Naturalization Assistant Trainees

2 positions

Full-time, 16-week contract 

35 hours/week, some evening and weekend work

Wage: $19.60/hour

Additional Details:

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

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 prioritizing the hiring of Indigenous individuals with support from Miziwe Biik Indigenous Employment and Training. We strongly believe in the inclusion of Indigenous Peoples in the urban forestry and arboriculture sector and are committed to supporting individuals in beginning their career in these fields. 

Role Overview:

We are currently seeking two Indigenous individuals living in the GTA to join our team as Naturalization Assistants for a full time, 16 week employment position. The Naturalization Assistants 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 role will also support our Community Housing programs and Education programs. 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.

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 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
• Conducting tree stewardship activities (watering, mulching, monitoring) at several community housing properties across Toronto and York Region
• Providing support to community housing residents on proper tree planting technique and tree care practices online and in-person
• Engaging with residents during community outreach events and tree planting consultation meetings
• Assisting with volunteer outreach and engagement
• 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:

• 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:

• Fully licensed to drive (G or G2 license) with clean driving record 
• Comfortable driving a cargo van in the GTA
• 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 supported by Miziwee Biik Aboriginal Employment and Training. Candidates must:

• Live within the GTA
• Register with Miziwe Biik’s Aboriginal Employment and Training, which includes completing the following forms prior to being interviewed for the role:
• Miziwe Biik Registration Form
• Verification of Indigenous Ancestry Form
• Employment Ontario 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

How To Apply:

Please send a resume and cover letter in one PDF document to Brian Millward, Community Programs Manager to brian@yourleaf.org. Please include “Naturalization Assistant – Indigenous Applicant” in the subject line.

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