Naturalization Assistant Trainee

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

• Full-time, 8 weeks
• 25–30 hours per week
• Start Date: April 20, 2026

Who You Are

This position is a great fit for someone who is passionate about the environment, community engagement and enjoys outdoor, physical activity.

Job Purpose

As an integrated member of the Community Programs Team, this role focuses on supporting LEAF's Community Tree Planting Program. This program allows residents to take direct action to enhance the urban forest, help combat climate change and mitigate biodiversity loss by planting native trees and shrubs on public land across York Region and Durham Region.

Reports to: Community Programs Manager Direct reports: None

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

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

• 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 in-person outdoor events
• Assisting with volunteer outreach and engagement
• 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
• Assisting with other Community Programs as needed

Working Conditions

• Hybrid – includes a combination of office tasks and in-person field work (office days may be worked from home or in office)
• Outdoor work in naturalized areas with brush and uneven ground in various weather conditions
• Frequent evening and weekend work
• Some days require significant driving or carpooling
• All activities are carried out with careful precautions taken to protect the physical safety of employees and volunteers

Minimum Qualifications

Education/Equivalent: N/A

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.
• Digital literacy – you are proficient with the use of digital devices and tools to obtain, create or process digital information in a secure manner.
• 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.
• Attention to Detail – you are meticulous in the execution of tasks.
• Operational Planning – you can effectively determine the steps and tasks to meet key objectives on time.

Asset Qualifications:

Education/Equivalent: A degree or diploma in Arboriculture; Urban Forestry; Environmental Science; Botany; Plant Biology or related field

Certifications, tools and software: G or G2 Driver's License; Clean Driving Record; Emergency First Aid & CPR

Experience: Entry Level Position – experience working or volunteering with a nonprofit organization an asset

Other Requirements

This position is made available through Miziwe Biik Aboriginal Employment and Training. The following requirements are necessary:

• Reside within the GTA
• Must be First Nations, Inuit or Metis
• Complete Miziwe Biik's Aboriginal Employment and Training Client Registration Form
• Be a Canadian Citizen, permanent resident, or person on whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
• Be legally entitled to work according to the relevant provincial / territorial legislation and regulations

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

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.