Conservation Program Assistant

at  The Riverwood Conservancy

Conservation Program Assistant
The Riverwood Conservancy (TRC) is a volunteer- and member-based charity in Mississauga that provides programs to the community in nature and environmental education, natural areas stewardship / conservation and gardening.
In this full-time, experience-rich, career-path summer position, the Conservation Program Assistant (CA) improves the ecosystem health of Riverwood. Under the Supervision of the Gardens Coordinator, the CA supports the Stewardship and Volunteer programs, and when needed, the Gardens program. The CA schedules, supervises, and leads volunteer secondary school students in conservation activities, which protect and restore Riverwood’s ecosystems, and allow students to fulfill their 40-hour community service requirements.
Position Responsibilities:
Organize, schedule, track hours, supervise, and lead summer youth volunteers in conservation activities;
Support conservation activities at Riverwood;
Revitalize degraded areas to improve and protect Riverwood ecology, habitat, and wildlife (plant and animal) biodiversity.
Manage populations of invasive plants, helping to map their populations;
Maintain and monitor public trails, reporting any safety issues;
Maintain and monitor bird feeders and nesting boxes;
Plant native trees, shrubs, and perennials, and help to monitor their success;
Support volunteer groups performing stewardship and restoration activities;
Keep the grounds tidy and litter-free;
Work with community organizations and volunteers of diverse ages and abilities;
Support public education programs, special events, and aquaria care as needed;
Arrive prepared and on time for work.
Skills and Qualifications:
Interest and some experience in ecology, environmental science/studies, biology, botany, geology, or related studies;
Some hands-on conservation experience and ability to identify flora and fauna are assets;
Demonstrated leadership skills, and ability to adapt to changing work plans;
Sense of humour and excellent communication, organization, and multi-tasking skills;
Ability to work safely as a team and independently with minimal supervision;
Ability to work with and lead volunteers of diverse backgrounds;
Appreciation of the environment and out-of-doors work;
Experience in ArcGIS and GPS use is an asset – some computers skills are also an asset;
A valid vulnerable sector check is required, or the ability to acquire one;
Training in emergency first aid and CPR is an asset, or training will be provided;
A valid “G” driver’s license is an asset.
Working Environment and physical/sensory demands:
Outdoor environment: The position requires the ability to safely lead participants over uneven and hilly terrain, and under a variety of weather conditions;
Indoor environment: Typical office and office equipment, shared space and artificial lighting;
Lengthy periods of standing/walking during events and program activities;
Ability to lift up to 35 lbs (16kg);
Proficiency with operation of various equipment, including computers and office devices (e.g., photocopier, telephone, etc.)
Deliverable:
A professional written report summarizing your experience, accomplishments, and program statistics with recommendations for future management of the site and program.
Because this position would be supported by a Canada Summer Jobs Grant, applicants must:
Bet between 18 and 30 years of age,
Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment, and
Have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment, and be legally entitled to work in Canada.
Start date is expected to be June 24th with an end date of August 30th. The hourly wage is $17.55 per hour; 37.5 hours per week; work-week is Monday to Friday.
Interested candidates are required to submit a resume and cover letter which fully describes your experience by email (PDF format only) by May 24th, 2024 to:
Brian Packham
Info@TheRiverwoodConservancy.org
The Riverwood Conservancy thanks everyone for applying, but resources allow us to reply only to those candidates who are selected for an interview.
We strive for a workplace that reflect the diversity of the community we serve in and which we live. Applicants requiring accommodation for an interview because of a disability or medical need are asked to make their needs known in advance. Information received related to accommodation requests will be treated with confidentiality

Please refer the Job description for details