Full-time, 1-year contract, with possibility of becoming permanent
35-40 hours per week, some evening and weekend work
Wage: $21/hour
Additional Details:
- Sick and personal emergency leave pay offered, pro-rated to the length of the contract
- Co-pay health and dental benefits are available after three months
- Professional development funds and paid time
- Some travel expenses covered
- A mix of remote and in-person activities is available
Ideal Start Date: As soon as possible
Application Deadline: 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 2, 2023. *Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted so applicants are encouraged to apply early. We are seeking to fill the position as soon as possible
Who We Are
LEAF is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the protection and enhancement of the urban forest. Our planting programs and education/outreach programs have been connecting residents to the urban forest for over two decades. Our service area includes Toronto, York Region and most municipalities within Durham Region.
The LEAF team values a healthy, respectful and pleasant work environment. Learn more about the LEAF work culture.
LEAF is committed to equity and inclusion and is dedicated to cultivating an environment where everyone feels able to bring their full selves to work. We celebrate diversity and encourage applications from women, LGBTQ+ people, non-binary people, people of colour, Black people, Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities or any other equity-seeking individuals. We will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities.
Role Overview
We are currently seeking a Residential Planting Programs Field Assistant for a 1-year contract, with the possibility of becoming permanent. The Residential Planting Programs Field Assistant will enjoy an experiential learning environment working as an integrated member of the Residential Planting Programs (RPP) team, reporting to the Residential Planting Programs Manager. The role will primarily focus on LEAF’s Backyard Tree Planting Program, which helps residents get the right tree in the right place with the right care. This position is a great fit for someone with superior customer service, organizational and interpersonal skills, with a passion for the urban forest.
LEAF offers a supportive training process to ensure all staff have a great learning experience and gain quick confidence during their employment. All activities are carried out with careful precautions taken to protect the physical safety of staff and volunteers, including adhering to all local COVID-19 health guidelines.
The list below outlines the major responsibilities related to this position; however, additional tasks may be assigned as needed.
RPP Field Operations (70%)
- Deliver educational messages and materials on right tree/right place, preventative care, etc. to participants, both in person and through phone/email
- Assist in leading seasonal tree planting while strictly following safety and quality guidelines
- Water and mulch newly planted trees and shrubs
- Drive cube truck following LEAF safety guidelines, as needed
- Conduct follow-up health inspections of trees and shrubs and field data collection
- Conduct minor, on-the-ground pruning, as needed
- Assist in conducting virtual and site consultations with individual property owners, as needed
- Keep paperwork organized, taking detailed notes when appropriate
- Strictly follow safety and quality guidelines
- Represent LEAF in a professional manner
RPP Office Operations (30%)
- Handle general program inquiries and front-line communications with clients via phone and email
- Database entry (program applications, appointments, siting forms, follow-ups, email subscriptions, etc.)
- Book consultations
- Process tree and shrub orders and payments over the phone
- Create consultation, planting and follow-up field packages
- Make reminder calls and send reminder emails for consultations, plantings, follow-ups, etc.
- Ensure all necessary information is securely collected, recorded and saved
- Write blogs and draft social media content on various arboriculture-related topics
Qualifications
- Degree, diploma or equivalent professional experience in urban forestry, environmental studies or related field
- Knowledge of native trees and shrubs
- Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to determine priorities, adhere to deadlines and multi-task
- Attention to detail and strong organizational skills
- Creative problem-solving skills
- Experience in public outreach/education
- Proven ability to work independently while contributing to a team environment
- Proficiency with Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Access) and Google Suite (Gmail, Drive, Calendar, Docs, Sheets, etc.)
Requirements
- Full “G” driver’s license and clean driving record
- For individuals who work remotely, reliable phone and internet connection
- Ability to handle physical demands of heavy lifting, outdoor work and long hours in inclement weather (including heat, cold, rain and snow)
- Must have your own weather-appropriate work clothing and steel-toed boots
Strong Assets
- Emergency First Aid + CPR and AED Certification
- ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) arborist certification or pre-qualification to write the exam
- Tree planting experience in urban environments
- Customer service experience
Other Considerations
This position may be eligible for youth employment funding. While not a requirement, applicants who may qualify for wage subsidy funding should self-identify as meeting the following:
- 30 years of age or younger, and
- A Canadian citizen, permanent resident or refugee status
To Apply
Please send a resume and cover letter in one PDF document (not exceeding four pages) to Brenna Anstett, Residential Planting Programs Manager, at brenna[at]yourleaf.org. Please include “Residential Planting Programs Field Assistant” in the subject line.
Applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 2, 2023. However, applications will be reviewed as they are submitted so applicants are encouraged to apply early.
No phone calls or in-person visits, please. We appreciate all applications but advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
