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?
Perks of the Job
- We offer competitive public sector pay
- This role provides full time hours, with a flexible work schedule based on programming needs, including working from home
- We are members of the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS)
- We find time to have fun and celebrate successes
- You will know your co-workers by name and will make fast friends. You will like being at work
- You will work in many urban green spaces and CVC parks across the Credit River watershed
- You will work with a passionate, caring, and inclusive team
- We place tremendous value on professional development and wellness of our employees to help staff grow in their skills and knowledge, to perform in their position, and expand and prepare for their next job opportunity
- In addition to mentoring and peer-to-peer learning opportunities, we offer discounts to Goodlife Fitness and other local businesses
Summary of Functions
You will coordinate and implement CVC’s award-winning youth stewardship programs while connecting diverse communities to nature. Our youth programs advance municipal partner and CVC climate action strategies in response to declared climate emergencies. Specifically, you will coordinate the Branch Out program and components of the Conservation Youth Corps (CYC) and Frontline programs.
The Branch Out program is a two-part program for students in grades 6 to 12 to learn about local climate change issues and take action at an environmental stewardship event, like planting native trees and shrubs or removing invasive species. You will work closely with watershed teachers to plan and schedule in-class workshops and field trips. You will also develop program materials, lessons, and activities to enhance classroom learning and environmental education opportunities on field trips. Branch Out takes place in the spring and fall.
During the summer, you will coordinate and oversee the volunteer management of youth in the CYC program. Communicating with youth and their guardians, you will help them prepare for a week of volunteering with hands-on environmental restoration and stewardship of our natural heritage, like taking care of newly planted plants, removing invasive species, maintaining trails, electrofishing, stream restoration, and more. This position plays an integral role in creating a strong sense of place, a deep connection to the land, and an appreciation for the connection between nature and human well-being.
Candidates should have strong leadership skills, an understanding of team dynamics, and group management skills as they will motivate youth to become environmental champions while increasing environmental literacy and inspiring positive environmental behaviour change. Candidates should also have strong organizational and problem-solving skills, program coordination and development experience, experience in the environmental field, and be able to work well on a close-knit team and independently. They should be able to partake in all activities, which includes strenuous physical activities in the outdoors and traversing uneven terrain in potentially adverse weather conditions.
CVC is committed to the health and safety of all its employees, program partners, and volunteers. The candidate will be expected to assume responsibility for the safety of youth, participants and volunteers, co-workers, and themselves at all times.
Eligibility Requirements
- Post-secondary education in Environmental Science/Studies, Ecology, Geography, Education, Ecological Restoration, or a related discipline
- Two to three years’ experience with volunteer management and supervision
- One year experience in event planning and coordination
- Experience in design and delivery of youth and/or adult environmental education materials and/or programs
- Some experience with building relationships and partnerships with community organizations
- Experience driving large vehicles like pick-up trucks and towing trailers an asset (training provided)
- Excellent customer service skills
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Strong organizational and project management skills
- Strong computer skills in Microsoft Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word, and effective working skills in database entry and management
- Knowledge of ecosystem restoration
- Knowledge of group dynamics
- Ability to identify common flora and fauna
- Ability to interpret nature, teach and educate about nature and environmental issues
- Ability and desire to mentor and connect with youth to build environmental champions
- Ability to work some evenings and weekends
- Ability to lift approximately 50lbs of equipment/materials repetitively each day
- Clear and current Police Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening (condition of employment)
- Standard First Aid and CPR-C (condition of employment)
- Valid Class ‘G’ Ontario driver’s license required (condition of employment)
- Driver’s abstract (condition of employment)
Summary of Major Tasks
- Coordinate and implement stewardship and restoration projects and leadership activities for youth volunteers
- Oversee registration and placement of youth volunteers
- Assist with administration, design, and delivery of youth programs
- Represent CVC at internal and external events and liaise with community partners
- Communicate with youth volunteers, parents/guardians, and teachers
- Support the hiring, training, and supervision of seasonal staff
- Implement health and safety practices with staff and volunteers
- Other duties and projects as appropriate to the position
Additional Information
This position:
- Generally works 35 hours per week with frequent evenings and weekends
- Requires strenuous physical labour in all weather conditions for site maintenance, preparation, assessments, and outdoor events
- Will most often work out of our Head Office in Mississauga with occasional work from our Warwick location in Caledon and/or from home