Full-time, 8-week contract
35 hours/week
Wage: $18/hour
Additional Details:
- Sick pay offered, pro-rated to length of contract
- Some travel expenses covered
Start Date: Monday, May 29, 2023
Application Deadline: 11:59PM (EST) on May 12, 2023
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 some 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 TCHC Stewardship Assistant for a full-time, 8 week employment position. The TCHC Stewardship Assistant will enjoy an experiential learning environment working as an integrated member of the Community Programs team, reporting to the Community Programs Manager. The role will primarily focus on LEAF’s Toronto Community Housing (TCHC) Tree Planting and Stewardship Initiative and will be filled by youth (ages 21 to 30), with a priority to those residing in a TCHC community. This project supports and engages tenants who are caring for newly planted trees on their properties and is great for someone who is passionate about (or is excited to learn more about) environmental education and hands-on tree care.
LEAF offers a supportive training process to ensure seasonal 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 and internal COVID-19 health guidelines.
Responsibilities of the position:
- Conducting tree stewardship activities (watering, mulching, monitoring) at several TCHC sites
- Collecting tree health data using an inventory protocol, conducting data entry and summarizing data findings in reports
- Providing support to TCHC tenants on proper tree planting technique and tree care practices online and in-person
- Conducting contactless deliveries of native shrubs
- Engaging with TCHC communities during community outreach events and tree planting consultation meetings
- Supporting the administration and delivery of online presentations, including educational content on urban forestry and arboriculture using Zoom and other online platforms
- Tracking monthly metrics
- 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
- Assisting with other Community Programs as needed
Qualifications required for the position include:
- Fully licensed to drive (G or G2 license) with clean driving record
- Comfortable driving a cargo van in the city
- Passionate/interested in environmental education and community engagement
- Great interpersonal skills and customer service experience
- Excellent communicator – verbally and in writing
- Well organized and attentive to detail
- Ability to determine priorities, adhere to deadlines, multi-task and work independently
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
- Excited to work outdoors with plants and with people and comfortable with physical demands of outdoor work in all weather conditions
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google apps (Docs, Sheets, Slides)
- Able to work remotely (reliable access to a computer, internet connection and phone)
- Available to work some evenings and weekends when needed
Additional qualifications that will be considered an assets:
- Live or have lived within a TCHC community
- Emergency First Aid + CPR Certification
- Skills and experience in arboriculture and/or urban forestry, including knowledge of native tree and shrub species
- Skills and experience with native gardening, including knowledge of native perennial species
- Experience working or volunteering with a not-for-profit organization
Other Requirements:
This position is made available through Service Canada Summer Jobs Program. The following requirements are necessary:
- 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
- Note that foreign students are not eligible
How To Apply:
Please send a resume and cover letter in one PDF document to Brian Millward - Community Programs Manager, at brian[at]yourleaf.org. Please include “TCHC Stewardship Assistant” in the subject line.
Applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 P.M. on May 12th, 2023. 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.
