Tasks and Responsibilities:

The Butterflyway Project is creating citizen-led pollinator-friendly habitat in neighbourhoods across the country, one fun planting at a time. The Butterflyway Volunteer Corps will help raise the profile of the project by engaging residents at local events from spring through fall in the Toronto area. We are seeking a team of six committed, outgoing and knowledgeable volunteers to represent the Butterflyway spirit at community events in 2019!

Deliverables:

•      Become familiar with the David Suzuki Foundation and Butterflyway Project (materials provided)
•      Represent the Butterflyway Project at community events
•      Support events like native plant sales and community pizza nights
•      Answer visitor questions and encourage people to get involved in DSF programs

Skills and Knowledge Required:

•      Friendly, outgoing personality
•      Ability to work independently and as part of a small group
•      Natural ability to engage people in conversation
•      Professional demeanor
•      Commitment to representing DSF’s mission and vision

Reports to:  Jode Roberts, Manager, Butterflyway Project

Time Commitment:

•      Five-month commitment from May to September
•      Participation in at least one event per month (shifts are typically 3-6 hours each)

Organizational Support:

Volunteers will learn about the Butterflyway Project and the David Suzuki Foundation. They will receive information about the programs in advance and on-site orientation and support at events.

Volunteer benefits:

•      Get a free Butterflyway t-shirt
•      Participate in fun local events, including plant sales, community festivals and park pizza nights
•      Learn about DSF programs and campaigns, and meet DSF staff and volunteers
•      Get involved in your local community and meet fun new people
•      Be part of DSF’s mission to protect the diversity of nature and our quality of life right here in Toronto

Apply by: May 1, 2019

To apply for this position, please email Jode Roberts (jroberts@davidsuzuki.org) with the following information:

1.    A mini-bio telling us a little about yourself (100 words max)
2.    Your availability
3.    Email and telephone contact information

Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Coordinate a new citizen science pilot project to catalogue the inventory of wildflowers in Toronto’s fleet of canoe gardens, planted over the past several years through the Butterflyway Project and Homegrown National Park Project
• Visit the sites of canoe gardens throughout the city and document the plants and shrubs in photographs
• Upload photos and other data using the iNaturalist mobile platform
• Work with DSF staff to hone and improve the project

Skills and Knowledge Required:

• Must have a mobile phone with iNaturalist app and camera
• Native plant species identification skills desired, though guidance and mentorship will be provided
• Must have an outstanding sense of humour and/or other outstanding qualities
• Ability to get around the city to do site visits – the canoe gardens are in parks and at schools, scattered across the city

Reports to: Jode Roberts, Butterflyway Project manager

Time Commitment:

• The position will likely require about 10 hours per month for five months (May to September)
• The schedule is flexible, as visits and documentation can take place anytime during the week

Support and Training Provided:

• The Canoe Garden Detective will be introduced to the project and trained by DSF staff 
• They will also receive ongoing guidance and assistance from the nice native plant experts at North American Native Plant Society

Benefits to the Volunteer:

• Learn about the wonders of native wildflowers and shrubs
• Visit new parts of the city, from parks and schoolyards to cafes and historic sites
• Gratitude and swag from the David Suzuki Foundation
• A fun title and learning experience to add to your resume

Apply by: May 1, 2019

• Be the first point of contact for the David Suzuki Foundation at the front desk
• Attend mandatory preparedness training
• 3-4 hours per shift: respond to public email inquiries
• Ongoing throughout shift - route telephone calls and welcome visitors   
• Ongoing throughout shift - assist projects with data entry 
• Occasional - assist other departments with one-time projects 

• Current knowledge and commitment of the DSF mission and vision
• Strong communication skills, eloquent, accurate and concise writing skills and great email etiquette
• Comfort with Microsoft Office, specifically Outlook
• Comfort working very independently in a quieter environment
• Friendly,sincere and professional telephone manner
• Good judgment when dealing with sensitive issues
• Ability to take on multiple tasks, attention to detail

• 6 month minimum commitment

• Fridays: 10am-3pm 

• Successful volunteers will receive an orientation to the Foundation 
• Supervisor and other key staff will provide the specific training and ongoing support necessary for success in this role.

• Gain valuable communication and public engagement skills
• Gain an in-depth understanding of DSF programs and get to know DSF staff
• Reference letter upon meeting time commitment and successful completion of position
• Organic, fair-trade coffee and tea as needed!
• Bi-annual social outings with team members
• Access to the DSF library
• Invitations to ongoing lunch and learns
• Be part of DSF’s mission to protect the diversity of nature and our quality of life