District of Saanich

Lead Stewards play a key role in the Pulling Together Volunteer Program. This hands-on, inclusive, ecological restoration program has been in place since 1999. We have teams of active Pulling Together volunteers in more than 40 different parks and natural areas.

The Lead Steward is the project leader for a given restoration site and liaises with Saanich Parks staff on a regular basis. The Lead Steward welcomes, trains and supervises other volunteers and ensures all work is done in compliance with Saanich policies and guidelines. The Lead Steward plays a public role, acting as an ambassador for Saanich Parks at work parties, informing the public about restoration activities, park conservation and the Pulling Together Volunteer Program.

Parks Seeking Lead Stewards

• Goward Park
• PKOLS (Mount Douglas Park)

Time Commitment

A minimum of one year and preferably multiple years.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. General

• work with staff to plan and schedule work parties and ensure all work has been approved by staff
• perform restoration activities in compliance with the restoration work plan, including invasive species removal, planting of native species, spreading mulch/chips, watering, care of trees, etc.
• welcome, train, supervise and mentor other volunteers
• ensure all volunteers have signed a waiver and been trained in safe practices and are aware of risks before beginning work on site
• display a sign in the work area during restoration activities, use cones or flagging tape to mark hazards to volunteers and park visitors
• liaise with Saanich Parks staff to report debris piles for pick-up, coordinate the loan of special equipment (e.g. weed wrench)
• engage with park visitors to educate about park conservation, ecological restoration, and the Pulling Together Volunteer Program

2. Administrative:

• work with staff to develop a restoration plan for the site
• liaise with Saanich Parks staff to update restoration plans, discuss proposed changes to methods or new work, and for guidance on ecological and technical expertise
• attend meetings and trainings with other Pulling Together volunteers
• collect signed waiver forms and maintain in a secure place until submitted to staff
• report volunteer hours

Skills and Requirements

• well-developed leadership and organizational skills
• good interpersonal skills – diplomatic, clear communicator, etc., willing to converse with park visitors and help educate them about park conservation
• a love of the outdoors and supporter of parks
• willingness to work in most weather conditions and get dirty
• physical fitness and ability to work on uneven terrain
• ability to take and give direction

Training and Benefits

• Pulling Together Volunteer Program orientation and supplies
• other training/workshops as required/available or requested
• training and recognition events
• ability to make a difference in your parks, work outdoors and network with others who care about parks and protecting at-risk species and ecosystems
• opportunity to develop ecosystem restoration, leadership skills and fitness

Getting Involved

• complete an application by clicking on the blue "Fill in an Application" button, creating an account, and completing the application form

We look forward to having you join our Parks Volunteer Team!