Ecological Assistant – Tree Planting & Aftercare

Ecological Assistant – Tree Planting & Aftercare
2 Contract Positions

 

ABOUT REFOREST LONDON

ReForest London (RFL) is a small but mighty non-profit organization with a vision to see our community thrive in a healthy urban forest. We work to enhance environmental and human health in the Forest City by inspiring, educating and empowering Londoners to plant and care for trees and to be part of a sustainability-focused future for our community.

Since our founding in 2005, we have grown to become London’s largest environmental not-for-profit organization. Powered by passionate staff and volunteers, ReForest London plants and cares for thousands of trees each year. RFL is also actively developing the new Westminster Ponds Centre (WPC), London’s first and only environment and sustainability centre. Led by ReForest London, the WPC will inspire and advance environmental change in our community.

 

POSTION OVERVIEW

We are seeking a dedicated and motivated Ecological Assistant to provide critical staff support for our tree planting and aftercare initiatives. As an Ecological Assistant – Tree Planting & Aftercare, you will support the care, planting and growth of trees as well as assist with other ecological initiatives aimed at improving local ecosystems, combatting climate change, and enhancing biodiversity. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute your skills in ecological restoration and play a hands-on role in supporting local biodiversity through tree growing, planting and maintenance efforts, while working collaboratively with a diverse team of experts and volunteers

The Tree Planting and Aftercare Ecological Assistant will provide critical staff support to our Planting Programs – Park Naturalizations and Aftercare. They will work closely with Coordinator of Planting Projects to facilitate our spring and summer 2025 core events.

Candidates should have an interest in restoration ecology, conservation, urban forestry, and/or community outreach. Candidates should be suited for physical work (independently carrying up to 50lbs continuously) on a daily basis in various weather conditions. Candidates should bring an enthusiastic attitude to work with a tight-knit team. They should be self-motivated and organized with attention to detail as independent work will be expected. Availability on weekends and evenings will be required to meet the demands of event delivery.

This is a8 week, full-time position (37.5 hours/week),at$18.20/hr(contingent upon funding)

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITES

1. 1.     Planting Project Event Delivery (35%)

• Design, plan, and implement ecological restoration projects
• Develop project timelines, specifications, milestones, and budgets
• Collaborate with stakeholders
• Handle project documentation (permits, land agreements, etc.)

1. 2.     Tree Planting, Growth Monitoring & Maintenance (30%)

• Participate in and oversee tree planting efforts
• Monitor the health and progress of trees
• Conduct site assessments for optimal tree growth
• Collect and analyze data related to soil health and tree growth
• Conduct regular field visits
• Maintain inventory of plants and supplies

1. 3.     Aftercare (15%)

• Monitor and care for planted trees
• Collect data related to tree growth and environmental impact
• Lead volunteers in aftercare projects
• Create progress reports and environmental impact assessments
• Manage field equipment and tools

1. 4.     Community Engagement (10%)

• Engage with local communities to promote tree planting
• Support educational workshops and training sessions
• Provide logistical support during project events

1. 5.     Quality Control & Compliance (10%)

• Ensure nursery operations follow industry standards and regulations
• Implement quality control systems
• Conduct regular inspections for health and safety compliance
• Maintain a safe working environment

QUALIFICATIONS AND ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• Preference given to candidates with relevant experience and/or have obtained or are pursuing a degree or diploma in Environmental Sciences, Biology, Ecological Restoration, Geography, Natural Resources, Arboriculture, Forestry, Landscape Architecture, Horticulture, or related field.
• Familiarity with trees and shrubs of Ontario, including common invasive species, common pests and/or diseases of our native tree species
• Strong written and oral communication skills, and comfortability speaking in front of groups of people
• Experience in event delivery, customer service, volunteer management, and/or community engagement are preferred.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, and ability to effectively work in a team environment
• Experience with Microsoft Office - specifically Excel
• Availability to work evenings and weekends is required
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs independently, to tolerate long periods of walking, and work in a variety of outdoor field conditions (including hot or rainy weather).
• Ontario driver’s license (minimum G class) is required
• Meet eligibility requirements as outlined below

 

Because this position would be funded through a federal employment program, in order to be eligible,candidates must be:

• A Canadian citizen, permanent resident of Canada, or have granted refugee status in Canada (no work permits or student visas),  
• and:
• Be between 15 to 30 years of age at the start of employment period;

Candidates must also have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN) at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations.

DESIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES

• Experience driving a truck and/or trailer driving is an asset. Training will be provided.
• Experience working with ArcGIS/QGIS is an asset.
• Experience working with machinery such as chainsaw and brush saw is an asset. Training will be provided.  
• Standard First Aid & CPR certification is an asset.

PERKS

• Long-weekends and holidays off
• Working in the middle of a forest: The Westminster Ponds Centre is surrounded by beautiful trees and 200 hectares of nature
• Discount on work wear clothing store and work boot stipend

 

APPPLICATION PROCESS:

Please submit a cover letter, addressed to the Operations Office, and your resume (in either PDF or WORD format), via Airtable here. Applications will be reviewed and interviews held on a rolling basis until positions are filled,so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.All applications will be acknowledged as received, but only those called for an interview will be contacted thereafter.

 

Interviews will be held in-person at our office location at 944 Western Counties Rd, London, ON.

 

ReForest London is committed to the diversity of its board, staff and volunteers. Like a forest that thrives best when it is comprised of many different species of trees and shrubs, ReForest London thrives and gains strength from the differing perspectives, insights and experiences a diverse group provides. We acknowledge the systemic discrimination experienced by many. We welcome applications from women, members of racialized groups, visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

 

Thanks for your interest in our mission and for making your community a greener and healthier place!