Field Staff, Restoration & Infrastructure (Tree Planting)

Position Details:

Vacancies: 38

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

Employment type: Temporary Contract

Duration of employment: 2.5 months, possibility of extension

Hours of work: 40 hrs/week

Work location: Restoration Services Centre & Boyd Field Office

Division: Restoration and Infrastructure

Business unit: Restoration and Resource Management

Travel: 30%

Remote Work: None

Seasonal Hire TRCA – 2024

Seasonal job opportunities are plentiful at TRCA. If you are looking for seasonal job openings, we can provide great opportunities and seasonal perks. Apply now!

Please submit your resume and cover letter in one file (PDF or Word) prior to 11:59 PM on August 18, 2024.

By working at TRCA you will:

• Work outdoors during the spring 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:

The Field Staff working on the Ecosystem Management planting team provides general labour assistance in a dynamic team environment with the implementation of ecological restoration projects with a focus on native tree, shrub, herbaceous and bio-engineering plantings. Staff will contribute to restoring TRCA’s watersheds including planting around wetland, stream, shoreline, and meadow restoration projects. Occupational health and safety is a major responsibility of this position

Major Responsibilities:

• Assist with the implementation of ecological restoration projects focusing on terrestrial and riparian plantings.
• As part of a 5-6 person crew, teams can anticipate planting the following typical daily targets dependent on stock type:
  • 70 Ball & Burlap trees, or;
  • 350 potted trees and/or shrubs, or 400 bareroot trees, or;
  • 750 bareroot shrubs, or;
  • 2000 hand planted tree seedlings;
• Ability to navigate uneven terrain for distances up to 1000m, sometimes in remote locations and in adverse weather.
• Repetitious and strenuous physical activities related to all planting activities including digging, bending, lifting, post-pounding, rodent guarding, mulching, site preparations and the carrying plant materials and equipment weighing 25-50lbs.
• Typical field staff hours range from 7:00am or 7:30am  – 3:30pm or 4:00pm (pending team assignment), Monday – Friday. Overtime during regularly scheduled shifts may also be required and occasionally on weekends
• Ensures that quality control and assurance measures are followed at all steps of the work process
• Assists with the transportation of materials to and from sites as required
• Directs the public to project notice signage and possibly providing contact information for additional information and inquiries, referring detailed questions and complaints to supervisor
• Participates 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
• Participates in planting events with staff, community groups and the public
• Performs traffic control duties on project sites
• 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.

What will you need to succeed:

• Working towards or has completed a 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
• Ability to read and interpret maps.
• Ability and aptitude to work outdoor in adverse conditions.
• Standard First Aid an asset.
• Valid Ontario G Class driver’s license. 
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work as a team member.
• Good physical fitness for carrying out major responsibilities
• Familiar with basic equipment and power tools
• Ability to communicate effectively with tact and courtesy
• Demonstrated ability to proactively identify problems in a timely manner, seeking the appropriate level of support to solve issues 
• Knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety Act, related Regulations and legislation

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.