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Position: Trail Ambassador
Type: age 30 & under / summer
Organization: The Riverwood Conservancy
Location: Mississauga, Ontario

The Riverwood Conservancy (TRC) is a volunteer- and member-based charity in Mississauga that provides programs to the community in nature and environmental education, natural areas stewardship / conservation and gardening.

In this full-time summer position, the Trail Ambassador (TA) is responsible for engaging visitor’s to Riverwood’s trail systems in a variety of activities. The TA will work to educate trail users of proper trail etiquette, trail rules and conditions, and Leave No Trace principles; as well as offering natural heritage education activities for the public to engage with. Under the supervision of the Community Program Coordinator, the TA supports community engagement on the trails at Riverwood, and when needed, the public Discovery program. The TA schedules, supervises and leads TRC volunteers in trail activities, which engage the general public.

Position Responsibilities:

• Contribute, develop, and implement trail-related education and outreach program;
• Organize, schedule, track hours, supervise, and lead a team of TRC volunteers to support the ambassador program;
• Engage and educate trail users about proper trail etiquette, trail rules and conditions, and Leave No Trace principles;
• Offer natural heritage education activities on the trails to educate the public on wildlife, ecology, conservation, and gardening;
• Design, implement, and lead a series of engaging 1.5-hour guided community programs along the trails
• Identify and report trail maintenance needs and safety issues;
• Assist with trail maintenance activities as needed, including picking up litter and clearing debris from trails;
• Promote a positive image of the trails to the general public;
• Work with community organizations and volunteers of diverse ages and abilities;
• Support public education programs, special events, conservation activities, and aquaria care when needed;
• Arrive prepared and on time for work.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Very strong communication and interpersonal skill; public-speaking experience is an asset;
• Interest in, and some experience in ecology, environmental science/studies, biology, botany, geography, or related studies;
• Ability to identify flora and fauna is an asset;
• Sense of humour and excellent communication, organization, and multi-tasking skills;
• Demonstrated leadership skills, and ability to adapt to changing work plans;
• Ability to work safely as a team and independently with minimal supervision;
• Ability to work with and lead volunteers of diverse backgrounds;
• Appreciation of the environment and out-of-doors work;
• A valid vulnerable sector check is required, or the ability to acquire one;
• Training in emergency first aid and CPR is an asset, or training will be provided;
• A valid “G” driver’s license is an asset.

Working Environment and physical/sensory demands:

• Outdoor environment: The position requires the ability to safely lead participants over uneven and hilly terrain, and under a variety of weather conditions;
• Indoor environment: Typical office and office equipment, shared space and artificial lighting;
• Lengthy periods of standing/walking during events and program activities;
• Ability to lift up to 35 lbs (16kg);
• Proficiency with operation of various equipment, including computers and office devices (e.g., photocopier, telephone, etc.)
• Some evening/weekend work is required.

Deliverable:

• A professional written report summarizing your experience, accomplishments, and program statistics with recommendations for future management of the site and trail engagement.

Start date is expected to be Monday, June 16th, 2025, with an end date of August 22nd, 2025. This position is full-time at 37.5 hours per week, and the hourly wage is $18.20 per hour. Workdays are variable; some weekend and after hour work is expected.

Interested candidates are required to submit a resume and cover letter by email (in PDF format only) by April 4th, 2025, to Brian Packham at Info@TheRiverwoodConservancy.org .

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Availability of position will be dependent on funding. The Riverwood Conservancy thanks everyone for applying but resources allow us to reply only to those candidates who are selected for an interview.

Because this position would be supported by a Canada Summer Jobs Grant, applicants must:

• Be between 18 and 30 years of age
• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment
• Have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada.

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Current status: Open/apply now.   Date posted: Mar 3 2025    ID: 73030