Apply By: Friday, September 5, 2025 11:59 pm EDT

Policy & Program Advisor - Forestry Innovation

Job ID:

233393

Posting status:

Open

Organization:

Ministry of Natural Resources

Division:

Forest Industry Division

City:

Peterborough, Sault Ste Marie

Position(s) language:

English

Job term:

1 Permanent

Job code:

13995 - Forester 3

Salary:

$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.

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:

• 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

Additional information:

Apply by:

Friday, September 5, 2025 11:59 pm EDT

Position details:

• 1 English Permanent, 70 Foster Dr, Sault Ste Marie, North Region or 300 Water St, Peterborough, East Region

Compensation group:

Ontario Public Service Employees Union

Work hours:

Schedule 3-A

Category:

Policy and Analysis

Posted on:

Friday, August 15, 2025

Note:

• N-NR-233393/25

How to apply:

• You must apply online.

• 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.

• 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.

• Read the job description to make sure you understand this job.

• 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 the recruitment process, please Contact Us to provide your contact information. Recruitment services team will contact 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.

Exigences en matière de langue et évaluation:
Toutes les offres d'emploi externes de la fonction publique de l'Ontario (FPO) sont affichées en français et en anglais. Consultez la section « Langue du ou des postes » en haut de chaque offre d'emploi pour connaître les exigences linguistiques. Pour tous les postes, les candidats sont évalués en anglais, la langue d'affaires de la FPO. Si le poste est bilingue (anglais/français), vous devrez également passer un test de compétences linguistiques en français.

Strengthening Ontario, together