Economics Specialist - Forest Economy

Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry; Sault Ste. Marie; On-site; CAD 74,000 - 97,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ontario Public Service (OPS) is seeking a temporary analyst in the Forest Economics and Business Branch, in Sault Ste Marie. You will conduct in-depth research and provide expert analysis on forest economics and the bioeconomy, supporting policy formation and stakeholder engagement.

You will coordinate studies, interpret data, and develop economic assessments to inform funding and program options for Ontario's forestry sector.

Qualifications

• Expertise in natural resource management and forest economics.
• Strong skills in economic analysis and data modelling.
• Ability to synthesize complex data for policy decisions.
• Experience with environmental scanning and trend analysis.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and conduct research, analysis and environmental scanning on forest economics.
• Interpret forest economics data to measure economic impact and contribution of forestry sector; identify issues for stakeholders.
• Collaborate with stakeholders on strategic issues, research requirements and implications of trends.
• Apply economic, financial, mathematical, statistical and computer modelling skills for policy development (economic impact, cost-benefit, practicality).
• Lead and coordinate the development of internal and external economic information/policy products for the forestry sector.
• Define and conduct research studies and economic/financial analysis on demand, supply, and energy pricing shocks.
• Gather and evaluate information from multiple sources to identify best forest industry practices for Ontario.
• Synthesize data to develop policy positions and funding recommendations.
• Review, analyze and evaluate project proposals for Forest Resource Processing Facility Licences and related projects.
• Assist in developing training and presentations on the forest-based economy for stakeholders.
• Represent provincial forest economy interests on task teams and committees.
• Prepare briefing notes, background papers and analysis.

Skills

Forest economics

Data analysis

Research methods

Environmental scanning

Policy analysis

Job description

Apply By: Friday, November 13, 2026 11:59 pm EST

Forest Industry Division / Forest Economics and Business Branch

City:

Sault Ste Marie

Position(s) language:

Job term:

1 Temporary - up to 12 months

Job code:

$1,635.09 - $2,135.07 Per week*
*Indicates the salary listed as per the OPSEU Collective Agreement.

If you have what it takes to conduct in-depth research and provide expert analysis and advice in regards to the forest products sector and emerging forest bioeconomy in Ontario, consider this interesting and challenging opportunity.

About the job

In this role, you will:

• Coordinate and conduct research, analysis and environmental scanning on forest economics;
• Interpret forest economics data to measure and assess economic impact and contribution of the forestry sector and identify emerging issues that would impact stakeholders.
• Collaborate with other stakeholders on strategic issues, research requirements and implications of social and economic trends and developments;
• Apply economic, financial, mathematical, statistical and computer modelling skills for general policy development problems (e.g., economic impact/development, cost-benefit analysis, practicality and competitiveness).
• Lead and coordinate the development of internal and external economic information/policy products for the forestry sector.
• Define and conduct research studies and economic and financial analysis to formulate impacts of demand, supply and energy pricing shocks on the forestry industry.
• Gather and evaluate information from multiple public and private sectors, academic research, financial industry papers and reports including from other jurisdictions to identify best forest industry practices and determine their applicability for Ontario's forest product sector.
• Synthesize data/information to develop long/short term policy position/economic impact analysis to determine funding/program needs and develop options and recommendations.
• Review, analyse and evaluate project proposals for Forest Resource Processing Facility Licences and other projects that will make use of Crown forest resources;
• Assist in developing training and presentations on the forest-based economy for various stakeholders and clients;
• Represent provincial or Ministry forest economy interests on task teams, committees, and working groups;
• Prepare briefing notes, background papers and analysis.

What you bring to the team

Technical expertise:

You demonstrate expertise in:

• natural resource management, economic theory, research methods and analytical techniques;
• technological, social, economic, environmental and political trends and environmental scanning techniques;
• familiarity with forest economic data sources and input-out models

Project management and planning skills:

You have:

• knowledge of research design, project planning and project management techniques;
• organizational and financial skills and entrepreneurial spirit.

Communication and interpersonal skills:

You have:

• communication and interpersonal skills such as judgement, tact and diplomacy;
• demonstrated writing skills to prepare and develop various correspondence;
• proven facilitation, networking and communication skills.

Analytical and problem-solving skills:

You have:

• knowledge of analytical, data modelling and problem-solving techniques;
• proven analytical and problem-solving skills.

Don't meet every qualification?

If you are excited about this position and meet most, but not all, of the listed qualifications, please still consider applying. We recognize that no one person might have every qualification in this job ad, and you just might be the right candidate!

How we support diversity, inclusion and accessibility

We are building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage everyone interested in working with us to apply, including people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black and racialized individuals, as well as people from all ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.

Our hiring process is accessible, consistent with Ontario's Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. We are working to prevent and remove barriers in our hiring processes and can offer accommodation to address specific needs related to Code-protected grounds such as disability, family status and religion. For more information about accommodation during the hiring process please contact us.

Learn more about the work the OPS is doing to create an inclusive, anti-racist, accessible and diverse workplace:

• diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives
• accessibility
• Anti-Racism Policy

Language requirements and assessment:
All external Ontario Public Service (OPS) job ads are posted in English and French. Check the "position(s) language" section at the top of each job ad for the language requirements. For all roles, candidates are assessed in English, the business language of the OPS. If the position is bilingual (English/French), you'll also need to pass a French-language proficiency test.