Stewardship Assistant

Employer: Land Care Niagara (LCN)

Position Title: Stewardship Assistant

Employment Type: Temporary contract position.

Work Location: Vineland Station and off-site various locations in Niagara Region

Pay range: 35 hours/week @ $21/hr

Employment period: Up to 7 months, starting at the End of April/beginning of May 2025 (exact dates to be confirmed).

Closing date: Friday 25th April 2025, 17:00 EST

Job Description:

Under the guidance and direction of the Stewardship Manager, the Stewardship Assistant will join our team to assist in the delivery of program initiatives set out by Land Care Niagara (LCN). Responsibilities include tree planting, LCN Re-Leaf Tree Nursery maintenance, assisting with the implementation of wildlife conservation, monitoring and habitat restoration projects, taking part in educational outreach programs and events, and new projects as determined. This position will provide excellent career development opportunities for learning new skills for a future career in the Environmental sector, science, biology, natural resources, non-profit organizations, and ecosystem restoration.

Company Information:

Land Care Niagara is a not-for-profit, community-based organization committed to creating a healthy and sustainable rural and urban environment. We work on private and public lands in Niagara and strive to make positive changes in the environment through educational outreach, restoration, training initiatives, and land stewardship activities. We are passionate about doing good things and strive to find others to help us make a positive change. Land Care Niagara prides itself on being a fully inclusive organization, where everyone is welcome. We highly encourage applicants from BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and other people of color), 2SLGBTQI+, and other marginalized youth.

Responsibilities:

• Helping to maintain our community tree nursery with activities including managing the irrigation system, tree care, tree labeling, general upkeep of nursery grounds, inventory management, tool and equipment organization, fundraising, seed collection, and propagation.
• Hand planting trees in a tree planting team.
• Work with staff and volunteers in habitat restoration projects (woodland, riparian, and pollinator habitat).
• Participate in field investigations and inspections.
• Possible involvement in Species At Risk wildlife projects.
• Organize & lead volunteers.
• Management of field data.
• Maintenance of field equipment.
• Attend in-person or virtual outreach events.
• Other duties as assigned.

Eligibility:

Candidate must meet the following criteria to be eligible for this position:

• Must be between 15 and 30 years of age (inclusive) at the start of employment.
• A Canadian Citizen, permanent resident, or person on whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
• Is legally entitled to work according to the relevant provincial/territorial legislation and regulations.
• Cannot be currently enrolled in school.

Education, Experience, and Technical Competencies:

• Comfortable carrying out physical work outdoors, in all weather for extended periods of time.
• Some flora and fauna species identification skills.
• Comfortable working with a wide variety of animal and plant species.
• Ability to record observations (photographic and note-taking), utilize datasheets, and produce good quality legible field notes.
• Good working proficiency with IT.
• Ability to time manage, meet strict deadlines & pre-established targets.
• First Aid Training an asset.
• Must have work authorization for Canada.

Leadership and Problem-Solving Capacity:

• Proven initiative, driven, and self-motivated.
• A positive work attitude.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively and within established timelines.
• Strong team player who can interact with staff, volunteers, and other stakeholders to collaborate on projects (i.e., newsletters, volunteer events, etc.) even in challenging environments.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated problem-solving, decision-making, and critical thinking skills.

Work Environment and Conditions:

The candidate will be required to perform their job in a variety of settings including fieldwork in all weather conditions. The candidate must have a valid driver’s license and provide their own vehicle (mileage reimbursement provided) and office space. He/she must be physically fit and have the ability to travel by foot or vehicle.

Job factors:

Minimum Education Level Required:

Confirmed enrollment or already completed a post-secondary University or College program such as Biology, Wildlife Biology, Zoology, Environmental Science, Bachelor of Science or related programs.

Transportation:

The candidate must have a valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle to fulfill the duties of this position.

Employee Supervision:

The Stewardship Assistant reports directly to the Stewardship Manager. General orientation and training will be ongoing with LCN staff members, but the Stewardship Assistant is expected to work independently for periods of time. A work schedule will require the incumbent to report directly to field locations or the LCN Nursery at the Vineland Station as required to fulfill the duties of the position.

Communication Skills:

Excellent interpersonal communication skills are required as interaction with community volunteers, youth, landowners, contractors, consultants, LCN staff, Executive Director, and Board of Directors are integral to the position. Good representation of the organization is extremely important.

Accountability Reporting:

The Stewardship Assistant is responsible for keeping an accurate work diary of locations, tasks, contacts, mileage, and hours which will be recorded daily.

Work Schedule:

The position will require work to be completed during peak activity periods in line with biological cycles and timing. This means that early starts, late finishes, evening or weekend duties may be required. The position works with flex-time; there is no payment of overtime.

To Apply:

All interested candidates are invited to send a cover letter, resume & two (2) references to director@landcareniagara.com with the subject line “Stewardship Assistant 2025 Application” by the 25th of April 2025 at 17:00 EST.

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