Regional Aquatic Ecosystems Science Specialist

Environment, Conservation and Parks | Environnement, Protection de la nature et Parcs; South Porcupine; On-site; CAD 69,000 - 87,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Defined benefit pension

Health plan

Flexible work arrangements

Job summary

Environment, Conservation and Parks (Ontario OPS) seeks a Regional Aquatic Ecosystems Science Specialist to support decision making on aquatic ecosystems and resource management. The role emphasizes translating science into guidance for managers and planners and contributing to regional plans and policies.

The position includes permanent and temporary assignments, with a salary range per week under the OPSEU agreement.

Qualifications

• Expert knowledge of biology with a focus on aquatic ecosystems and populations; ability to apply ecological and planning approaches.
• Ability to interpret guidelines, policies and legislation regarding natural resource protection and environmental assessment for conservation objectives.
• Knowledge of monitoring and assessment procedures and related tools such as GIS and statistics.
• Strong communication skills to present technical information, provide training and prepare reports.

Responsibilities

• Support resource management decision making by transferring science and information to managers and planners related to aquatic ecosystem dynamics.
• Investigate and identify the best existing science to support decisions, issues management and policy implementation.
• Provide scientific advice and leadership in prioritizing regional science needs and informing broader science needs in the ministry.

Skills

Aquatic biology

Ecology principles

Data analysis

Communication skills

Leadership

Relationship management

Project management

GIS

Tools

Geographic Information Systems

Landscape models

Statistical analysis

Job description

Apply By: Monday, October 26, 2026 11:59 pm EDT

Regional Aquatic Ecosystems Science Specialist

Position(s) language:

Job term:

1 Permanent, 1 Temporary assignment/contract for up to 3 months, with the possibility of extension

Job code:

14026 - Biologist 3 (B/U)

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

Do you have a passion for client service? Do you enjoy working as part of a team? A unique and interesting opportunity exists for those with a background and experience in aquatic ecosystem biology. Consider this role in which your expertise and communication skills will be showcased and utilized to provide advice and input into the development of resource management plans, regional programs, standards and guidelines.

Please note: Alternative work locations may be considered, based on operational feasibility and managerial discretion.

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

About the job

In this role, you will:

• support resource management decision making by transferring existing science, knowledge, information and technology to resource managers and planners relative to aquatic ecosystem dynamics;
• investigate and identify the best existing science to use in support of resource management decisions, issues management, and policy implementation;
• provide scientific advice and leadership in the identification of regional priorities with respect to the synthesis and application of current science research and in informing broader science needs in the MNR.

What you bring to the team

Mandatory requirement:

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.

Technical expertise:

• You have expert knowledge of the theories, principles and practices related to biology, with a focus on aquatic ecosystems and populations (e.g. species requirements and interactions, habitats, lake, river and riparian function) as well as knowledge, understanding and ability to apply current ecological, resource management principles and planning approaches.
• You have the ability to interpret and apply guidelines, policies and legislation regarding natural resource protection, and environmental assessment requirements to achieve conservation objectives with respect to land use plans, projects or proposals.
• You have knowledge of technical and scientific procedures and practices for monitoring and assessment (e.g. sampling methods, design and standards), as well as, the ability to use related tools and technology (e.g. landscape models, geographic information systems, and statistical analysis).

Communication and presentation skills:

• You have well-developed communication skills to make presentations and provide technical advice, guidance, discuss technical information and provide training.
• You can prepare technical reports, briefing materials, and corporate correspondence.

Interpersonal and relationship management skills:

• You can facilitate and build consensus for effective team building, problem solve and reconcile diverse interests of project teams, agencies, Indigenous groups, non-government organizations, and other partners on aquatic science needs and resource management issues.
• You have group leadership and relationship management skills to support planning and task teams and develop and maintain effective relationships with internal and external network of colleagues and specialists.

Scientific investigation and analytical skills:

• You have demonstrated research skills to review literature, scientific reports and research available technical information.
• You have applied analytical and problem-solving skills to investigate existing science related to resource management challenges or issues, and to assess biological/resource management situations based on large resource/user datasets and to clarify problems, evaluate options and identify approaches to address a variety of ecosystem concerns (e.g. species requirements and interactions, habitats, lake, river and riparian function).

Project management and organizational skills:

• You have project management skills to lead and organize your own work and that of teams in the development of plans and solutions.
• You have solid project management skills to develop terms of reference, organize and assign tasks, coordinate and monitor project work.

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

• 1 English Permanent, 5520 Hwy 101 E, South Porcupine, North Region or 613 Front St, Hearst, North Region or 122 Government Rd W, Kapuskasing, North Region or 2-4 Hwy 11 S, Cochrane, North Region or 190 Cherry St, Chapleau, North Region
• 1 English Temporary, duration up to 3 months, 5520 Hwy 101 E, South Porcupine, North Region or 613 Front St, Hearst, North Region or 122 Government Rd W, Kapuskasing, North Region or 2-4 Hwy 11 S, Cochrane, North Region or 190 Cherry St, Chapleau, North Region
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• OPS employees are required to quote their WIN EMPLOYEE ID number when applying.
• If you require a disability related accommodation in order to participate in therecruitment process, please ContactUs to provide your contact information. Recruitment services team willcontact you within 48 hours.

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.