Field Staff, Restoration & Infrastructure (Community Stewardship Program Seasonal)

Position Details:

Vacancies: 10

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

Employment type: Temporary Full-Time (Seasonal)

Duration of employment: 10 Months

Hours of work: 35 hrs/week

Work location: Restoration Services Centre

Division: Restoration and Infrastructure

Business unit: Restoration and Resource Management

Travel: 20%

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 02, 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:

TRCA’s Community Stewardship Program trains volunteers and engages community participants in hands-on stewardship activities to help implement and maintain priority restoration projects across its jurisdiction.

The Field Staff position in the Community Stewardship team is responsible for assisting with the delivery of the community stewardship activities and projects, follow up project maintenance, metrics tracking and assist with administrative responsibilities as needed.

This position involves interaction with various sectors of the community, including residents, volunteers, schools, businesses, community groups and municipal partners. Key aspects of this role involve preparing restoration sites for community stewardship activities, participating in field activities, working directly with participants in the fields, delivering educational messages, monitoring and maintaining restoration sites, supporting team with the delivery of Citizen Science/Volunteer Program training, data entry and field activities.

During Non-Peak Field Season (Early March to Mid-April and Early June to Mid-September) typical Monday to Friday schedule of 35/week with occasional chance of evening or weekend work. During this time, typical field staff hours range from 7:00am– 3:00pm, but may be adjusted depending on the assignment.

During Peak Field Season (Mid-April to Early June and Mid-September to Early November) high frequency of weekend and potential work. During this period, staff will have the opportunity to "Time-Shift" and/or work extra hours per week (not exceed 44hrs/week) as needed. During this time, field staff hours can range from 7:00am–10:00am start time, to a 3:00pm-6pm end time, depending on the assignment.

Major Responsibilities:

• Assist with the implementation of ecological restoration projects with a focus on engaging community participants and volunteers in ‘hands-on” stewardship activities.
• As part of the Community Stewardship team, field crews can anticipate:
  • Planting 50-70 potted trees and/or shrubs per day.
  • Constantly adapt to site condition changes (terrain, weather, unexpected scenarios, equipment issues, design issues) including changes in restoration plans. 
  • Repetitious and strenuous physical activities including line trimming, watering, digging, bending, lifting, post-pounding, rodent guarding, mulching, monitoring, collecting, and submitting daily project metrics, and the carrying materials and equipment weighing 25-50lbs.
• Delivering community stewardship events including:
  • Securing all necessary tools, supplies and materials for the event.
  • Setting up and taking down event equipment.
  • Coordinating and training participants to deliver restoration activities.
  • Implementing safety plan for event and ensuring safety of participants.
• Participate in the daily safety meetings including tailgate meetings, hazard identification and emergency planning.
• Assists with maintenance of equipment and vehicles, performs circle and other health and safety checks. Reports potential maintenance requirements to supervisor.
• Operates machinery and equipment required to execute work duties related to specific project/program area (i.e., line trimmers, RTVs, tractors, and walk behind mowers etc.)
• Participates in other duties as assigned.
• Incumbents may also be assigned other duties.

What will you need to succeed:

Education (degree/diploma/certifications)    

• Working toward or has completed post-secondary education in biology, environmental science, resource management or a related field and pursuing a career in environmental or related field.
• Knowledge of restoration ecology and terrestrial ecosystems, and common plant identification and ecology.

Experience

• Experience working with community groups and volunteers.
• Ability to read and interpret maps.
• Excellent communication skills in all modes (written, verbal, presentations, social media etc.) and ability to gear information to a variety of audiences.
• Ability and aptitude to work outdoors in adverse conditions.

Knowledge/Skill/Ability

• Good physical fitness to carry out major responsibilities.
• Familiar with basic equipment and power tools.
• Demonstrated ability to proactively identify problems in a timely manner, seeking the appropriate level of support to solve issues. 
• Standard First Aid an asset.
• Valid G driver’s license.
• Experience using Microsoft Office software, including online software such as MS teams, WebEx, and SharePoint.

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.