Forest Industry Development Advisor

Location: Sault Ste. Marie

Attention Finance and Economics Professionals!

Turn financial insight into real-world impact—support strategic decisions at Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources. In this role, you will be a trusted advisor to forestry businesses—helping them turn investment ideas into viable projects and long‑term growth. From reviewing financial statements and business plans to evaluating funding applications for capital investments, your analysis will directly inform government decisions. You'll support program delivery while building strong relationships across industry and government.

Bring your financial insight, relationship‑building skills, and political savvy to this exciting position.

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

maternity and parental leave top‑up benefits which includes adoptive parents

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 with forestry businesses and government partners to support investment, competitiveness, and sustainable growth across Ontario's forest sector, you will:

analyse and advise on ministry business arrangements and relationships with the forest industry

be a key point of contact for stakeholders on new investment opportunities, mill closures, and modernization projects

assess business plans, financial information, and investment proposals, and provide clear recommendations to support decision‑making

help deliver and improve government funding programs for forestry businesses

support policy development and implementation related to Ontario's forest sector

lead and contribute to cross‑regional teams addressing high‑priority industry and community issues

Please note that this position will require some occasional travel.

What you bring to the team
Mandatory requirements
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.

Specialized knowledge, research, and analytical expertise:

demonstrated experience applying business, financial, and economic analysis to assess business plans, financial statements, and capital investment proposals

strong research skills to gather, validate, and synthesize information from multiple sources (e.g., market intelligence, industry data, jurisdictional scans, stakeholder input) to inform advice and recommendations

strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to identify risks, evaluate options, and recommend practical, defensible solutions

ability to interpret and apply relevant legislative and policy frameworks, including regulations, procedures, and program requirements, to support the delivery of funding programs for Ontario's forest industry

knowledge of the forest industry, including its regional and global economic significance, emerging trends, and factors affecting Ontario's competitiveness

Relationship management and communication skills:

strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships with forestry businesses, industry associations, and government partners

proven ability to facilitate discussions, influence outcomes, and achieve results through collaboration and advisory support

strong written and verbal communication skills to prepare clear, concise briefing materials (e.g., funding recommendations, decision notes, briefing notes) and present complex issues to senior leadership

Professional and leadership skills:

strong political acuity, with the judgement and discretion to navigate sensitive issues, competing priorities, and public interest considerations

strong project management, negotiation, and problem‑solving skills, with the initiative to work independently and manage multiple priorities under pressure

proficiency with common office software (word processing,…