Crew Leader (Tree Planting)

Position Details:

Vacancies: 4

Current Rate of Pay: Min = $29.00/hr, Max = $33.61/hr

Employment type: Seasonal

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 & 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 11, 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:

Within the Restoration and Resource Management team, the planting Crew Leader leads a team of 4-5 field staff to implement terrestrial natural cover restoration projects focused on tree and shrub planting.  Under the direction of the Environmental Technologist, the crew lead will lead the team planting trees and shrubs at ecological restoration sites across the jurisdiction. This position plays an integral role in the on-ground implementation of natural cover restoration projects, bringing their leadership skills together with their ecological knowledge. Occupational health and safety is a major responsibility of this position.

Major Responsibilities:

• Provide on-site leadership, oversight and support as part of a crew implementing tasks within ecological restoration projects to achieve 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;
• Constantly adapt to site condition changes (weather, unexpected scenarios, equipment issues, design issues) including changes in restoration plans 
• Operate and maintain machinery and equipment, including RTVs, tractors, and implements, including vehicle preparation and daily safety checks. 
• Ensure health and safety measures are met. 
• Ability to read and interpret maps.
• 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 carrying plant materials and equipment weighing 25-50lbs. 
• Provide general labor support. 
• 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 quality control checks and tests are instigated, with records maintained and accessible.
• Conducts site setup, reviews of implementation progress and site clean-ups; ensuring adherence to work plans.
• Ensures the required site activities are completed as per work scope.
• Participates in and/or leads daily safety meetings including tailgate meetings, hazard identification and emergency planning.
• Performs traffic control duties on project sites.
• Participates in other duties as assigned.

What will you need to succeed:

• Completion of college diploma in Resource Management, Ecological Restoration or Management, Environmental or Engineering Science, Landscape Design, Forestry, Construction, or a related field
• Knowledge of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, and common plant identification and ecology. 
• Valid Ontario Class G driver’s license.
• 2+ years of experience in implementation tasks.
• Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with the public. 
• Familiarity with mapping natural landscape features and reading maps. 
• Standard First Aid an asset. 
• Ability to work outdoors in adverse conditions. 
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work as a team leader. 
• Good physical fitness required for carrying out major responsibilities.   
• The ability to demonstrate strong problem-solving skills in a field environment; is able to break down site-required activities and delegate and estimate time / resources / budget required to complete tasks
• 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.