Policy & Program Advisor - Forestry Innovation

Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry; Sault Ste. Marie; On-site; CAD 69,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

Environment, Conservation and Parks in Ontario is seeking a Policy & Program Advisor for Forestry Innovation. The role is a one-time temporary contract up to 10 months.

You will coordinate transfer payment projects, develop and deliver programs, and work with Indigenous communities and other stakeholders to advance the Forest Sector Strategy. You will bring policy development expertise, program design and evaluation knowledge, and strong communication and analytical skills to lead initiatives

Qualifications

• Policy and program development expertise for harvest wood products in built environment.
• Knowledge of program design/evaluation for strategic policies, programs, regulations.
• Experience in administration of transfer payment programs.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate delivery of transfer payment projects with key partners supporting Ontario Forest Sector Strategy.
• Assist colleagues with updating technical guides and products for ministries, municipalities, or third parties.
• Support policies promoting sustainable use of long-lived harvested wood products.

Skills

Policy development

Program design and evaluation

Transfer payments administration

Communication skills

Stakeholder consultation

Analytical and research skills

Data interpretation and environmental/

Project management

Computer proficiency

Tools

Word processing

Spreadsheet

Presentation software

Database

Job description

Apply By: Friday, November 20, 2026 11:59 pm EST

Policy & Program Advisor - Forestry Innovation

1 Temporary assignment/contract for up to 10 months, with the possibility of extension

Job code:

$1,513.08 - $1,908.57 Per week*
*Indicates the salary listed as per the OPSEU Collective Agreement.

Do you have a background in policy and program development and experience in working with Indigenous communities and other groups on forestry related economic development projects? If so, come and be a part of the team that is undertaking program development and delivery supporting the implementation of Ontario's Forest Sector Strategy. In this role you will work with a range of internal and external partners to support a range of projects and initiatives that will foster growth and economic development in Ontario's forest sector. If you feel that this job aligns with your experience and career goals, consider this exciting position that will fully utilize your skills and knowledge.

About the job

In this role, you will:

• coordinate the delivery of transfer payment projects with key partners supporting Ontario with the implementation of the Forest Sector Strategy
• assist colleagues with maintaining and updating any technical guides or other products produced by the branch for the use of ministries, municipalities, or third parties
• support the implementation of any policies that promote the sustainable use of long lived harvested wood products

What you bring to the team

Policy and program development expertise:

• policy and program development and delivery expertise, principles and techniques to lead and/or conduct projects related to the use of harvest wood products in the built environment
• knowledge of program design and evaluation techniques to provide project leadership and expertise in the development, evaluation and communication of strategic policies, programs, regulations and/or legislation
• knowledge of the administration of transfer payment programs

Communication and interpersonal skills:

• proven communication and presentation skills to prepare technical reports, briefing materials, correspondence and other materials; to lead meetings, conduct briefings and carry out training; and to describe technical and specialized concepts, processes and information in terms that are easily understood by a variety of audiences
• persuasion and consultation skills to encourage consensus when working with both staff and stakeholders on the development of solutions to issues/problems

Analytical and research skills:

• advanced research, analytical, and investigative techniques, including determining appropriate data and information sources, survey techniques, analyzing and summarizing quantitative and qualitative research and environmental scans from multijurisdictional sources, trends analyses, and preparing analytical reports in support of policy decision-making
• ability to analyze complex policy and planning issues/proposals in order to determine the potential implications and recommend appropriate strategies

Technical expertise:

• able to assess and provide advice on the merits of specific projects seeking funding to support the implementation of actions in the Forest Sector Strategy and engage with clients in a meaningful and productive manner

Project management knowledge:

• strong understanding of project management methodologies and techniques to lead/participate on branch/division/ministry/government projects

Computer proficiency:

• fully proficient using common office productivity software such as word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, database, internet and email applications

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.