What you’ll be doing
As a Youth Stewardship Volunteer Leader, you will work alongside CVC staff to provide valuable support to youth stewardship events across the watershed for our Conservation Youth Corps (CYC) program, which runs from July to August. You will help lead and take part in a wide variety of environmental stewardship projects, such as maintenance of past tree plantings, planting wildflowers, electrofishing, stream restoration, invasive species removals, environmental clean-ups and more.
You will play an important role by assisting CVC staff in guiding and connecting with youth participants (grades 9-12) and delivering event activities.
Tasks may include, but are not limited to:
- Assisting with on-site event preparation and cleanup
- Support CVC staff in the supervision and leadership of youth participants
- Assist with daily tasks such as setting up equipment and trees/shrubs at stewardship sites
- Guiding participants and providing activity demonstrations
- Ensuring quality of restoration work by participants
- Engaging with and assisting participants
- Practicing and encouraging a safe work environment
- Taking photos and/or sharing the event on social media
- Create positive and inspiring volunteer and learning experiences for youth participants
- Represent CVC while working alongside volunteers and community partners
Benefits of Volunteering
- Grow as a leader in your community
- Take part in exciting stewardship projects and help restore the Credit River Watershed
- Make an impact by engaging community members in climate change actions
- Work closely with awesome CVC staff and network with environmentally-minded people
- Network with environmental professionals and champions
- Gain valuable experience and skills in the environmental sector, community outreach, and working with youth
- Have fun and learn more about the Credit River Watershed and the environment
- Act as a representative of CVC and receive a CVC volunteer t-shirt
- Earn volunteer hours and recognition for your work
- Receive a volunteer certificate
Volunteer Guidelines
- Mandatory in-person training session (date TBD)
- Prior to the in-person session, you will be required to complete online Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities (AODA) trainings and review several CVC policies and procedures.
- In-field training will take place at your first volunteer shifts.
- Volunteers are asked to commit to at least one volunteer shift per week during July and August based on their availability.
Eligibility
- Between the ages of 18 and 29
- Able to perform physical tasks (bending, lifting, carrying, walking long distances, etc.)
- Comfortable working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions
- Strong interest in nature and working with youth
- Desire to gain leadership skills
- Enthusiasm for conservation and climate change action
- Confidence leading groups and interacting with the public
- Vulnerable sector screening required (CVC will reimburse you for the cost)
- First aid training an asset
- Previous volunteer experience and/or working in a customer service role considered a strong asset
- Previous experience in stewardship events/activities considered a strong asset
- Must be able to volunteer at least once a week Monday – Friday
About the Organization
Credit Valley Conservation’s (CVC) Community Outreach Youth team runs programs and events for students from grade 6 to grade 12 that focus on hands-on conservation activities such as tree planting, litter clean-ups and invasive species removal.
Our Conservation Youth Corps (CYC) program provides a fun five-day outdoor environmental program for teens (grades 9-12) while allowing them to gain volunteer hours. Participants tackle environmental stewardship projects at different sites in their community, our conservation areas and across the watershed. The program runs for eight weeks during the summer. Our youth programs and initiatives aim to foster a connection between youth and nature, raise environmental awareness and safeguard the Credit River Watershed from the impacts of climate change and other environmental challenges.
Role Details
Application Deadline
Posting will be open until positions are filled.
Number of Roles Available
1-5
Location
Events will take place in Mississauga, Brampton, Orangeville, Erin, Halton Hills and Caledon.
One in-person training session will take place at 1255 Old Derry Road, Mississauga.
Volunteer Days
Monday – Friday (July to August)