Program Assistant - Root for Trees

Role overview

The City of Edmonton is hiring a Program Assistant for the Root for Trees initiative. This position supports day-to-day program delivery by coordinating volunteer planting events and helping people learn about Edmonton’s urban forest and city-wide naturalization efforts. The role is public-facing and combines fieldwork, coordination, and administrative support.

Program scope

Between mid-May and mid-October, the team may deliver up to 20 educational planting and outreach programs each week. In addition to planting events, the role also supports special public events such as National Tree Day. Most hours are spent outdoors facilitating plantings, but the position also includes data handling, volunteer communication, responding to inquiries, and maintaining program materials.

Key duties

• Plan, coordinate, and complete educational tree-planting programs while directing volunteer activity and sharing environmental learning.
• Check planting quality to confirm that plant material meets required specifications.
• Handle, move, and install native plant material across varied terrain.
• Operate City vehicles and equipment, including trucks and trailers, in different city conditions.
• Share observations and suggestions with the program team to support planning and delivery.
• Manage, issue, and maintain the materials and equipment used for programs and events.
• Follow, support, and help improve occupational health and safety practices.
• Gather and track data and statistics for supervisory reporting.
• Deliver and collect supplies, equipment, and materials for program activities.
• Answer internal and external questions as needed.
• Assist with fieldwork, data work, programs, and events.
• Take part in site visits and inspections when required.
• Create social media posts, newsletter items, web updates, and related communications content.
• Support public engagement activities and events.
• Handle administrative tasks such as calendars, timesheets, planting and inventory reports, budget inputs, volunteer records, and file organization.
• Carry out other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Applicants should have completed at least the first year of a recognized diploma or degree program in Recreation Administration, Forestry/Agriculture, Horticulture/Botany, Biological Sciences, Education, or a related field. A minimum of 1 year of direct experience leading recreational, environmental, cultural, or educational programs and working with user groups is required.

Assets

Helpful experience includes supervising volunteers and resolving conflict, promoting programs through social media, identifying plants, working in horticulture or plant care, operating mobile equipment such as trucks and trailers, and holding current Standard First Aid and CPR Level C certification.

Success factors

To do well in this role, candidates should be able to guide volunteers effectively, provide strong customer service, and stay organized while balancing priorities and deadlines. Good written, verbal, presentation, and web communication skills are important, along with the ability to work independently and as part of a team. The role also calls for solid administrative ability, comfort with Google Suite tools, and a respectful, inclusive approach that aligns with equity, diversity, reconciliation, and inclusion values.

Conditions of employment

A valid Alberta Class 5 driver’s license, or an equivalent provincial license, is required. The successful candidate must obtain and maintain a City Driver’s permit. Employment is also conditional on a satisfactory Police Information Check, including a Vulnerable Sector check, which may involve a cost. Applicants may also be tested.

Work environment and schedule

This role requires outdoor work in naturalized areas and changing weather, including temperatures up to 34°C with Humidex, and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs of materials such as shovels, plants, tents, and tables. Shifts may include evenings and weekends. Weekly hours are currently under review and may change later in line with the collective agreement, with advance notice provided.

Employment details

This posting is for up to 3 temporary positions, offered as full-time or part-time, for a duration of up to 8 months. Full-time hours are 40 per week, and part-time hours may be up to 39 per week. The role is based at Coronation Yard in Edmonton, Alberta, within the Parks and Roads department.

Compensation

The hourly wage is $23.183 to $28.647, which corresponds to an annual range of $48,406.100 to $59,814.940.

Additional information

The position classification is Recreation Technician II-8hrs and it falls under the CSU 52 union. The recruitment contact listed is AW/JR. The posting was issued by the City of Edmonton, and Edmonton acknowledges Treaty Six territory and the homelands of the Métis Nation. Accommodation support is available during recruitment.

Workplace values

The employer welcomes applicants with a broad range of skills, experiences, and competencies, and encourages candidates to apply. The organization values equity, diversity, reconciliation, inclusion, and alignment with the City Plan and the Environmental Management System Enviso.

Application note

A total of up to 3 openings are available.