Be on the front line of protecting Ontario's environment and communities
The Spills Action Centre (SAC) is Ontario's 24/7 environmental reporting hub. SAC receives and coordinates responses to environmental spills, pollution incidents and drinking water quality issues reported by regulated industries, municipalities, partner agencies and the public.
We are a high-performing team of environmental officers who work together to respond quickly, calmly and professionally. Our work makes a visible difference for Ontarians every day.
About the job
As a Junior Environmental Officer, you are often the first point of contact when environmental incidents are reported.
You will:
- Receive and assess reports of spills, drinking water issues, complaints and other environmental incidents.
- Collect accurate information, identify potential risks and prioritize incidents based on potential health and environmental impacts.
- Provide clear direction and guidance on legislative responsibilities and required actions, using established procedures and protocols.
- Coordinate and communicate with ministry officers and partner agencies, including briefing them on reported incidents.
- Initiate after-hours field response for incidents requiring urgent or priority action.
- Document incidents and actions in concise, timely reports.
- Support follow-up actions to make sure responses are appropriate.
- Work in a 24-hour shift-work environment that may include evenings, overnights, weekends and holidays.
What you bring to the team
Technical Knowledge:
- Knowledge of spill response concepts, cleanup practices, pollution control and water systems.
- General understanding of drinking water and wastewater treatment processes.
- Awareness of how pollutants behave in the environment and how environmental impacts are assessed.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills:
- You communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing.
- You demonstrate excellent telephone manners, including active listening, maintaining a respectful tone and calm communication during urgent or challenging calls.
- You build positive working relationships and collaborate well with the regulated community, partner agencies, internal teams and the public.
- You prepare clear, accurate and well-organized reports under tight timelines.
Reasoning and Problem-Solving Skills:
- You make sound decisions and stay focused during time-critical, high-stress situations.
- You assess information, identify issues and determine appropriate next steps quickly and thoughtfully.
- You follow written guidelines, procedures and protocols to make sure responses are appropriate.
- You apply good judgment when addressing sensitive or contentious situations and supporting follow-up actions.
Technical Skills:
- Proficiency using common computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases, email, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and other internal systems.
- Ability to interpret and apply environmental legislation, policies and procedures. Familiarity with legislation such as the Environmental Protection Act - Part X, Safe Drinking Water Act, Ontario Water Resources Act, Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act.
- Ability to understand and use technical terminology related to environmental incidents, including laboratory, chemical, industrial and transportation contexts.
Don't meet every qualification?
If you are excited about this position and meet most, but not all, of the listed qualifications, please still consider applying. We recognize that no one person might have every qualification in this job ad, and you just might be the right candidate!
How we support diversity, inclusion and accessibility
We are building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage everyone interested in working with us to apply, including people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black and racialized individuals, as well as people from all ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.
Our hiring process is accessible, consistent with Ontario's
Human Rights Code and the
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. We are working to prevent and remove barriers in our hiring processes and can offer accommodation to address specific needs related to Code-protected grounds such as disability, family status and religion. For more information about accommodation during the hiring process please contact us.
Learn more about the work the OPS is doing to create an inclusive, anti-racist, accessible and diverse workplace:
- diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives
- accessibility
- Anti-Racism Policy
