JOBS & SUMMER JOBS

Position: Invasive Species Assistant
Type: age 30 & under / summer
Organization: The Riverwood Conservancy
Location: Mississauga, Ontario

The Riverwood Conservancy (TRC) is a volunteer- and member-based charity in Mississauga that provides programs to the community in nature and environmental education, natural areas stewardship / conservation and gardening.

Invasive plants pose a significant threat to the Riverwood ecosystem. Reporting to the Director of Programs (DoP), in this full-time summer position, the Invasive Species Assistant (ISA) will follow the Stewardship Management Plan to strategically remove invasive plants from Riverwood’s natural areas and help restore its ecological integrity. The ISA will organize, train and lead volunteer teams to protect and restore Riverwood’s ecosystems.

Position Responsibilities:

• Develop an evening and weekend community volunteer Invasive Species Task Force;
• Schedule, communicate with, lead, and supervise a diverse range of volunteers with different cultures, ages, and abilities;
• Identify priority treatment areas from baseline data, supported by the DoP who will systematically identify populations if invasive plants to be managed;
• Track and record extent of invasive plants removed by treatment area, weight removed, percent cover data before and after treatment, and photo documentation;
• Map information in GIS software, with a focus on clear organization;
• Maintain the health of current restoration areas by monitoring, assessing invasive plant threats, and occasionally planting native plants to supplement restoration plans;
• Lead volunteer training sessions on safety protocols, safe removal procedures, including identification of hazardous plants, equipment and tool use, and volunteer procedures;
• Prepare equipment for events, and maintain the equipment and organization of toolshed.
• Support related corporate community stewardship events, as needed;
• Collect volunteer forms and track all volunteer hours provided;
• Support the DoP with research, administrative tasks, or aquaria care as needed;
• Arrive prepared and on time for work.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Interest and some experience in ecology, environmental science/studies, biology, botany, geology, or related studies;
• Some hands-on conservation experience and ability to identify flora and fauna are assets;
• Previous volunteer leadership experience is an asset;
• Excellent communication, organization, and multi-tasking skills, and ability to adapt to changing work plans;
• Ability to work safely as a team and independently with minimal supervision;
• Ability to work with and lead volunteers of diverse backgrounds;
• Appreciation of the environment and out-of-doors work;
• Ability to use GIS independently is an asset;
• A valid vulnerable sector check is required, or the ability to acquire one;
• Training in emergency first aid and CPR is an asset, or training will be provided.

Working Environment and physical/sensory demands:

• Outdoor environment: The position requires the ability to safely lead participants over uneven and hilly terrain, and under a variety of weather conditions;
• Indoor environment: Typical office and office equipment, shared space and artificial lighting;
• Lengthy periods of standing/walking during events and program activities;
• Ability to lift up to 35 lbs (16kg);
• Proficiency with operation of various equipment, including computers and office devices (e.g., photocopier, telephone, etc.);
• Some evening/weekend work is required.

Deliverable:

• A professional written report summarizing your experience, accomplishments, and program statistics with recommendations for future management of the site and program.

Because this position would be supported by a Canada Summer Jobs Grant, applicants must:

• Bet between 18 and 30 years of age,
• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment, and
• Have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment, and be legally entitled to work in Canada.

Start date is expected to be June 10th with an end date of Aug 2nd. The hourly wage is $17.55 per hour; 37.5 hours per week; work-week is Monday to Friday. Office hours are 8:30-4:00, however workdays are variable and some weekend work is expected.

To Apply

Interested candidates are required to submit a resume and cover letter which fully describes your experience by email (PDF format only) by May 17th, 2024 to:

Brian Packham

Info@TheRiverwoodConservancy.org

Please indicate you saw this posting at GoodWork.ca.

The Riverwood Conservancy thanks everyone for applying, but resources allow us to reply only to those candidates who are selected for an interview.

We strive for a workplace that reflect the diversity of the community we serve in and which we live. Applicants requiring accommodation for an interview because of a disability or medical need are asked to make their needs known in advance. Information received related to accommodation requests will be treated with confidentiality.