Field Staff, Restoration & Infrastructure (Nursery Production-Seasonal)

Position Details:

Number of Vacancies: 2-3

Current Rate of Pay: Min = $23.54/hr, Max = $27.29/hr

Employment type: Seasonal

Duration of employment: 9 months

Hours of work: 40hrs/week

Work location: Restoration Services Centre

Division: Restoration & Infrastructure

Business unit: Restoration and Resource Management

Travel: 5%

Remote Work: None

Existing Vacancy: Yes

Seasonal Hire TRCA – 2025

Seasonal job opportunities are plentiful at TRCA. If you are looking for seasonal job openings, we can provide great opportunities and seasonal perks. To apply to this posting, click on the “Apply” icon.

Please submit your resume and cover letter in one file (PDF or Word) prior to 11:59 pm on February 3, 2025.

By working at TRCA you will:

• Work outdoors during the spring and summer in beautiful natural areas.
• Gain valuable experience working at a conservation authority.
• Get a free Conservation Ontario annual pass.
• Get access to TRCA’s Reciprocal Program (discounts across various Ontario attractions).

How you will contribute as part of the TRCA team:

The Field Staff working on the Nursery Production team performs a variety of field work activities which support the propagation of indigenous plant material that will be used on ecological restoration projects and programs delivered by the Erosion Risk Management, Restoration and Resource Management, Construction Services or Professional Services teams. 

Major Responsibilities:

• Participate in the planting and daily maintenance of seedbeds and production fields including aquatic and wet meadow plant potting and maintenance.
• Develop skills in cultivation and corrective pruning of field & container grown plants.
• Conduct seed scouting, collection, and processing of local tree and shrub seed.
• Harvest willow plant material and assist the production of various bioengineering products.
• Assist with the landscape maintenance of all Nursery grounds and surrounding area.
• Support the shipping, receiving and delivery of plant materials.
• Repetitious and strenuous physical activities related to all nursery activities including digging, bending, lifting, manual weeding and the carrying of plant materials and equipment weighing 25-50lbs.
• Assists with maintenance of equipment and vehicles, performs circle and other health and safety checks. Reports potential maintenance requirements to supervisor.
• Operates appropriate machinery and equipment required to execute work duties related to specific project/program area (i.e. trucks, line trimmers, riding mowers, walk behind rototiller, RTVs, tractors with various implements, irrigation pumps/irrigation network, backpack and hand spray equipment etc.).
• Incumbents may also be assigned other duties.

What will you need to succeed:

Education (degree/diploma/certifications)    

• Working towards or has completed a post-secondary education in forestry, horticulture, biology, environmental science, resource management or related field and pursuing a career in environmental or related field
• Standard First Aid an asset
• Valid Class G2  Driver’s License

Knowledge/Skill/Ability

• Knowledge of forestry, horticulture, restoration ecology and terrestrial ecosystems, and common plant identification an asset

• Ability and aptitude to work outdoors in adverse conditions
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work as a team player
• Good physical fitness for carrying out major responsibilities

• Familiar with basic hand tools, equipment and power tools
• Ability to communicate effectively with tact and courtesy
• Demonstrated ability to proactively identify problems in a timely manner, seeking the appropriate level of support to solve issues 
• Knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety Act, related regulations and legislation

While the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) thanks all applicants for their interest, only those under consideration will be contacted for interviews. Please be advised that successful incumbent(s) may be required to undergo a vulnerable sector screening and/or driver’s abstract check as a part of the final step in the hiring process.

TRCA is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. Our goal is to attract, develop and retain highly talented employees from diverse backgrounds, allowing us to benefit from a wide variety of experiences and perspectives. In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and TRCA Policies, accommodation will be provided at any point throughout the hiring process, provided the candidate makes their accommodation needs known to the TRCA. We welcome applications from all qualified persons.

Personal information you provide through the TRCA recruitment, selection, and onboarding process is collected under the authority of the Conservation Authorities Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. C.27. Collection of this personal information is necessary for the proper administration of this recruitment process for employment and volunteer positions with TRCA. Personal information is protected from disclosure pursuant to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.  Any questions regarding this collection activity should be directed to the Manager of Records and Information, 101 Exchange Avenue, Vaughan, Ontario, L4K 5R6, (437) 880 2308.