Apply By: Tuesday, September 1, 2026 11:59 pm EDT

Regional Forested Ecosystems Science Specialist
$78,680.16 - $99,245.64 Per year*
*Indicates the salary listed as per the OPSEU Collective Agreement.

A unique and interesting prospect exists for those with a background and experience in forest science. 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.

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

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

About the job
In this role, you will:

provide leadership in the identification of scientific needs assessment, synthesis and transfer of science/information to meet the needs of resource management planners and practitioners in the region relative to forest ecosystem dynamics
contribute to the direct integration of science advice in support of resource management decisions, issues management and policy implementation
provide scientific/professional advice and leadership in the calibration and use of resource assessment and management practices, standards, statistical design, science tools and analytical procedures

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.
You must possess a Registered Professional Forester (RPF) designation from the Ontario Professional Foresters Association or have the ability to transfer designation from out-of-province and be able to practise professional forestry without professional supervision.

Technical expertise
knowledge of the theories, principles and practices related to forest science and forest ecosystem dynamics (e.g. forest growth and yield, stand establishment, forest soils, forest succession,



ecological land classification) as well as knowledge, understanding and ability to apply current ecological, resource management principles and planning approaches
knowledge of resource management legislation, regulations, policies and guidelines relative to Ontario (e.g. Crown Forest Sustainability Act, Endangered Species Act, Environmental Assessment Act, Ontario Professional Foresters Act, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act)
knowledge of technical and scientific procedures and practices for monitoring and assessment (e.g. sampling methods, design and standards), as well as, experimental design and statistical analysis
demonstrated growth & yield experience

Communication and presentation skills
communication and presentation skills to provide input about strategic and operational plans and reports, to provide advice and guidance to partners/clients and explain resource management approaches and technical scientific information to staff and the public, including making senior level presentations and providing media interviews
ability to transfer science and technology in symposia and workshops and to prepare and/or present briefing notes, technical reports, Minister's letters

Interpersonal and relationship management skills
interpersonal and relationship management skills to effectively liaise with resource management practitioners, industry, Indigenous groups, non-government agencies, researchers and other resource management partners on forest science needs and resource management issues and participate on committees and working groups as required
facilitation and conflict resolution skills to effectively identify various perspectives, determine areas of common agreement and facilitate cooperation between researchers, clients and partners

Research and analytical skills
research skills to review literature, scientific reports and research available technical information
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 forest science, biology and related ecosystem concerns

Project management and organizational skills
knowledge of project management and organization processes to organize and complete work within assigned timelines, set appropriate priorities, plan work effectively and to work under pressure to achieve assigned objectives

Computer proficiency
knowledge of computer software, including word processing, data management, spreadsheets, presentation, geographic information systems, statistical analysis programs, modelling techniques/tools and internet to access and analyze information, to prepare scientific reports/technical papers, briefing materials, correspondence, reports, publications and presentations

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.

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📌 Regional Forested Ecosystems Science Specialist (Ontario)
🏢 Fonction publique de l'Ontario
📍 Ontario