Job Description
Are you a leader who is passionate about the environment and applied science? Do you have the ability to inspire, motivate and enable your teams to deliver, communicate and proactively enhance their programs and products? If so, consider applying for this exciting opportunity to lead an integrated, diverse branch of scientists.
The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) is looking for an experienced leader who can deliver the core programs of the branch, applying risk assessment to the balancing of demands to resources while also able to transform and modernize how applied science is analyzed to support policy and operational decision-making in a regulatory environment. You will work with the Assistant Deputy Minister and fellow directors within the division and across the ministry to develop and implement a new culture where analytical systems and services are leveraged to generate new ideas and innovative solutions for the ministry’s stakeholders and partners.
The Environmental Monitoring and Reporting Branch operates province-wide field environmental monitoring and modelling programs to track the state-of-the-environment, including air, water, and land conditions, as well as undertaking short- and medium-term, issue- and area-specific monitoring to support ministry policy and program science-based informed decision-making and public transparency.
An effective leader in the Ontario Public Service (OPS) is responsible, innovative, and collaborative. A responsible leader is someone who demonstrates authenticity, accountability, and courage in how they interact with others. An individual who models ethical behaviour, and who is honest and capable of making difficult choices. An innovative leader is someone who leads with common purpose, embraces positive disruption, and has a future mindset. An individual who inspires others, values continuous learning, and encourages development and integration. A collaborative leader focuses on helping others to grow, drives people-centred outcomes and promotes an environment of inclusivity. A leader who consistently works to confront bias and systemic barriers while understanding the importance of creating a more diverse and accessible workplace.
OPS commitment to diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and anti-racism
The OPS is an innovative, responsive, and accountable public service that works hard to be diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful, and equitable. Diversifying leadership teams is a top OPS priority with the goal to achieve parity with the Ontario labour force by 2025 for the most underrepresented groups (Indigenous, racialized and persons with disabilities) in leadership positions.
To advance this goal, the OPS is collecting socio-demographic information that will help to address potential barriers and achieve equity in hiring. You are requested to complete the voluntary survey and contribute to building a more diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, and accessible OPS.
The OPS invites all interested individuals to apply and encourages applications from Indigenous and racialized individuals and persons with disabilities.
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 advancing racial equity, accessibility, diversity and inclusion in the public service.
The OPS offers 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 application instructions below if you require a disability-related accommodation.
What can I expect to do in this role?
Reporting to the Assistant Deputy Minister, you will:
- Provide leadership, priority setting, and direction for the development and implementation of analytical systems and services informed through evidence-based monitoring, program delivery, reporting and research.
- Participate in the development of divisional business plans, science strategies, performance metrics, risk assessments and visions/goals.
- Direct the provision of analysis, interpretation of data in anticipation of, and in response to, key ministry issues, environmental risks, and priorities which policy and program decision-making.
- Lead and engage teams by creating a high-performing culture to achieve organizational goals.
- Help others grow by building trust and actively supporting growth.
- Develop strategies and research, plan, implement and evaluate multi-dimensional projects.
- Represent the branch/division/ministry on a variety of science technical intra/inter-ministerial and Federal/Provincial/Territorial and international committees.
How do I qualify?
Inclusive Leadership
- You are an inclusive leader who values and creates a culture of diversity, inclusion, and equity in the workplace.
- You lead by example and promote a positive workplace culture that engages staff.
- You have proven senior leadership experience working with a broad range of stakeholders to deliver government initiatives and services.
- You have proven abilities in providing strategic direction, establishing priorities, and developing and implementing program-specific actions.
- You have experience successfully managing and directing physical, financial and human resources to ensure the most flexible, efficient, and effective delivery of services.
- You have demonstrated a high degree of political acuity to anticipate, and respond to, politically sensitive situations.
Relationship Management, Stakeholder Engagement and Communication Skills
- You can establish effective relationships with stakeholders and senior ministry officials to assist government in setting priorities, undertake long-term planning, and ensure actions are consistent with government strategic policy, communications, and fiscal planning.
- You have demonstrated proficiency in thinking of the broader picture and planning in current contexts and for future needs.
- You have experience engaging with stakeholders in all levels of governments.
- You can interpret, convey, and translate technical information into clear dialogue and understandable concepts.
- You are skilled at providing advice and briefings regarding issues, negotiations and agreements to senior executives and political staff.
Change Management
- You have experience in change management, innovating and promoting improved program delivery and policy development.
- You have proven success creating a vision for change and engaging team members and stakeholders to achieve it.
- You have experience leading teams to develop new skills and ways of working.
- You have demonstrated experience identifying opportunities for change and championing ideas that lead to improved service delivery.
- You have demonstrated ability to deliver results in a complex and ever-changing environment.
- You have flexibility and resilience to adapt in a changing environment
Job Specific Knowledge and Experience
- You have an academic and applied background in environmental science.
- You have demonstrated ability to translate and communicate complex science to lay persons.
- You have demonstrated experience working with partners to develop relevant and credible environmental science information and management programs and products, and to provide strategic advice regarding the use of data to influence and support decisions.
- You have demonstrated experience in the development and management of modelling, analytics, GIS, and other systems used to capture, analyze, manage, and report on critical science, social, economic, and other data on Ontario’s environment, air, water, and land.
- You have the ability to deliver on multiple initiatives within tight timeframes.
- You have the ability to identify long-term issues and trends, and develop mitigation strategies.
- You have demonstrated success leading issues management and risk mitigation strategies.
Bonus info section:
The OPS uses multiple methods to assess candidates for executive positions; these may include resume screening, interviews, assignments, psychometric assessments, simulations, and reference checks.
Location: Toronto
Salary: $130,930 - $176,820 Per Year
Job Term: 1 Permanent