VOLUNTEER POSITIONS

Needed: Nature program volunteers
Organization: The Pine Project
Location: Don Valley/Humber Valley Area, Toronto, Ontario
Hours per Week: Once weekly commitment from October 2024 to June 2025

About The Pine Project

The Pine Project is Ontario’s leading nature connection organization. We offer year-round nature connection programs for people of all ages in Toronto and the surrounding area. Our programs foster confidence, competence, resilience and a deep relationship with nature in a way that is hard to achieve in more conventional learning environments. By helping children connect to nature and teaching adults to do the same, we inspire children to respect, cherish, and care for the Earth. We are empowering the next generation of environmental stewards, problem solvers and leaders. Check out our website – pineproject.org – for more information.

Why Volunteer?

Volunteers at the Pine Project earn valuable experience in our unique mentoring approach, develop their wilderness skills and proficiency, and gain opportunities to learn new in-depth naturalist skills from our experienced staff. Our staff are a community of mentors and avid learners. If you’re looking to learn new skills and knowledge about nature, education and working with youth, there is no better place!

Key Volunteer Responsibilities

• Assist in providing positive learning and recreational experiences for children and youth ages 4-16 and their families
• Assist in the supervision of educational and recreational activities
• Assist Pine instructors with program set-up and delivery
• Be prepared to work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Be available for at least one program (programs run from 3.75 to 8 hours) each week

Why you should apply

What you bring:

• Be 16 + years of age as of December 31, 2023
• Be enthusiastic, outgoing, and flexible
• Have a positive approach to working with children
• Be able and willing to work as part of a team
• Have good communication, time management, and organizational skills
• Identify with our mission statement and core values
• Have a desire to further their own naturalist and crafting skills, mentoring techniques, and/or nature connection through professional development opportunities with Pine staff members.
• Be willing to submit a Vulnerable Sector police check (or offence declaration if <18)

The following are preferred, but not mandatory:

• Outdoor and environmental education experience
• Naturalist knowledge
• Survival/wilderness skills
• Working in camp settings
• Experience with Pine or affiliate organizations around North America

What we bring:

• A community of learners pushing each other to grow our knowledge and experience
• Weekly experiences in the outdoors and in-depth knowledge of Toronto parks and ravines
• Training in topics related to nature, wilderness travel, wilderness skill development, program planning and design
• Work with purpose: make a difference for nature and people
• Casual and welcoming volunteer environment

How to Apply

Complete an application through our online portal at https://pineprojectstaff.campbrainstaff.com/

OR

Send resume and cover letter to pinevolunteers@pineproject.org with Outdoor School Volunteer in the subject line.

Please mention you saw this posting at GoodWork.ca.

Applications will be assessed on an ongoing basis until all roles are filled.

We thank all applicants for their interest, but regret that we are only able to respond to those selected for interviews.

Please note that all volunteers working directly with children will require a Vulnerable Sector Police Check.

The Pine Project is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to promoting equity, inclusion and diversity within our workplace and greater community. We work proactively to develop a barrier-free selection process and inclusive work environment that is increasingly representative of the communities we live and work in, and where all team members are able to express ideas, opinions and experiences.

We welcome applications from all qualified individuals with an interest in advancing our mission, vision and values, and assisting us in deepening our commitment to Anti-racism/Anti-oppression. We especially encourage applications from members of historically disadvantaged and under-represented groups, including those who identify as Black, Indigenous and People of Colour, persons with disabilities, newcomers to Canada, and/or LGBTQ2S+. If contacted for a volunteer opportunity, please advise us of any accommodation measures required to enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner. Information received will be addressed in confidence.