Communications and Mitigation Intern

About Us
Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services provides forest fire management services for the province of Ontario including fire management policies and strategies, fire prevention and detection, and the basic resources for managing forest fires; aviation flight and maintenance crews and equipment in support of forest fire and natural resources management, and other specialized aviation services, including non-scheduled air transport to all government ministries and agencies; and emergency management in response to forest fires, floods, drought/low water, dam failures, erosion, soil and bedrock instability, crude oil and natural gas exploration, natural gas and hydrocarbon underground storage, and salt solution mining emergencies.

Note: This position is located at 70 Foster Drive, in Sault Ste Marie, however alternate work arrangements may be available in Dryden, Garson, Peterborough, Sault Ste Marie, or Toronto. Please pick which location you prefer.

OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism:

We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.

We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

Visit the OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.

We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's Human Rights Code. Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.

What can I expect to do in this role?

As part of the Communications and Mitigation Unit you will provide professional, and technical assistance to support the development of strategies, policies and practices for wildland fire management and risk mitigation in Ontario. This may include:

• Supporting coordination for Ontario's FireSmart program, community risk assessments, and incentive programs.
• Facilitating partnerships with provincial and federal government bodies, municipalities, indigenous communities, unorganized territories, industry, and non-governmental organizations.
• Supporting the management and delivery of the fire suppression agreement program with municipalities, unorganized territories, indigenous communities, and the federal government.
• Assisting in the development and delivery of wildland fire management public education and emergency communications, outreach and marketing program
• Supporting the development and dissemination of timely and accurate fire and emergency information to the public, communities, media and partners in order to ensure public safety and well-being
• Participating on various committees and working/project groups.
• Traveling to locations not accessible by public transit.

How do I qualify?

Technical Knowledge and Skills:

• Understanding of wildland fire and natural resources legislation and policies.
• Knowledge of global, national and provincial climate change issues.
• Knowledge of human dimensions of wildland fire management.
• Understanding of wildland fire management practices.

Analytical and Research Skills:

• Knowledge of policy research and analysis techniques, environmental scanning and modelling and trends forecasting to gather, summarize and interpret information.
• Ability to research, analyze, assess and report on complex and diverse issues with attention to detail.

Communication Skills:

• Strong interpersonal and communication (oral and written) skills to prepare scientific and technical reports, presentations, briefing and communications materials.

Interpersonal and Teamwork Skills:

• Well-developed interpersonal skills to build relationships and communicate with internal and external partners.
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team, or independently with limited supervision.

Computer Skills:

• Proficient in common software applications such as word processing, presentation and spreadsheet applications.
• Ability to conduct analysis and perform research using tools such as R or GIS.

Eligibility:

• Proof of eligibility to work in Canada;
• Has graduated or will graduate from an approved or legally authorized college or university with a degree, postgraduate certificate or diploma between May 2020 and June 2024;
• Candidates are only eligible to participate in one MNRF 12-month placement and must not have participated in the MNRF internship program in the past;
• Are not a permanent employee in the Ontario Public Service.