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Environmental Scientist, Great Lakes — Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks

Posted: 
06/20/2024
Expiration Date: 
07/03/2024

Do you possess expertise in assessing pollution issues in lake water and sediment, and experience defining sources, causes and impacts of impairment? Then we need your skills to support the delivery of Ontario's Great Lakes water monitoring and planning programs to protect and restore the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin ecosystem.

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 https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-public-service-anti-racism-policy and the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint https://www.ontario.ca/page/ops-inclusion-diversity-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 http://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/ontario-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 scientific expertise and leadership in the assessment of the environmental conditions in nearshore areas of the Great Lakes and its tributaries;
  • design and implement complex field investigations, monitoring studies and special projects to report on environmental conditions, problems and emerging issues associated with ambient water, sediments and aquatic biota in the Great Lakes;
  • be a subject matter expert on the assessment of water quality and contaminated areas in the nearshore regions of the Great Lakes and its tributaries, and in the development of recommendations for remedial actions and/or control measures;
  • provide scientific/ technical assistance to regional staff and other Great Lakes clients in the assessment of pollutants present in water, sediment and biota and issues related to the impacts of historic and current industrial, municipal and agricultural discharges and runoff;
  • analyze and interpret results, prepare scientific reports and plain language materials, and present results to internal and external stakeholders; and
  • respond to inquiries from internal and external clients and prepare correspondence.

How do I qualify? Mandatory:

  • You have a degree in environmental science (limnology, aquatic chemistry/ ecology or biology) or a closely related discipline.
  • 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 knowledge and experience in aquatic chemistry, and biology and management techniques including related theories, principles and practices.
  • You have experience conducting field investigations that include surface water, sediment and biota.
  • You have experience designing studies as a means of tracking down pollutant sources
  • You have knowledge and experience with inorganic and organic contaminants typically present in impacted water and sediment in nearshore areas of the Great Lakes.
  • You have knowledge in pollution control and remedial action techniques/processes; and relevant sections of environmental legislation, regulations, standards, policies as they relate to surface water management; various organizations involved in the study of Great Lakes issues, their roles/ mandates (e.g., international and federal-provincial water quality agreements and reporting requirements).
  • You have the expertise necessary to serve as a ministry authority and Great Lakes nearshore expert in the effects of organic and inorganic chemicals on ambient water, sediment and aquatic biota (i.e., aquatic environmental assessment).

Research and data analysis:

  • You can use research/analytical techniques, tools and applications including scientific and mathematical analyses/ approaches at an advanced statistical level, data modeling techniques and software programs for database management.
  • You can edit, manipulate and conduct analyses of large amounts of data, data sets, depict outcomes in models, interpret information and develop conclusions about the significance and severity of environmental problems.

Analytical skills:

  • You can lead and conduct analyses of data, summarize and interpret findings and draw conclusions about the nature and sources of pollution.
  • You can develop recommendations on source control, remedial and preventive actions and on follow up required to measure effectiveness of controls or remedial actions.
  • You can investigate problem areas (e.g., assessment of contaminants), identify any issues of non-compliance and develop recommendations and solutions for meeting compliance.

Communication and interpersonal skills:

  • You can represent the ministry as an expert when sitting on intergovernmental and international committees of Great Lakes scientists representing specialty disciplines.
  • You can provide expert recommendations for hazardous toxic chemical control and expert opinion/evidence in legal proceedings and prosecutions in court.
  • You can present detailed technical and scientific information and reports, and articulate the ministry's position on issues at scientific conferences and public meetings/other forums.
  • You have the ability to prepare a variety of technical documents and reports for a range of audiences.

Project management and organizational skills:

  • You can design and lead concurrent studies with numerous technical components; and coordinate work of participants in the study.
  • You can plan studies/investigations, including identifying objectives, sampling protocols and procedures, resources and study requirements.

Additional Information

Address: 1 English Permanent, 125 Resources Rd, Etobicoke, Toronto Region
Compensation Group: Ontario Public Service Employees Union
Schedule: 6
Category: Science
Posted on: Wednesday, June 12, 2024
How to apply: Please apply online, only, at www.ontario.ca/careers, quoting Job ID 215371, by Wednesday July 3rd, 2024. Please follow the instructions to submit your application.

If you require accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please contact us at www.gojobs.gov.on.ca/ContactUs.aspx to provide your contact information. The Ontario Public Service is an inclusive employer. Accommodation will be provided in accordance with Ontario’s Human Rights Code.