Who are we?
Credit Valley Conservation is one of Ontario’s 36 conservation authorities dedicated to protecting, restoring and enhancing our local natural environment. We care for the Credit River, its streams and tributaries from the headwaters in Orangeville to the shores of Lake Ontario in Mississauga. We are scientists, engineers, researchers, educators, environmentalists, stewards, planners, foresters, recreation experts and much more. We create connections between people and nature, knowledge and action. We inspire appreciation for the role of nature in keeping people connected, healthy and happy. We’re leaders and explorers. We are professional and we’re inspired. We know our stuff, and we work every day to make a difference.
Who are you?
You want to be part of an organization with an environmental goal. You get up every day and go to work with purpose. You accept that you may not change the world, but you’ll try to make an impact in your corner. You like to partner with skilled people across many professions. It’s as natural for you think about the outdoors as it is to think out of the box. You’re passionate, responsible and approachable. You do what’s right, not just what’s easy. You care, and it shows.
Why work for us?
We offer competitive public sector pay. We’re members of the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System - OMERS pension fund. We find time to have fun and celebrate successes. You’ll know your co-workers by name and will make fast friends. You’ll like being at work.
Summary of Functions
This position is responsible for the implementation of home planting projects, site visits and events that build awareness and understanding of environmental issues and climate change impacts and support homeowner adoption of sustainable landscaping practices that improve watershed health.
The Crew Lead will lead the on-the-ground implementation of sustainable landscaping projects, such as residential tree plantings, and home landscape advising. This person will also support logistics, site monitoring, maintenance, building of landowner relationships, and program administration. They will also be responsible for participating in select events, including delivering 2 workshops and sharing resources on related sustainable landscaping topics.
This position is funded by Natural Resource Canada’s 2 Billion Trees Program and the City of Mississauga.
Eligibility Requirements
Education
- Post-secondary education at university or college in Environmental/Ecological Landscaping, Ecological Restoration, Environmental Sciences or Studies, or related field
Experience
- Planting and maintenance of trees and shrubs
- Engaging with members of the public
- Educational event delivery (including presentations/workshops)
- 1-2 years in landscaping / forestry / ecology / conservation / environmental sustainability project implementation
Knowledge, Skills and Ability
- Excellent tree planting and maintenance skills; knowledge of best practices
- Physically able to dig, plant and maintain small to medium plant stock and lift/load up to 50 lbs
- Knowledge of native plants, particularly trees & shrubs
- Intermediate plant identification skills, including native plants
- Familiarity with landscape design principles and sustainable landscaping best practices
- Demonstrated leadership skills
- Excellent customer service skills
- Excellent written communication skills
- Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite applications
- Demonstrated organizational and administrative skills
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Demonstrated ability and willingness to work outdoors in a variety of settings, conditions, and environments
Additional Requirements:
- Able to work weekends and evenings during peak periods
- Standard First Aid and CPR-C (condition of employment)
- A valid Class ‘G’ Ontario driver’s license and access to a vehicle (for various start locations)
- Driver’s abstract required (condition of employment)
Assets
- Experience with photo and video documentation
- Site and plant health assessment
- Soil sampling and classification skills
- GIS experience/familiarity
- Experience driving larger vehicles: vans, trucks (training will be provided)
Summary of Major Tasks
- Lead site preparation and tree plantings on home properties in Mississauga
- Advise homeowners on sustainable home landscaping best practices
- Provide hands-on training, leadership and support to program participants
- Deliver excellent customer service with an awareness of CVC’s programs and opportunities
- Prepare and deliver workshops/webinars and outreach events to increase homeowner knowledge and skills of sustainable landscape practices
- Set-up, tear-down and engage local residents in educational and hands-on activities at select events
- Identify or respond to participant needs and share relevant resources or materials
- Build and support relationships with program participants as part of customer journey development
- Take project site photos and/or video
- Support coordination, organizing and tracking of plantings and outreach events
- Assist with project monitoring, documenting, tracking, inventory and reporting
- Organize and maintain program documents, files, photos, and materials
- Follow appropriate health and safety protocols and procedures
- Other duties and projects as assigned
Additional Information
Standard work week of 35 hours; may be required to work up to 44 hours per week during peak season. Hours dependent on business needs and can be more or less during peak/non-peak seasons.