Lead Hand, Ecosystem Management (Seasonal)

Position Details:

Current Rate of Pay: Min = $34.60/hr, Max = $37.51/hr

Employment type: Temporary Full-time (Seasonal)

Duration of employment: 9 months

Hours of work: 40 hrs/week

Work location: The Meadoway

Division: Restoration and Infrastructure 

Business unit: Restoration and Resource Management 

Travel: 30%

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.
• Learn about and participate in meadow restoration.
• 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 Meadoway is a 16km linear urban meadow restoration project located in Scarborough. This project aims to restore meadow habitat within a utility corridor to provide greater habitat for wildlife, increase biodiversity, and increase recreational and education opportunities aimed towards connecting communities to nature. The Lead Hand position is responsible for the supervision of field crews undertaking meadow implementation and invasive plant management as well as providing support, technical expertise, leadership, communicating direction to field staff, and the operation and maintenance of vehicles and equipment.  Additionally, this position is responsible for monitoring and inspecting the work performed and completed by staff and contractors to ensure adherence to municipal policies, procedures, by-laws, and compliance with provincial and federal legislation. This position contributes to the strategic plan objectives including improvement of water quality and aquatic ecosystem health; a network of green space and green infrastructure; and improving protection of our natural systems.  Overall, this position plays an integral role in the implementation of natural cover restoration and enhancement with an emphasis on meadow restoration and invasive species management.

Major Responsibilities:

• Assist the site supervisor with on-site supervision and coordination of meadow restoration projects
• Acquisition and tracking of utility and infrastructure locates
• Coordinate daily project logistics for multiple site locations, crew planning, and assignment of daily tasks
• Constantly adapt to site condition changes (weather, unexpected scenarios, equipment issues, design issues)
• Responsible for material management, supply inventory and equipment repairs
• Assist with the procurement of materials and services
• Coordinate delivery and equipment vendors
• Operate and maintain machinery and equipment as required (ranging from small tools to heavy equipment)
• Daily record keeping, site documentation, deliverable tracking, and site monitoring
• Lead daily safety meetings, including tailgate meetings, hazard identification and perform site inspections ensuring health and safety measures are met
• Collaborate with other groups (internal and external) on The Meadoway restoration work and aid in providing weekly team updates.
• Provide support for staff orientation and ongoing on-site training
• Provide input into incident reporting and mitigation strategies

What will you need to succeed:

Education (degree/diploma/certifications)   
 

• Post-secondary Degree or Diploma in resource management, restoration ecology, environmental sciences, fish and wildlife management or related field.

Experience

• Minimum 3 years of experience related to major tasks; resource management, restoration ecology, environmental sciences, fish and wildlife management or related field.
• Minimum 1 year of Supervisory experience.
• Experience operating and maintaining agricultural tractors, ride on mowers and gas-powered hand tools.
• Computer proficiency with software experience (MS PowerPoint, Excel, Word, ESRI software suite including ArcGIS).

Knowledge/Skill/Ability

• Strong knowledge of terrestrial ecosystems, wildlife habitat requirements, environmental regulatory legislation, plant identification and ecology.
• Familiarity with mapping natural landscape features and reading maps
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety Act
• Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with the public
• Effective problem-solving skills and leadership skills including staff supervision
• Ability to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work as a team member
• Valid Ontario G driver’s license - Class A (R) license / trailer experience an asset. 
• Standard First Aid an asset. 
• Chainsaw operation certificate an asset.
• Knowledge of herbicide legislation, invasive species management practices and application equipment; pesticide applicators license an asset.

To apply to this posting, click on the “Apply” icon. Please submit your resume and cover letter prior to midnight on February 12, 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.