Policy Advisor, Public Lands

Job ID 250522

Help shape the future of Ontario's public lands.

Are you looking to make a difference regarding the management of Ontario's public lands? Are you naturally curious and enjoy problem solving? If so, consider this exciting opportunity with the Crown Lands Policy Section, where you will join a team that provides policy advice and leadership on the management of Crown (public) lands in Ontario. Make an impact, by applying your knowledge and experience to the ongoing management of 77% of the land in Ontario.

The Crown Lands Policy Section provides legislative, regulatory and policy leadership for the Public Lands Act, including leadership for: the stewardship of public lands; the granting of rights, title and interests in public lands; roads and water crossings on public land; and sustainable economic development of public lands in support of the province's needs. More information on how public lands are managed in Ontario can be found on the ministry's website

Information Session

We are offering an opportunity for those interested to attend a virtual session to learn more about the division and the position to be filled.

Date: Thursday, November 19th, 2026

Time: 2:00 pm - 2:45 pm

This session is optional and has no impact on hiring decisions.

About the job

In this role, you will:

• Help shape provincial policies that guide the management and use of Ontario's Crown lands.

• Lead and/or coordinate policy projects from research and analysis through to recommendations and implementation.

• Translate complex issues into clear advice, briefing materials, and practical solutions for decision-makers.

• Identify emerging challenges and opportunities and contribute to innovative approaches to public land management.

• Work within a multi-disciplinary environment, regularly interacting with other ministry divisions and government ministries, and at times with stakeholders, Indigenous communities and municipal governments.

What you bring to the team

Policy Development and Analysis

You have:

• knowledge of legislative and policy development frameworks, processes, and principles, with experience contributing to the development, evaluation, and implementation of policies, programs, legislation, or strategic initiatives.

• experience researching, analyzing, and evaluating complex policy issues, trends, and emerging risks to develop practical, evidence-based recommendations.

Strategic Thinking and Problem Solving

You have:

• experience identifying emerging issues, risks, trends, and opportunities and assessing their potential impacts on policy, programs, or business priorities.

• demonstrated ability to analyze complex information, evaluate options, and develop practical solutions and recommendations to support informed decision-making.

• demonstrated political acuity and sound judgment

Project Management and Leadership

You have:

• experience leading or coordinating projects, including planning activities, managing timelines, identifying risks, and delivering results in a complex and fast-paced environment.

• demonstrated leadership skills, with experience coordinating cross-functional teams, guiding collaborative initiatives, and driving projects and policy priorities to successful outcomes.

Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Management

You have:

• experience building and maintaining effective relationships with diverse stakeholders, Indigenous communities, industry representatives, and interest groups, to support policy and program objectives.

• experience consulting, collaborating, and working across organizations to gather input, address issues, build consensus, and advance complex initiatives.

Communication, Influence and Advisory Skills

You have:

• experience providing strategic advice and recommendations on complex issues

• consultation, negotiation, and influencing skills, with experience building consensus and advancing initiatives among stakeholders with diverse interests and perspectives.

• experience preparing and delivering briefings, presentations, reports, briefing notes, and other written products that communicate complex information clearly and effectively.

How to apply:

1. You must apply online. Ontario Public Service Careers - Search for Jobs
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.

Remember:

The deadline to apply is Thursday, November 26, 2026 11:59 pm EST. Late applications will not be accepted.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for further screening or an interview will be contacted.