Ecological Restoration, Afforestation

Position: Afforestation and Restoration Technician
Company: MLC Ecosystem Restoration
Location: Field based position. Work days start at our yard in Burlington ON. Arrangements can be made for staff to meet directly on site. Project sites located in Niagara Region and York Region, Ontario.

• Multiple Positions Available
• 4 – 6 Week Contract with Possibility of Extension
• 35-44 Hours/week
• $25/hr Compensation
• Anticipated start: late April, 2026
• ​Application Due: March 4th 2026

​MLC Ecosystem Restoration is currently accepting applications for contract Afforestation Technician and contract Ecosystem Restoration Technician roles to support project implementation for Afforestation and restoration projects. Working hours will range from 35 hours a week to 44 hours a week depending on the daily planting quota and distances travelled to the project sites. While the bases of operations for MLC Ecosystem Restoration is located in Burlington, project sites may be located across the greater golden horseshoe area. To reduce our carbon footprint, carpooling meetup spots can/will be established.

​Summary of Tasks

Reporting to the Manager of Construction, Manager of Restoration, and the Site Manager, the Afforestation Technician will be responsible for:

• Carrying out field labour tasks such as planting trees, shrubs and wildflowers, removing invasive plant species, collecting and installing bioengineering materials
• Assisting with the construction of tree protection methods such as tree fencing
• Installing tree protection materials such as mulch mats, tree protectors and tree fencing
• Lifting and moving heavy materials by hand(50lbs) and by wheelbarrow (plants, rocks, restoration materials)
• Completing site layout using survey equipment
• Site inventories and daily inspections
• Supporting other duties as assigned

Tasks will be carried out while possibly working in adverse weather conditions, in remote areas, on rough terrain and in proximity to hazards such as Poison Ivy, Giant Hogweed and/or ticks, mosquitos, etc. as well as heavy equipment. Additionally, applicants must be capable of physically demanding labour and highly aware of MLC safety procedures.

​Qualifications, Skills and Assets

• Experience identifying native and invasive plant species
• Experience planting trees, shrubs and wildflowers
• Ability to work effectively independently and as part of the team
• Experience driving trucks, hauling trailers and securing loads on a trailer
• Experience in safe operation and maintenance of manual and mechanical field equipment including, but not limited to shovels, post pounder, sledgehammer, brush saws, and chainsaws
• Experience using field based GIS systems
• Certifications that are considered an asset include:
  • Ontario Forestry/Landscape Exterminator License
  • First Aid and CPR Certification

​Application Criteria

• Must have a valid G class drivers license
• Must have Green Patch CSA approved safety boots (some jobs may require CSA approved rubber boots

​Compensation and Perks

​MLC is committed to offering competitive and liveable compensation that goes beyond hourly earnings. We have crafted an introductory level compensation package that we believe surpasses other comparable opportunities in the tree planting industry. This includes:

• Introductory compensation of $25/hour (35-44 hours per week expected)
• 1 paid sick day per month of contract (6 week contract = 1.5 paid sick days)
• 4% vacation pay and 0.75 paid vacation days/month of contract (6 week contract = 1 paid vacation day)
• Contribute up to $200 annually to charitable causes you donate your time towards ($100/occurrence)
• Mileage compensation

To apply, please send your cover letter and resume to info@mlceco.ca

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We thank all applicants for their interest in the positions, but only those selected for interviews will be contacted.