Terrestrial Ecology Researcher

Job ID: 244555

Organization: Ministry of Natural Resources

Division: Science and Research Branch

City: Sault Ste Marie

Position(s) language: English

Job term: 3 Temporary assignments/contracts for up to 9 months, with the possibility of extension

Job code: 15402 - Research Scientist 2, Natural Resources

Salary: $1,173.81 - $1,419.34 Per week*

*Indicates the salary listed as per the OPSEU Collective Agreement.

Bring your scientific and forest ecology expertise to the Forest Ecosystem Unit, where you will conduct impactful research that sheds light on the impacts and adaptation of terrestrial ecosystems to natural and human pressures.

The Ontario Public Service (OPS) is committed to being an employer of first choice, creating a positive and inclusive work environment.

We offer:

• comprehensive health plan
• a defined benefit pension 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

Working in a team environment, you will assist in conducting research projects that will advance the knowledge and science of terrestrial ecology, including climate change impacts and adaptation, resistance and resilience to disturbance, and forest migration and dynamics to ensure natural resource sustainability.

What you bring to the team

Mandatory requirements

You have a Ph.D in ecology, biology, forest management or related science, or post-graduate degree with equivalent experience.

Forestry knowledge:

• advanced knowledge of concepts in forest ecology, plant community ecology, landscape ecology, and disturbance ecology
• familiarity with temperate and boreal terrestrial ecosystems, including their structures, compositions, functions, and interactions across trophic levels
• understanding of concepts in conservation and management of natural resources, including cumulative effects, wildlife habitat, and biodiversity

Technical expertise:

• understanding of hypothesis testing, experimental design and quantitative methods to conduct scientific research
• comprehension and expertise in research methods for the development of advanced statistical models
• understanding of remotely sensed spatial data of terrestrial ecosystems and their use in spatiotemporal analyses of ecological patterns and processes
• knowledge and capacity to use landscape or ecological simulation modelling applications

Communication and interpersonal skills:

• proven experience in scientific writing and publication in order to write scientific papers and publish research results in scientific journals
• communication skills to communicate effectively with staff from forest industry, other ministries/governments, and non-government organizations, and co-ordinate activities to achieve a common goal

Field experience:

• proven experience in conducting ecological fieldwork, including working in remote environments, field safety and logistics
• ability to identify boreal trees, shrubs, and vascular plants in the field
• ability to conduct greenhouse or controlled growth facility based experiments

Computer proficiency:

• experience and knowledge of computer programming techniques and data science to develop efficient workflows and analyze large datasets
• skills in computer programming (e.g., R, Python) and database management systems (Access, SQL Server), including manipulation of large and complex datasets

Analytical skills:

• ability to propose hypotheses, design experiments, and conduct ecological experiments
• ability to perform exploratory data analyses and visualizations, identify patterns and relationships, and analyze multidimensional data
• skills in organization and planning to develop and implement programs of a complex nature and produce deliverables to a fixed timeline with minimal supervision

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!

Additional information:

Apply by: Monday, May 25, 2026 11:59 pm EDT

Position details: 3 English Temporary, duration up to 9 months, 1235 Queen St E, Sault Ste Marie, North Region

Compensation group: Ontario Public Service Employees Union

Work hours: Schedule 3-A

Category: Science

Posted on: Monday, May 4, 2026

Note: N-NR-244555/26(3)

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.