Position Summary
We are looking for a tree-loving environmental professional out to make a difference at the local level to take on a high level of responsibility within our organization, planning, implementing and managing our park naturalization and residential tree giveaway projects. You will be working with citizens, community associations, faith and cultural groups, schools, and local businesses to plant, maintain and distribute thousands of native trees and shrubs each year. Our planting seasons can be busy and intense – your good humour and a passion for the environment will carry you and our volunteers through.
This is a full-time permanent position (37.5 hours/week) with a salary of $42,000 and two weeks of paid vacation per year. There is additional paid leave between Christmas and New Years. The workload is very seasonal, and requires extensive weekend work throughout spring and fall as well as occasional evening work. Work hours (outside of planting events) are flexible.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will possess a degree or diploma in ecology, aboriculture, biological sciences, environmental studies, or landscape architecture and will have experience planning, implementing and maintaining large scale naturalization projects;
Non-profit organization experience, event planning experience, and experience working with volunteers are desired;
The position requires considerable physical labour during the planting season as well as some heavy lifting (trees in pots, generally 10 – 30 lbs but possibly up to 50 lbs, with several hundred of trees coming in and needing to be unloaded most weeks during planting season); and
Ontario ‘G’ driver’s license required. Regular access to a vehicle considered an asset.
Competencies
The ideal candidate will:
Be familiar with and able to identify native Ontario trees and shrubs as well as common invasive species;
Have experience planting and caring for trees and shrubs, both in natural and landscaped settings;
Be familiar with common pests and diseases of our native tree species;
Be able to assess a site for its soils, topology, hydrological and light conditions;
Be able to use ArcGIS to create maps and site plans;
Be an excellent teacher, able to train volunteers and summer staff on key tasks and concepts;
Be a keen promoter of native and edible tree species;
Have excellent interpersonal skills and be comfortable working with a large number of volunteers (potentially as many as 150 volunteers at any given event) as well as community partners and landowners;
Have experience in managing and adhering to project budgets;
Exceptional organizational, time management and project management skills, allowing the implementation of one season while planning the next and providing technical support to other programs when needed;
Experience in grant writing is an asset;
Ability to safely drive a truck + trailer an asset.
Accountabilities
The Project Manager is primarily accountable for ensuring the success of three of ReForest London’s programs: our park naturalization & aftercare programs and our “Neighbourhood ReLeaf” residential tree distribution program. The Project Manager also provides technical expertise in forestry, restoration ecology and GIS for other programs as needed as well as participates in grant writing and reporting.
Key tasks include:
1) Plan and implement naturalization projects:
Identify preferred planting locations, weighing factors such as environmental benefit, ecological linkages and corridors, geographical considerations, cost per tree, likelihood of success, socioeconomic factors of target neighbourhood, and other factors;
Determine appropriate species to plant that weighs factors such as growing conditions (sun exposure, soil, and moisture), urban pollution, deer browse, and other factors. This includes preparing and maintaining project related species lists;
Work with area landowners and the City of London to develop site plans and project budgets;
Complete necessary tasks to prepare for planting events, including plant and mulch ordering, appropriate site preparation, ordering of soil enhancements, arranging for utility locates, tool maintenance and transportation;
Lead planting events, which includes volunteer training and supervision; and
Maintain and report detailed project information that includes plant lists, numbers of plants planted and maps.
2) Manage our aftercare program:
Assess past naturalization projects to determine order of priority for aftercare and what tasks should be performed;
Train summer Aftercare Coordinator in how to perform aftercare (including but not limited to weeding, mulching, removing tree collars and invasive species);
Ensure successful delivery of 2-3 aftercare projects each week over summer; and
Ensure data tracking and reporting on aftercare activities as well as health and survival statistics.
3) Plan and implement our Neighbourhood ReLeaf program:
Identify suitable prospective community partners for our “Tree Depot” tree giveaway events, factoring in such criteria as visibility, traffic, volunteers and capacity for promotional support;
Prepare tree orders and manage plant stock when it arrives;
Help develop promotional materials and signage;
Ensure recognition of program donors and supporters;
Hold approximately 16 Tree Depots in local neighbourhoods each year;
Train and supervise volunteers and program assistants;
Manage the project budget and ensure timely processing of invoices;
Support grant-writing and reporting efforts for the program.
4) Provide technical guidance to ReForest London that includes, but is not limited to:
Trees species and care information for use in other programs and educational tools;
Strategic input as it relates to ecological considerations and changes in environmental science;
GIS mapping support for our various programs;
Technical input into future project selection and program direction, especially related to the Million Tree Challenge (milliontrees.ca) and initiatives with other organizations; and
Assist with grant writing and reporting by providing scientific grounding, project implementation and results.
Perks
Flexible work schedule (working Saturday and Sunday? Take Monday and Wednesday off then!)
Positive team environment, we live on a diet of optimism, chocolate and tree puns.
Regular potluck lunches (we have serious potluck game)
Working in the middle of a forest: Westminster Ponds is surrounded by beautiful trees and nature and is a great place to take a walk during lunch to refocus.
Application Process
Please send a cover letter and resume in PDF or Word format to Alex Meilutis, Project Manager at resumes@reforestlondon.ca by Sunday, July 14, 2019.