Crew Leader (Tree Planting)

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.