Tree planting, Urban forests

Hiring: Urban Tree Planter
Organization: LEAF - Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests
Location: Toronto, York Region, Durham Region, Ontario

About Us

LEAF engages communities to nurture the urban forest through planting, stewardship and education, fostering connections between people and nature. Our service area includes Toronto, York Region and most municipalities in Durham Region.

About Our Workplace

We value a healthy, respectful and pleasant work environment. Learn more about our mission and our values.

LEAF is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and is dedicated to building a workplace where everyone can contribute fully and authentically. We encourage applications from Black, Indigenous and racialized people, people with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ people, women and people from other equity-deserving communities.

LEAF provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process and employment in accordance with applicable legislation. Please let us know if you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process when you apply for this position.

Work Hours and Term

• Five to seven weeks
• Approximately 30 to 40 hours per week
• Start Date: late April, 2026

Job Description

This position is a great fit for someone who is passionate about tree planting and stewardship, community engagement and comfortable with physical, outdoor work.

As an integrated member of the Residential Planting Programs team, this role focuses on supporting LEAF’s private property planting programs, which help residents get the right tree in the right place with the right care.

Reporting Relationships

Reports to: Residential Planting Programs Manager

Direct reports: None

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

The list below outlines the major responsibilities; however, additional tasks may be assigned as needed.

• Arrive on time and assist with truck loading
• Follow site diagrams to plant trees and shrubs in pre-determined locations
• Ensure each tree and shrub is planted to LEAF’s quality standards, including proper depth, staking (if required), mulching and watering
• Take clear photographs of completed plantings for program records and reporting
• Strictly follow health and safety guidelines, identifying and communicating health and safety issues to the supervisor
• Maintain planting tools and equipment in safe working condition
• Deliver educational messages and materials on tree and shrub preventative care and maintenance to program participants
• Represent LEAF in a professional manner
• Participate in training as provided

Working Conditions

• Outdoor work in various weather conditions
• Weekly planting schedules are developed to suit planting needs and weather conditions, so work may be intermittent. The successful candidate must be flexible and adaptable to these changes, which can sometimes happen last minute.
• Occasional evening and weekend work
• Field days include long hours of lifting and digging
• Some days require long hours driving in the planting truck
• Must provide your own weather-appropriate work clothing and steel-toed boots

Minimum Qualifications

Skills, Abilities and Personal Attributes:

• Physical strength and stamina – you possess the strength and the stamina to perform physically demanding tasks in varied weather conditions, including lifting and planting.
• Adaptability and resilience - you adjust effectively to expected or unexpected changing circumstances and priorities while maintaining performance and focus and you are able to recover effectively when faced with challenges or changing circumstances.
• Attention to detail – you are meticulous in the execution of tasks.
• Time management - You manage your own time well, as well as the time of others.
• Problem-solving - you identify challenges, review related information, analyze options and implement effective solutions to achieve desired outcomes.
• Initiative - you identify opportunities and effectively move ideas to action/achievement.
• Communication skills – you can effectively listen, comprehend, and convey information through spoken and written language, adapting messages to the audience by using clear expression, active listening and purposeful writing.
• Interpersonal skills – you can effectively interact, communicate and work with others. This includes awareness of others’ verbal and non-verbal cues, empathy for diverse perspectives, and the ability to engage respectfully and productively across different cultural backgrounds to achieve shared goals.
• Collaboration – you can work cooperatively, supporting the inclusion of others in achieving a common goal.

Asset Qualifications

Education/Equivalent:

• A degree or diploma in Arboriculture; Urban Forestry; Environmental Science; Botany; Plant Biology or related field

Certifications, tools and software:

• Emergency First Aid + CPR and AED certification
• G or G2 Driver’s License with a clean driving record a strong asset

Skills, Abilities and Personal Attributes:

• Commercial vehicle operation - you can safely operate trucks, vans and other (lightweight) commercial vehicles in compliance with safety regulations and organizational standards.

Experience

• Entry Level Position
• Tree planting experience in urban environments an asset
• Customer service experience an asset
• Experience working or volunteering with a non-profit organization an asset

Compensation

Wage: $20.30/hour

Additional Benefits:

• Paid Wellness Leave, pro-rated to length of contract
• Vacation pay, pro-rated to length of contract
• Cell phone allowance of $10 per paycheque (bi-weekly pay schedule)
• Some travel expenses covered

About our Hiring Process

Please submit your application through our career website. No external applications will be accepted.

Please mention you saw this at GoodWork.ca.

Applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM on Sunday, March 22, 2026.

No phone calls or in-person visits, please. Only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted. After you submit your application, our team reviews it against the requirements and qualifications for the role. Some applicants may receive pre-screening questions by email or phone to help us understand your skills and fit before inviting you to interview. All interviews are conducted virtually at a scheduled time that works for you. References are requested for candidates that participate in the full interview process. Due to the volume of applications we receive, we are not able to provide individual feedback unless you are participating in an interview.