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
The selected candidate will support the implementation of projects that build awareness and understanding of environment issues and climate change impacts, build urban climate change resilience, and support corporate adoption of sustainable landscaping practices that improve watershed health. This is an exciting opportunity for hands-on learning about sustainable landscaping practices in the urban environment through CVC’s Greening Corporate Grounds program.
Greening Corporate Grounds (GCG) helps businesses and institutions in the Credit River Watershed plan for and implement sustainable landscaping and stormwater management projects on their property, while engaging staff and volunteers in stewardship activities.
The assistant, Greening Corporate Grounds helps to advance the understanding and uptake of sustainable landscaping through technical fieldwork, data collection, research, and administrative/logistical help to support the development of program products such as soil and monitoring reports and to help facilitate implementation of the program through on-the-ground activities like planting events. As part of the Urban Outreach team, this position will support the development of broader community-based initiatives like the Hungry Hollow, Cooksville and Fletchers Creek Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Plans (SNAPS).
Eligibility Requirements
- Enrolled in or completed a college/university diploma or degree in ecological landscaping or restoration, landscape architecture, environmental studies/science, or related field.
- Experience in landscaping / tree planting / forestry / ecology / conservation / environmental sustainability project implementation.
- Physically able to lift, dig, plant and maintain small to medium plant stock and undertake light construction.
- Familiarity with sustainable landscaping practices.
- Knowledge of native plants and basic identification skills.
- Able to collect, analyze and classify soils.
- Excellent verbal and written communications skills with the ability to write about technical subjects for non-technical audiences.
- Excellent customer service skills and with ability to engage with the public and communicate respectfully and inclusively with diverse stakeholders.
- Strong computer skills: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, GIS.
- Strong organizational, administrative and research skills.
- Knowledge of photography and/or videography as an asset.
- Able to work on some weekends and evenings.
- A valid Class ‘G’ Ontario driver’s license and access to a vehicle for site visits.
- Comfortable driving a large van or cube van.
Summary of Major Tasks
- Assist with sustainable landscaping project soil assessments, research and planning.
- Support coordination, organization and tracking of workday planting events.
- Assist with site preparation, terrestrial plantings, and habitat creation on corporate, industrial and institutional properties.
- Assist with set-up, tear-down, public engagement and hands-on activities at events.
- Monitor sustainable landscaping projects, such as tree plantings, meadows and pollinator patches for health, disease and quality of care.
- Assist with project documenting, tracking and reporting.
- Take event and project site photos and/or video.
- Organize and maintain program documents, files, photos, and materials.
- Support targeted outreach activities by identifying potential projects through desktop analysis of spatial data.
- Support the sourcing and scheduling of materials like plants, soils and equipment for
- Conduct research and contribute content for educational and communications materials.
- Follow appropriate health and safety protocols and procedures.
- Other duties as assigned.
Additional Information
- 35 hours per week