JOBS & SUMMER JOBS

Hiring: Naturalization Assistant
Organization: LEAF
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Eligibility: ages 21 to 30 (see below)

Full-time, 8-week contract

35 hours/week, some evening and weekend work

Wage: $18/hour

Additional Details:

• Sick pay offered, pro-rated to length of contract
• Some travel expenses covered

Start Date: Monday, April 24, 2023
Application Deadline: 11:59PM (EST) on April 7, 2023

Who We Are:

LEAF is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the protection and enhancement of the urban forest. Our planting programs and education/outreach programs have been connecting residents to the urban forest for over two decades. Our service area includes Toronto, York Region and some municipalities within Durham Region.

The LEAF team values a healthy, respectful and pleasant work environment. Learn more about the LEAF work culture.

LEAF is committed to equity and inclusion and is dedicated to cultivating an environment where everyone feels able to bring their full selves to work. We celebrate diversity and encourage applications from women, LGBTQ+ people, non-binary people, people of colour, Black people, Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities or any other equity-seeking individuals. We will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities.

Role Overview:

We are currently seeking a Naturalization Assistant for a full time, 8 week employment position. The Naturalization Assistant will enjoy an experiential learning environment working as an integrated member of the Community Programs team, reporting to the Community Programs Manager. The role will primarily focus on LEAF’s Community Tree Planting program which engages volunteers and community members in the ecological restoration of public lands in York Region and Durham Region. This position is a great fit for someone who is passionate about environmental action, community engagement and enjoys working outdoors.

LEAF offers a supportive training process to ensure seasonal staff have a great learning experience and gain quick confidence during their employment. All activities are carried out with careful precautions taken to protect the physical safety of staff and volunteers, including adhering to all local and internal COVID-19 health guidelines.

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

Responsibilities of Position:

• Learning about terrestrial ecosystems and environmental stewardship methods
• Planting native tree/shrub species at various sites in the GTA
• Collecting data in the field using LEAF’s Naturalization Monitoring Protocol, conducting data entry and summarizing data findings in reports
• Providing training to volunteers on the topics of natural restoration, proper tree planting technique and proper tree care practices through online learning activities and in-person outdoor events
• Supporting the administration and delivery of online and in-person presentations, including educational content on urban forestry and arboriculture using Zoom and other online platforms
• Assisting with volunteer outreach and engagement
• Performing garden maintenance at our Urban Forest Demonstration Gardens
• Tracking monthly metrics
• Drafting social media and blog content
• Providing general administrative support as needed
• Participating in weekly Community Programs team meetings, weekly one-on-one meetings, and monthly organization-wide meetings, including taking minutes and tracking action items

Qualifications required for the position include:

• Fully licensed to drive (G or G2 license) with clean driving record
• Comfortable driving a cargo van in the GTA
• Excited to work outdoors with plants and with people
• Comfortable with physical demands of outdoor work in all weather conditions
• Passionate about environmental stewardship, education and community engagement
• Great interpersonal skills and customer service experience
• Excellent communicator – verbally and in writing
• Well organized and attentive to detail
• Ability to determine priorities, adhere to deadlines, multi-task and work independently
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides)
• Able to work remotely (reliable access to a computer, internet connection and phone)
• Available to work some evenings and weekends, when needed

Additional qualifications that will be considered assets:

• Emergency First Aid + CPR Certification
• Skills and experience in arboriculture and/or urban forestry, including knowledge of native tree and shrub species
• Skills and experience with native gardening, including knowledge of native perennial species
• Experience working or volunteering with a not-for-profit organization

Other Requirements:

This position is made available through Service Canada Summer Jobs Program. The following requirements are necessary:

• Be between the ages of 21 and 30
• Canadian Citizen, permanent resident, or person on whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
• Legally entitled to work according to the relevant provincial / territorial legislation and regulations
• Note that foreign students are not eligible

How To Apply:

Please send a resume and cover letter in one PDF document to Brian Millward - Community Programs Manager, at brian[at]yourleaf.org . Please indicate you saw this posting at GoodWork. Please include “Naturalization Assistant” in the subject line. 

Applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 P.M. on April 7th, 2023. Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted so applicants are encouraged to apply early.

No phone calls or in-person visits, please. We appreciate all applications, but advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.