Naturalization Assistant

LEAF - Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 23,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellness leave

Vacation pay

Cell phone allowance

Travel expenses

Job summary

LEAF - Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests in the GTA is seeking an entry-level team member to support its Community Tree Planting Program. You will work with volunteers to plant native trees and shrubs on public land, collect field data, and help communicate through social media and blogs.

This hybrid role involves outdoor fieldwork, some driving, and participation in weekly meetings. You’ll gain hands-on experience in urban forestry, environmental stewardship, and community

Qualifications

• Experience with field data collection and reporting is a plus.
• Ability to work with volunteers and in outdoor environments in varied weather.

Responsibilities

• Learn about terrestrial ecosystems and stewardship methods.
• Plant native species at GTA sites.
• Collect data using monitoring protocol and summarize findings in reports.
• Train volunteers on restoration and planting techniques.
• Draft social media and blog content; provide admin support.

Skills

Vehicle operation

Physical stamina

Digital literacy

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Education

Arboriculture/Urban Forestry/Environmental Science

Tools

Driver's license (G/G2)

Job description

This position is a great fit for someone who is passionate about the environment, community engagement and enjoys outdoor, physical activity.

This role works as an integrated member of the Community Programs Team, with a primary focus on LEAF’s Community Tree Planting Program. This program allows residents to take direct action to enhance the urban forest, help combat climate change and mitigate biodiversity loss by planting native trees and shrubs on public land across York Region and Durham Region.

Reporting Relationships

Reports to: Community Programs Manager

Direct reports: None

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

The list below outlines the major responsibilities; however, additional tasks may be assigned as needed.

• Learning about terrestrial ecosystems and environmental stewardship methods
• Planting native tree/shrub species at various sites in the GTA
• Collecting data in the field using LEAF’s Naturalization Monitoring Protocol, conducting data entry and summarizing data findings in reports
• Providing training to volunteers on the topics of natural restoration, proper tree planting technique and proper tree care practices through in-person outdoor events
• Assisting with volunteer outreach and engagement
• Drafting social media and blog content
• Providing general administrative support as needed
• Participating in weekly Community Programs team meetings, weekly one-on-one meetings, and monthly organization-wide meetings, including taking minutes and tracking action items

Working Conditions

• Hybrid – includes a combination of office tasks and in-person field work (office days may be worked from home or in office)
• Outdoor work in naturalized areas with brush and uneven ground in various weather conditions
• Frequent evening and weekend work
• Some days require significant driving or carpooling
• All activities are carried out with careful precautions taken to protect the physical safety of employees and volunteers

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

Certifications, tools and software

G or G2 Driver’s License; Clean Driving Record

Skills, Abilities and Personal Attributes

• Commercial vehicle operation – you can safely and confidently operate a cargo van.
• Physical strength and stamina – you possess the strength and the stamina to perform physically demanding tasks in varied weather conditions, including lifting and planting.
• Digital literacy – you are proficient with the use of digital devices and tools to obtain, create or process digital information in a secure manner.
• Communication Skills – you can effectively listen, comprehend, and convey information through spoken and written language, adapting messages to the audience by using clear expression, active listening and purposeful writing.
• Interpersonal skills – you can effectively interact, communicate and work with others. This includes awareness of others’ verbal and non-verbal cues, empathy for diverse perspectives, and the ability to engage respectfully and productively across different cultural backgrounds to achieve shared goals.
• Collaboration – you can work cooperatively, supporting the inclusion of others in achieving a common goal.
• Attention to Detail – you are meticulous in the execution of tasks.
• Operational Planning – you can effectively determine the steps and tasks to meet key objectives on time.

Asset Qualifications

Education/Equivalent

Arboriculture; Urban Forestry; Environmental Science; Botany; Plant Biology or related

Certifications, tools and software

Emergency First Aid & CPR

Experience

• Entry Level Position
• Experience working or volunteering with a non-profit organization an asset

Other Requirements

• Be between the ages of 21 and 30
• Canadian Citizen, permanent resident, or person on whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
• Legally entitled to work according to the relevant provincial / territorial legislation and regulations

Benefits

Compensation

Wage: $20.30/hour

Additional benefits

• Paid Wellness Leave, pro-rated to length of contract
• Vacation pay, pro-rated to length of contract
• Cell phone allowance of $10 per pay cheque (bi-weekly pay schedule)
• Some travel expenses covered

About Our Hiring Process

Only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted. After you submit your application, our team reviews it against the requirements and qualifications for the role. Some applicants may receive pre-screening questions by email or phone to help us understand your skills and fit before inviting you to interview. All interviews are conducted virtually at a scheduled time that works for you. References are requested for candidates that participate in the full interview process. Due to the volume of applications we receive, we are not able to provide individual feedback unless you are participating in an interview.