Field Staff, Restoration & Infrastructure (Community Stewardship Program) (Seasonal)

Position Details:

Current Rate of Pay: Min = $22.32/hr, Max = $24.20/hr

Employment type: Temporary Full-Time (Seasonal)

Duration of employment: 8 months (May to December)

Hours of work: 35 hrs/week

Work location: Restoration Services Centre

Division: Restoration and Infrastructure

Business unit: Restoration and Resource Management

Travel: 20%

Remote Work: None

Seasonal Hire TRCA – 2023

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!

By working at TRCA you will:

• Work outdoors during the spring and summer 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 position is responsible for assisting Team Coordinators, Technicians and Crew Leads with the delivery of the community stewardship activities and projects, follow up project maintenance, metrics tracking and assist with administrative responsibilities as needed.

This position involves interaction with various sectors of the community, including residents, volunteers, schools, businesses, community groups and municipal partners.  Key aspects of this role involve preparing restoration sites for community stewardship activities, leading field activities, working directly with participants in the fields, delivering educational messages to participants in the field, monitoring and maintaining restoration sites, supporting staff team with the delivery of Citizen Science/Volunteer Program training, data entry and field activities.

• During Non-Peak Field Season (Early March to Mid April and Early June to Mid September) typical Monday to Friday schedule of 35/week with occasional chance of evening or weekend work.  

• During Peak Field Season (Mid April to Early June and Mid September to Early November) high frequency of weekend and potential work.  During this period, staff will have the opportunity to "Time-Shift" and/or work extra hours per week (not exceed 44hrs/week).as needed.

Major Responsibilities:

Community Stewardship Support & Program Development
Assist Community Stewardship Team with securing suitable sites for community stewardship and citizen science activities. This involves:

• Conduct site visits and identify and mediate any hazards.
• Participating in meetings and site visits with appropriate team members, project partners/participants as required.

Project Implementation & Community Events and Activities

Delivering in the field projects, community engagement events and programs under the guidance of the Senior Project Manager and Coordinators, including: 

• Preparing sites for community stewardship projects.
• Delivering community stewardship events – responsible for implementing safety plan for event, safety talk and safety of participants.
• Conducting regular monitoring and maintenance of newly restored sites.
• Support Coordinator and Crew Leads with training of citizen scientists and delivery of all citizen science/trained volunteer programs
• Constructing meadow plots and small-scale habitat structures.

This work involves:

• Coordination with Team members as well as staff from other TRCA Teams and Divisions.
• Coordinating participants.
• Addressing and overcoming challenges due to site and environmental conditions.
• Ensuring safety of staff and participants in the field.
• Ensuring that all necessary tools, supplies and materials are available and delivered for each event/activity.
• Conducting site safety assessment, planning and risk avoidance and mitigation.
• Supervise participants and/or volunteers.

Monitoring, Reporting & Administrative Tasks

• Tracking and recording field activity metrics.
• Database entry.
• Assist staff team with collection and analysis of data collected through citizen science programs.
• Participate in Program evaluations and future planning by contributing ideas and perspectives, based on project experience.
• Assist staff team with procurement - contact vendors and service providers to secure quotes.
• Perform other duties as assigned or as required with departmental or divisional objectives.
• In consultation with Senior Project Manager, completes work plans, performance evaluations and professional development plans.
• Assist Team with review and updates of to Community Stewardship Standard Operating Procedures, Protocols and Best Practices.
• Works in a safe manner, complete and renew health and safety modules in accordance with TRCA policies and procedures, utilizes all required health and safety equipment and personal protective equipment, and follows all measures and practices in accordance with the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act. 

What will you need to succeed:

Education (degree/diploma/certifications)   

• Possessing post-secondary education in biology, environmental science, resource management or a related field and pursuing a career in environmental or related field.

Experience

• Work experience in environmental field.
• Experience working with community groups and volunteers.

Knowledge/Skill/Ability

• Working knowledge and understanding of watershed ecosystems, natural science, and urban restoration techniques and monitoring.
• Excellent communication skills in all modes (written, verbal, presentations, social media etc.) and ability to gear information to a variety of audiences.
• Ability to perform strenuous tasks outdoors, with the potential for rough terrain and adverse weather conditions.
• The ability to identify common flora and fauna.
• Experience using database, GIS mapping and Microsoft Office software.
• Knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety Act and regulations and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.
• Valid G driver’s license.

To apply to this posting, click on the “Apply” icon. Please submit your resume and cover letter prior to midnight on April 7, 2023.

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 Supervisor of Records, 101 Exchange Avenue, Vaughan, Ontario, L4K 5R6, (416) 661-6600 extension 5216.