Canada nationals: Rehabilitation Specialist (Surface Water)

The Mines and Minerals Division of the Ministry of Energy, Northern Development and Mines works to support responsible land use management and mineral resource development by administration of the Mining Act, providing public geoscience information and client services.

Here’s your opportunity to showcase your mine site rehabilitation expertise and become the principle resource on regulatory, scientific and compliance standards relating to surface water resource issues.

About the OPS

The Ontario Public Service (OPS) is one of the largest employers in the province, employing more than 60,000 people. Every day, we are modernizing government operations and improving public services. We have a wide range of meaningful and rewarding career opportunities in communities across Ontario. We welcome new ideas and new people, encourage learning and development, and reward achievement. No matter the position, we live the core values of trust, fairness, diversity, excellence, creativity, collaboration, efficiency and responsiveness.

What a career in the OPS can offer you

The OPS is committed to be an employer of first choice, creating a positive and inclusive work environment.

In addition to flexible work arrangements, a collegial and professional work culture, career growth and development and on-the-job training to help you succeed, we offer a competitive total compensation package, which includes an attractive salary and may include the following:

• Defined benefit pension plan
• Maternity and parental leave top-up benefits, which cover adoptive parents
• Comprehensive health and dental plans
• Life and disability insurance

What can I expect to do in this role?

You will:

• work in conjunction with investigators and legal counsel to provide expert advice and support to investigators, conduct and organize scientific investigations and analyze evidence and provide expert opinions to assess incidents and prove violations
• audit mine closure plans and technical/financial submissions for completeness and compliance
• provide branch leadership in the development, coordination and evaluation of ministry legislation, policies and programs related to mine site rehabilitation
• determine the environmental impact and cause of surface water pollution incidents on non-active mining properties
• provide testimony as an expert witness at legal proceedings and coordinate projects.

How do I qualify?

Mandatory

• The position requires the successful candidate to have a valid class G driver’s licence or equivalent to conduct inspections and investigations at remote locations. The offer of employment is conditional upon the successful candidate providing proof that s/he has a valid driver’s licence upon being hired

Technical Expertise:

• You have thorough knowledge of the theories, techniques and methods associated with the science of environmental management of acid rock and acid mine drainage, neutral mine drainage and water pollution control including industrial mining processes, waste water treatment, hydrology, dispersion, modeling, standard setting, aquatic toxicity, sampling, testing, flow measurement, emergency response, hydrogeology and site remediation.
• You have knowledge of mining and exploration, mining legislation, theory and practices related to mine rehabilitation.
• You have expert knowledge of due process of law, rules of evidence, court procedures, environmental investigations and enforcement practices and procedures.
• You have sound knowledge of environmental approvals and permits processes.
• You have the ability to apply and interpret the Mining Act, environmental protection legislation (Environmental Protection Act, Ontario Water Resources Act, Fisheries Act, Canadian Environmental Protection Act, Provincial Offences Act), related federal/provincial regulations (Nuclear Safety and Control Act), policies, guidelines and programs and compliance policies and practices.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills:

• You have superior oral communication and interpersonal skills to interview witnesses, facilitate discussions, provide testimony in court proceedings and provide training.
• You have excellent written communication skills to prepare a variety of correspondence.

Project Management Skills and Knowledge:

• You have knowledge of project management techniques and procurement processes (e. g. RFP development) to ensure timelines are met by leading and coordinating projects and investigations

Analytical, Evaluative, Problem-Solving and Computer Skills:

• You have well developed analytical, evaluative and problem-solving skills to assess and resolve problems related to mine rehabilitation and surface water quality and recommend solutions.
• You have working knowledge of computers and standard software packages.