Aerial Fire Operations Analytics and Modelling Specialist

Join us as an Aerial Fire Operations Analytics and Modeling Specialist! We're looking for a dynamic professional to design and implement innovative models for wildland fire decision-making. If you're skilled in statistical modeling, data science, and tools like R, Python, and GIS, apply now to make a real impact on Aerial Fire Operations.
About the Branch
The Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services Branch (AFFES) provides forest fire management services for the province 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.
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
• 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

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?

In this role, you will:
• assist in the design, implementation and validation of Aerial Fire Operations system models and foster program innovation
• provide relevant, timely and agile support for wildland fire decision-making using analytics
• provide expertise in the use and integration of fire intelligence (e.g., remote sensing) for wildland fire management

How do I qualify?

Mandatory

• You have a master's degree, or honours bachelor's degree, in a discipline relevant to modelling and analytics (e.g., statistics, forestry, computer engineering, engineering, or other sciences) from a university of recognized standing; or comparable experience in aerial operations and remote sensing research and development.
• 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 have the ability to fly in, and carryout testing, in small aircraft as well as complete work activities in remote settings, including camping when required.

Technical expertise:

• advanced knowledge in the physical, statistical and mechanistic modelling techniques and methods appropriate for fire management systems
• general knowledge of fire management concepts, policies and practices, with a focus in Aerial Fire Operations
• knowledge of fire intelligence collection technologies and techniques relevant to wildland Fire Operations, including but not limited to passive and active remote sensing tools such as LiDAR and InfaRed
• knowledge of data science, including descriptive, predictive and prescriptive approaches of analytics to carryout analyses and model aspects of fire management systems

Computer proficiency:

• knowledge of information technology and database management and strong practical knowledge of computer modelling techniques
• strong proficiency with tools needed for modelling such as R, Python, SQL, GIS, C, C#, C++, JavaScript, PHP

Analytical skills:

• ability to identify and understand suitable scientific literature and translate concepts into formal models for fire management
• technical and analytical skills to plan and perform statistical and spatial analyses and visualizations with remote sensing data
• problem solving and creative thinking skills to investigate complex problems, challenging assumptions, and make sense of information

Communication and interpersonal skills:

• ability to prepare technical reports and documents, present and discuss highly detailed or complex information at an audience-appropriate level
• interpersonal skills to engage in collaborative groups, to train other staff and to generate positive interactions with co-workers, stakeholders and partners

Project management skills:

• proven planning and coordination skills to engage in effective project management and collaboration using agile principles