Bring your expertise in aquatic ecology, fisheries science and fisheries management, to the Fish and Wildlife Services Branch, where you will support projects and planning with the goal of achieving ecological sustainability.

A job information session will be held using Microsoft TEAMS on January 9th, 2026 from 12-1 pm. To request meeting coordinates please contact David Gonder at david.gonder@ontario.ca

Please note: We are offering two positions at different locations.

• one position located in Owen Sound

• one position located in Thunder Bay

About the job

In this role, you will:

• provide expert aquatic ecology, fisheries science and fisheries management advice and strategic planning for the delivery of the fisheries management program on the upper Great Lakes in support of achieving the goal of ecological sustainability

• work cooperatively and in consultation with a wide array of Government and non-Government organizations

• address concerns and seek resolution of aquatic resource management and allocation issues concerning the aquatic resources of the upper Great Lakes

• perform complex fisheries biological, statistical and population analysis

• plan, organize and implement and management planning work at the Upper Great Lakes Management Unit

• plan and lead fisheries assessment projects at the Upper Great Lakes Management Unit including fulfilling data management and reporting responsibilities for these projects

What you bring to the team

Mandatory:

• You must have a valid class 'G' driver's licence or equivalent, as recognized by the Province of Ontario, and are able to travel in remote areas. The offer of employment is conditional upon the successful candidate providing proof that they have a valid driver's licence upon being hired.

• You have the ability to meet all requirements of cross border travel and to travel in remote areas.

Technical expertise:

• knowledge of fisheries management theory, assessment methodologies and practices

• knowledge of management planning processes including scoping, goals and objectives setting while working with Indigenous communities and stakeholders to develop fisheries management plans

• knowledge of fish biology and physiology/growth, as required in the fisheries management/ecosystem management context

• knowledge of the implications of harvest control techniques, such as sport fishing regulation changes (i.e. bag limits and seasons) and commercial fish allocations and restrictions

Communication and interpersonal skills:

• ability to create and foster positive, collaborative working relationships across the ministry and with other agency staff

• ability to explain technical information, scientific logic and reasoning to a wide range of audiences

• written communication skills to prepare scientific reports and presentation materials

• ability to reconcile differing points of view to gather support from various stakeholders and organizations on resource issues

Analytical skills:

• thorough knowledge of scientific and mathematical analytical techniques to perform routine statistical tests, prepare scientific reports and execute simulation models

• research, analytical and evaluative skills to interpret fisheries and ecological data; to formulate hypotheses; to propose resource management solutions; and to design or modify assessment studies/projects

• the ability to interpret and apply relevant legislation, regulations and guidelines (Fisheries Act, Ontario Fishery Regulations, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act)

Computers and field equipment:

• proficiency with computer-based fish population modelling, geographic information systems, email, data analysis, report writing, presentation development and database management

• ability to drive motorized vehicles (e.g. automobiles, boats, all-terrain vehicles and snow machines), setting nets from small boats during windy and rainy conditions and working on-board Great Lakes survey vessels in a range of weather conditions

• ability to adjust, calibrate and operate precision instruments or equipment, such as hydro-acoustic equipment, biotelemetry equipment, water sampling equipment, telemetry equipment and data loggers

Project management:

• knowledge of project management practices to design, direct, modify and conduct fish population evaluations and impact studies, provide coordination, leadership and technical advice to field staff

• ability to manage project resources and procure services, equipment and supplies when necessary

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

What we offer

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

Additional information

Address:

• 1 English Permanent, 2045 20th Ave E, Owen Sound, West Region
• 1 English Permanent, 435 James St S, Thunder Bay, North Region

Compensation Group:

Ontario Public Service Employees Union

Understanding the job ad - definitions

Schedule:

3-A

Category:

Fish and Wildlife

Posted on:

Monday, January 5, 2026

Note:

• N-NR-239129/25(2)

How to apply:

1. You must apply online.
2. Your cover letter and resume combined should not exceed five (5) pages. For tips and tools on how to write a concise cover letter and resume, review the Writing a Cover Letter and Resume: Tips, Tools and Resources.
3. Customize your cover letter and resume to the qualifications listed on the job ad. Using concrete examples, you must show how you demonstrated the requirements for this job. We rely on the information you provide to us.
4. Read the job description to make sure you understand this job.
5. OPS employees are required to quote their WIN EMPLOYEE ID number when applying.
6. If you require a disability related accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please Contact Us to provide your contact information. Recruitment services team will contact you within 48 hours.

Please be advised that the results of this competition may be used to form an eligibility list of qualified candidates to potentially fill future vacancies represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU). In accordance with the Collective Agreement, eligibility lists are shared with OPSEU representatives. By applying to this competition, you are providing consent that your name may be shared with OPSEU representatives.

All external applicants (including former employees of the Ontario Public Service) applying to a competition in a ministry or Commission public body must disclose (either in the cover letter or resume) previous employment with the Ontario Public Service. Disclosure must include positions held, dates of employment and any active restrictions as applicable from being rehired by the Ontario Public Service. Active restrictions can include time and/or ministry-specific restrictions currently in force, and may preclude a former employee from being offered a position with the Ontario Public Service for a specific time period (e.g. one year), or from being offered a position with a specific ministry (either for a pre-determined time period or indefinitely). The circumstances around an employee's exit will be considered prior to an offer of employment.

Remember:

The deadline to apply is Monday, January 26, 2026 11:59 pm EST . Late applications will not be accepted.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for further screening or an interview will be contacted.

The Ontario Public Service is an inclusive employer.

Accommodation is available under the Ontario's Human Rights Code .