TORONTO JOBS, OUTDOORS & NATURE

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

Five-to-seven-week contract

Approximately 30-40 hours per week; however; 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.

Wage: $17.50/hour

Additional Details:

• Sick pay offered (pro-rated to hours and days worked)

Start Date: mid to late September

Application Deadline: 11:59 PM on Sunday, August 21st, 2022

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 an Urban Tree Planter for a short-term, seasonal contract. The Urban Tree Planter will enjoy an experiential learning environment working as an integrated member of the Residential Plating Programs (RPP) team, reporting to the Residential Planting Programs Manager. The role will primarily focus on LEAF’s Backyard Tree Planting Program, which helps residents get the right tree in the right place with the right care. This position is a great fit for someone who is detail-oriented, has excellent customer service and interpersonal skills and enjoys working outdoors.

LEAF offers a supportive training process to ensure all 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

• arrive on time and assist with truck loading
• follow site diagrams to plant trees and shrubs in pre-determined locations
• water and mulch newly planted trees and shrubs
• strictly follow health, safety and quality guidelines for all plantings
• keep paperwork organized, taking detailed notes when appropriate
• represent LEAF in a professional manner
• take photographs of newly planted trees and shrubs
• participate in training as provided

Qualifications

• ability to perform strenuous physical labour, including heavy lifting
• willingness to work long days
• willingness to work in inclement weather, including heat, cold, rain and snow
• willingness/ability to wear a mask or face covering for long periods of time while performing strenuous physical labour
• attention to detail
• courteous and cooperative attitude
• demonstrated interest in and commitment to environmental issues

Requirements

• weather-appropriate work clothing and steel-toed boots

Assets

• tree planting experience in urban environments
• customer service experience
• full G driver’s license with a clean driving record
• Emergency First Aid + CPR certification
• diploma/degree in urban forestry, environmental studies or related field
• experience working or volunteering with a not-for-profit organization

Wage Subsidy Considerations

This position may be eligible for youth employment funding. While not an official requirement for the position, applicants who qualify for this wage subsidy funding should self-identify in the application process. Qualification requirements include:

• 30 years of age or younger, and
• A Canadian citizen, permanent resident or have refugee status

Note: if you do not meet the wage subsidy requirements outlined above but think you would be a great candidate for this position, we still want to hear from you!

To Apply:

Please send your resume and cover letter in one PDF document (not exceeding four pages) to Brenna Anstett, Residential Planting Programs Manager at brenna[at]yourleaf.org. Please include “Urban Tree Planter” in the subject line.

Please indicate you saw this posting at GoodWork.

Applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM on Sunday, August 21st, 2022. However, 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.