Restoration Field Assistant

Contract Type: Full Time, Contract, 33 Weeks (April 14, 2025 - November 28, 2025)

Flexible work arrangement: Onsite

Work location: Mountsberg Field Office/Halton Watershed

Posting Start Date: March 11, 2025

Posting End Date: March 25, 2025

Your Opportunity

Reporting to a Restoration Technical Lead, and working closely with Restoration Field Technicians, the Field Assistant will:

• Assist with the planning, implementation and reporting of restoration projects focusing on terrestrial, wetland, and riparian ecosystems
• As part of a 2-4-person crew, implement tree planting projects (potted stock, bareroot, plugs)
• Assist with site preparation prior to and after planting, including vegetation cutting and invasive species management through chemical and manual methods
• Assist as needed with operation and maintenance of equipment, including planting implementation, augers, vegetation trimmers, and rough-cut mowers
• Assist in habitat and vegetation inventories to aid in restoration planning
• Installation of aquatic restoration structures (e.g. sediment mats, log deflectors)
• Conduct pre- and post- restoration monitoring
• Follow planting plans, and assist with data entry for restoration project statistics and restoration monitoring
• Support outreach initiatives for restoration projects (cold calls, site visits and recommendations, developing fact sheets and drafting content and communications)
• Support planning and implementation of, and representing Conservation Halton at community outreach events

Your Qualifications

• Working towards or completed a university degree or college diploma in ecosystem restoration, biology, ecology, geography or fish and wildlife management.
• Minimum six (6) months related work experience
• Knowledge of local ecosystems
• Introductory identification skills for native and invasive species.
• Introductory experience implementing rehabilitation projects that involve bioengineering, especially in aquatic/riparian environments.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, that change with seasonal weather fluctuations and outreach needs (including evenings and weekends as required)
• Willingness to work in a variety of weather conditions and ecosystems
• Experience completing repetitive and strenuous physical activities related to tree, shrub and herbaceous planting and installation of habitat structures, including digging, bending, lifting, and carrying materials weighing 25-50lbs
• Experience working in chest waders and in and around water
• Effective communication skills, both written and oral
• Efficient problem solving, multi-tasking and creative thinking skills
• Willing to apply invasive species treatments with a licensed pesticide applicator; pesticide license is an asset
• Experience using electrical or gas-powered tools, driving a company vehicle and towing a trailer is an asset
• A valid Ontario Drivers Licence, minimum Class "G", with a satisfactory Driver's Abstract is required
• Successful candidate will be required to have Standard First Aid and CPR certification prior to first day of employment

Your Reward

• Starting at $24.48 hourly based on a 35-hour work week
• You will work in an inspiring setting with views of the Niagara Escarpment and no traffic lights for several miles
• You will work with a creative, talented and solutions-focused team
• You will work for an organization that provides flexible work arrangements and places tremendous value on professional development and wellness of its employees
• Free access to Conservation Halton and Conservation Ontario parks
• Season passes to Glen Eden
• Discounts on Conservation Halton/Glen Eden services, food and merchandise

Our Core Values

Diversity and Inclusion - We endeavor to understand, accept and appreciate the value of our differences and encourage authenticity.

Learning and Innovation - We embrace the need for continuous improvement, the opportunity to learn from others and the benefits of sharing knowledge.

Person-Centered Service - We make people a priority through customer-centred engagement, predictive problem-solving and high-quality service.

Collaboration - We seek out and trust in the skills, expertise and experience of others in order to achieve our common ambition.

Sustainability - We consider the environmental impact of everything we do and always keep future generations in mind when making decisions.

Integrity - We make decisions with accountability, transparency and a strong sense of personal responsibility for our choices and actions.

Resilience - We are positive and proud of our ability to quickly and effectively respond to change.

To Apply

Please email your application to careers@hrca.on.ca by March 25, 2025.

Your application should include:

1. Your resume and cover letter in one pdf document
2. Reference your name and the position title in the subject line
3. In the body of your email, please indicate where you heard about this opportunity

We thank all applicants for their interest however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code, Conservation Halton will provide accommodations throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities.

Pursuant to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, personal information provided through the recruitment, selection, and onboarding process is collected under the authority of the Conservation Authorities Act R.S.O. 1990, c. C.27, s. 18 (1), as amended, for the purpose of determining eligibility for employment and volunteer positions with Conservation Halton. Personal information is collected and managed in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Questions about the collection of information can be directed to the Freedom of Information Coordinator, Office of the President & CEO, 2596 Britannia Road West, Burlington, Ontario, L7P 0G3, 905-336-1158 ext. 2236, admin@hrca.on.ca.