& Aftercare
Organization: ReForest London
Location: London, Ontario
ReForest London is a charitable non-profit determined to make our community
better through the many environmental and human health benefits of trees. We
work to get more trees planted in all corners of our city, in parks, in yards,
in schools and at businesses. While we are a small team, we are energetic,
passionate and we punch above our weight. Our workplac
e and workstyle is
flexible. Staff members are accountable for outcomes but enjoy a lot of freedom
in how to achieve them.
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 naturalization
projects. You will be working with citizens, community and faith groups,
schools, and local businesses to plant and maintain 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
$40,000 and two weeks of paid vacation per year. The workload is very seasonal,
and requires extensive weekend work throughout spring and fall and occasional
evening work. Work hours (outside of planting events) are flexible.
Qualifications
• The ideal candidate will possess a degree or diploma in aboriculture,
biological sciences, ecology, environmental studies, or landscape architecture
and will have experience planning, implementing and maintaining large scale
naturalization projects.
• Non-profit organization experience as well as experience working with
volunteers is 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).
• Regular access to a vehicle is required as planting locations are often not
well served by transit.
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
• 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 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 would be a benefit
Accountabilities
The Project Manager is primarily accountable for ensuring the success of
ReForest London’s naturalization program and our aftercare program. The Manager
also provides technical support for other programs and projects as needed as
well as participates in grant writing and reporting.
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, socio-economic factors of target
neighbourhood, and other factors.
• Determine appropriate species to plant that weighs factors such as sun
exposure, soil, moisture, urban pollution, deer browse, and other factors. This
includes preparing and maintaining project related lists.
• Work with area landowners to develop site plans and project budgets.
• Complete necessary tasks to prepare for planting events, including plant
ordering, appropriate site preparation, ordering of soil enhancements,
arranging for utility locates, tool maintenance and transportation
• Being the planting event leader that includes volunteer training and
supervision
• 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 staff and volunteers in how to perform aftercare (including but
not limited to weeding, mulching, removing tree collars and invasive species)
• Lead 2-3 aftercare projects each week over summer
• Ensure data tracking and reporting on aftercare activities as well as health
and survival statistics
3) 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
• Technical input into future project selection and program direction,
especially related to the Million Tree Challenge (milliontrees.ca) and initiatives with other organizations
• Assist with grant writing and reporting by providing scientific grounding,
project implementation and results
Application Process
Please send a cover letter and resume in PDF or Word format to Amber Cantell,
Director of Programs at resumes@reforestlondon.ca by Wednesday, February 24th,
2016. Interviews will be held in February if possible, with an anticipated
start date of Wednesday, March 16th, 2016. All email submissions will be
acknowledged as received, but only those called for an interview will be
contacted thereafter.