique opportunity to showcase your skills in surface water resource management, consider the valuable contribution you can make as an expert on surface water quality and/or quantity for the region.

The beautiful and picturesque Northern Region offers many benefits to those working and living within its reaches:

• recreational activities spanning all four seasons for those enjoying the outdoors (e.g., camping, fishing, paddle-sports, snowmobiling, skiing etc.);
• affordable real estate options and lower cost of living than many major urban centers;
• wildlife in their natural habitats, such as moose, otter, whitetail deer, grouse
• ten exceptional universities and colleges with a wide array of programs
• warm, welcoming and multicultural communities with exciting festivals celebrating unique heritages

Working in the Northern region, the successful candidates will have the added benefit of in-person networking opportunities and in-field work. Consider the Northern region when submitting your application and start your next adventure!

NOTE: Consideration will be given to the successful candidates to allow them to work out of either of the two posted MECP office locations. Work location will be determined based on the successful candidate's current home or work address and operational needs.

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:

• provide expertise in surface water quality and/or quantity in support of regional water programs
• make recommendations to protect, conserve, and manage surface water resources
• act as a regional expert on compliance issues
• evaluate hydrological and ecological impacts of proposed and existing activities
• investigate and resolve surface water spills and assess contaminated site and landfill impacts
• develop and implement field investigations to support ministry water resource management programs and provide advice to clients

How do I qualify?

Mandatory

• You have a valid Ontario Class G driver's licenses in order to carry out field studies.
• You have a degree with specialization in disciplines such as Biology, Hydrology, Chemistry or Water Resources.

Environmental and Technical Knowledge:

• You have experience applying the principles of surface water management, limnology and water quality assessment techniques and environmental management theories, principles, and practices
• You know how to conduct field investigations and operate surface water equipment
• You know hydrological, chemical, and/or biological methods and techniques with specialization in water resource management and ecology
• You have a demonstrated ability to understand and apply applicable policies, procedures and legislation related to environment protection (e.g. Environmental Protection Act, Ontario Water Resources Act, Environmental Bill of Rights)

Analytical and Problem Solving Skills:

• You have excellent research and investigative skills to collect data during field studies and determine compliance.
• You are highly analytical and have the ability to break down, assess, and interpret complex scientific data.
• You know how to identify and evaluate problems to develop effective solutions.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills:

• You can communicate technical information in a clear manner
• You know how to draft a variety of written materials such as scientific reports, briefing notes, correspondence, etc.
• You work well with others and are able to persuade and influence diverse interests

Project Management Skills:

• You have proven skills in project management.
• You can lead discussions involving conflicting approaches or opinions to develop consensus.