Join Our Team
Environmental Program Biologist
The Role
Type: Temporary
Duration: 8 weeks
Compensation: 16.55/h + 4% vacation pay
Eligibility: Age 30 & under / summer (you do not need to be a student)
We are seeking friendly, energetic individuals, passionate about nature and the environment. The individuals we seek will be organised, outgoing, detail-oriented, and reliable team players, as well as keen to take initiative and do hands-on work.
You will conduct research quantifying biodiversity in Toronto trees in partnership with professional experts, and with local experienced and enthusiastic Green Neighbours Network (GNN) volunteers. A citizen science method called “Caterpillars Count!” will be used to quantify the abundance and diversity of caterpillars, beetles, and spiders found on the foliage of trees and shrubs in the city’s parks. You will also work with local volunteers to remove invasive species and to plant and nurture native plants and pollinators. Does this work help promote greater biodiversity in Toronto? Your research will find out! While working on this project, you will engage with the public answering questions about what you are doing, why biodiversity is important, why it is decreasing, and what they can do to help. You will work in teams in Parkdale-High Park, Beaches-East York, and Toronto St-Paul’s. This is a Canada Summer Jobs position for youth 18 to 30 years of age.
Benefits
- Learn about biodiversity and its importance to viable ecosystems
- Gain proficiency in survey data collection, analysis, and presentation
- Gain knowledge and experience related to natural landscaping and native plants
- Gain experience communicating with the public about biodiversity and what they can do
- Work with enthusiastic volunteers helping to make Toronto greener, healthier, and more sustainable.
- Work on a flexible schedule.
Tasks
- Attend weekly training sessions
- Meet regularly with organizing volunteers to plan work schedule and evaluate progress
- Work in teams to conduct biodiversity surveys in parks
- Keep accurate records of your data and survey results
- Prepare reports of your findings using text, spreadsheets, graphs, and maps
- Work with volunteers on a variety of park stewardship projects and events
- Engage in positive interactions with volunteers and the public
Skills Needed
- Eagerness to learn about caterpillars, insects, and native plants
- Able to navigate uneven terrain and do physical work
- Able to take responsibility, manage time, and show initiative
- Organized and detail-oriented
- Accurate note-taker
- Passion for the environment and community-building
- Friendly, enjoys interacting with people
- Fluency in English, additional languages an asset
Optional Assets
- Lived experience in the riding of Parkdale-High Park, Beaches-East York, or Toronto St-Paul’s
- Environmental/sustainability education/background
- Experience with spreadsheets and data analysis
Outcomes
Help plan and execute a successful work schedule to answer the research questions, and that helps the local volunteers achieve their goals. All volunteers, the public, and your co-workers have a great experience.
Orientation
You (as Environmental Program Biologist) will work closely with, and be supervised by, volunteers on the GNN Canada Summer Jobs Planning Committee. After an initial training period (paid), you will continue to be supported with direction, supervision, training, mentorship, and feedback by experienced volunteers on the Committee and from the local neighbourhood green groups in each riding.
Time Commitment & Position Details
35 h/wk for 8 weeks starting June 3, 2024 at $16.55/h + 4% vacation pay. For youth 18 to 30 y of age. Position is pending support from the Canada Summer Jobs program. You do not need to be a student. You must be legally entitled to work in Canada. Your work schedule will include some evening and weekend hours.
How to Apply
Please email your resume and a cover letter with CSJ2024 in the subject line to recruitment@gnntoronto.ca. Apply by April 28, 2024. Tell us why you are interested in this position and which riding (Parkdale-High Park, Beaches-East York, Toronto-St. Paul’s) you would prefer to work in and why.
Who Should Apply
All qualified candidates are invited to apply. Must be available to work in-person in Toronto. Living locally in or near the Toronto ridings of Parkdale-High Park, Beaches-East York, Toronto-St. Paul’s is an asset. GNN is an equal opportunity organization that is committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment. We welcome and encourage applications from members of equity seeking groups, including but not limited to, candidates who are racialized, indigenous, 2SLGBTQ+, have disabilities, and newcomers. International students are not eligible.
While GNN thanks all applicants for their interest, only those under consideration will be contacted for an interview. Position starts Monday June 3rd. International students are not eligible.