Field Staff, Ecosystem Management

**About TRCA**:
With more than 60 years of experience, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) is one of 36 Conservation Authorities in Ontario, created to safeguard and enhance the health and well-being of watershed communities through the protection and restoration of the natural environment and the ecological services the environment provides.
TRCA works to protect the integrity and health of the rivers and creeks in the jurisdiction, develop a system of green and natural spaces that sustains local ecosystems, and advance sustainable practices that improve people’s lives within our growing region.

**How you will contribute as part of the TRCA team**:
To provide general labour assistance in a dynamic team environment with the implementation of habitat restoration projects with a focus on native tree, shrub, herbaceous and bio-engineering plantings. Staff will be exposed to restoration construction projects including wetlands, stream restoration, shoreline enhancements, and meadows. Occupational health and safety is a major responsibility of this position.

**Major Responsibilities**:
Project Implementation
- Assist with the implementation of habitat restoration projects focusing on terrestrial and riparian plantings.
- As part of a 5-6 person crew, teams can anticipate planting the following typical daily targets dependent on stock type:

- 100 Ball & Burlap trees, or
- 500 potted trees and/or shrubs, or 500 bareroot trees, or
- 1000 bareroot shrubs, or
- 3000 hand planted tree seedlings
- Assist with the construction and deployment of habitat features on restoration sites.
- Assist with operation and maintenance of equipment, including RTVs, tractors, and implements.
- Ability to navigate uneven terrain for distance up to 1000m, sometimes in remote locations and in adverse weather.
- Repetitious and strenuous physical activities related to all planting activities including digging, bending, lifting, post-pounding, rodent guarding, and the carrying plant materials and equipment weighing 25-50lbs.
- Regularly lifting and moving planting materials/tools/equipment of 25-50 lbs.
- Repetitious and strenuous physical activities related to all planting activities including digging, bending, lifting, carrying plants/materials/equipment, post-pounding, rodent guarding and mulch mat installation.
- Ability to safely navigate uneven terrain for distances up to 1000m, sometimes in remote locations and in adverse weather.
- Typical field staff hours are 7:00am - 3:30pm, Monday - Friday. Overtime during regularly scheduled shifts may also be required and occasionally on weekends.
- Perform other duties as assigned.

Project Coordination
- Prepare vehicles for daily site operations.
- Perform daily safety checks on vehicles and equipment.
- Assist with updating project ledgers and input project pictures on a daily basis.
- Assist with shop organization/ job board (daily tasks)

Office Support
- Assist with preparation of GIS maps for restoration project design
- Assist with the collection and input field data to identify habitat restoration/enhancement opportunities and/or wildlife conflict issues.
- Provide support for special project coordination.
- Provide support for report writing.

**What will you need to succeed**:

- Working towards or has completed a post-secondary education in biology, environmental science, resource management or a related -eld and pursuing a career in environmental or related field.
- Minimum one (1) year of experience related to major tasks.
- Knowledge of restoration ecology, aquatic, and terrestrial ecosystems.
- Demonstrated knowledge of native plants and their habitats.
- Demonstrated ability and aptitude to work outdoor in adverse conditions.
- Knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety Act and regulations and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.
- Familiarity with farm and construction equipment, including small tools and larger machinery an asset.
- Standard First Aid an asset.
- Chainsaw experience an asset.
- Valid Ontario G Class driver’s license. Class A (R) license / trailer experience an asset.

**What TRCA has to offer you**:
As part of a progressive team you will have the opportunity to make a positive impact to preserving and protecting nature, while maintaining a balance between the natural environment and built environment. Working with experts within our field, you will join a team of colleagues that are committed to TRCA’s core values of integrity, collaboration, accountability, respect, and excellence (icare).

**You will be part of a diverse and inclusive organization that**:

- Makes a positive difference in the communities we serve.
- Fosters high performance and collaborative teams.
- Provides continuous learning and development opportunities.
- Offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits program (including Defined Benefit Pension Plan - OMERS/OTPP).
- Pregnancy & Parental Leave Top-Up Program.
- Provides unique TRCA Perks.
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