Tree planting, Ecological restoration

Title: General Labour – Ecosystem Restoration / Tree Planting Projects
Organization: MLC Ecosystem Restoration
Location: Burlington, Golden Horseshoe, Ontario

Seasonal Contract with Possibility of Extension
35-44 Hours/week
$25/hr Compensation
Anticipated start is early September 2026
Multiple positions available
Application Due August 14th 2026

MLC Ecosystem Restoration is currently accepting applications for contract Ecosystem Restoration Technician roles to support project implementation for a wide variety of projects including stream restoration, wetland restoration and native plantings.

Working hours will range from 35 hours a week to 44 hours a week depending on project scope and distances travelled to project sites.

While the bases of operations for MLC Ecosystem Restoration are located in Burlington, projects sites will be located across the greater golden horseshoe area. To reduce our carbon footprint, carpooling meetup spots can/will be established.
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Summary of Tasks

Reporting to the Manager of Construction and Manager of Restoration, the Ecosystem Restoration Technician will be responsible for:

• Carrying out field labour tasks such as planting trees, shrubs and wildflowers, removing invasive plant species, collecting and installing bioengineering materials
• Lifting and moving heavy materials by hand(50lbs) and by wheelbarrow (plants, rocks, restoration materials)
• Installing erosion and sediment controls such as silt fence and geotextiles such as coir
• Completing site layout using survey equipment
• Site inventories and daily inspections
• Operating heavy equipment such as skid steers and handheld equipment such as brush cutters, saws and pumps
• Supporting project closeout reports and other duties as assigned

Tasks will be carried out while possibly working in adverse weather conditions, in remote areas, on rough terrain and in proximity to hazards such as Poison Ivy, Giant Hogweed and/or ticks, mosquitos, etc. as well as heavy equipment. Additionally, applicants must be capable of physically demanding labour and highly aware of MLC safety procedures.

Qualifications, Skills and Assets

• Experience identifying native and invasive plant species
• Experience planting trees, shrubs and wildflowers and experience removing invasive plant species
• Ability to work effectively independently and as part of the team
• Experience installing sediment fencing and geotextiles
• Experience driving trucks, hauling trailers and securing loads on a trailer
• Experience in safe operation and maintenance of manual and mechanical field equipment including, but not limited to shovels, post pounder, sledgehammer, brush saws, chainsaws, pumps, skid steers and excavators
• Experience using field based GIS systems
• Experience working in creeks wearing waders
• Certifications that are considered an asset include:
  • Ontario Forestry/Landscape Exterminator License
  • First Aid and CPR Certification

Application Criteria

• Must have a valid G class drivers license
• Must have Green Patch CSA approved safety boots (some jobs may require CSA approved rubber boots)

Compensation and Perks

​MLC is committed to offering competitive and liveable compensation that goes beyond hourly earnings. We have crafted an introductory level compensation package that we believe surpasses other comparable opportunities in the ecosystem restoration industry. This includes:

• Introductory compensation of $25/hour (35-44 hours per week expected)
• 1 paid sick day per month of contract (4 month contract = 4 paid sick days)
• $200 training stipend to go towards a relevant course or congress of your choosing + attendance considered work time
• $150 steel toe boot allowance (paid out at end of month 3)
• 4% vacation pay and 0.75 paid vacation days/month of contract (4 months = 3 paid vacation days)
• Contribute up to $200 annually to charitable causes you donate your time towards ($100/occurrence)

To apply, please send your cover letter and resume to: info@mlceco.ca

Please mention you saw this at GoodWork.ca.

We thank all applicants for their interest in the positions, but only those selected for interviews will be contacted.