Volunteer Program

Support Downsview Park’s Education staff with execution of community nature programs. This may involve volunteering in one or more of the programs for a set period. Community nature programs include Nature Connection and Jr. Forest Explorers.

COMPETENCIES
•    Adaptability
•    Communication
•    Interpersonal savvy
•    Networking and relationship building
•    Service excellence

KEY FUNCTIONS
•    Take direction from and provide advice to the Education staff as it relates to the efficient implementation of the programs.
•    Assist with the setup, program execution and cleanup of activities.
•    Ensure that programs are delivered smoothly by helping to prepare all required supplies and resources and maintaining clean and well-organized programming spaces.
•    Keep the Education staff informed of all aspects of programs and feedback.
•    Building and maintaining relationships with the Park community.
•    Help to support community use of the Park. 

BENEFITS
BENEFITS FOR VOLUNTEER
•    Meet new people and gain new skills.
•    Increase knowledge of the outdoors and local environment.
•    Contribute to the community.
•    Group facilitation experience.

BENEFITS FOR DOWNSVIEW PARK
•    Create meaningful connections between community and Downsview Park.
•    Learn about the environment, community and more alongside our volunteers.
•    Expand capacity of community programs.

KEY REQUIREMENTS
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
•    Clear criminal background check.
•    Experience in outdoor programming is an asset.
•    High energy with a friendly and professional manner.
•    Comfort with being outdoors for prolonged periods in all weather conditions.
•    First Aid and CPR certification is an asset.
•    Bilingualism (English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Tagalog, Vietnamese or additional language) is an asset.

HEALTH AND SAFETY
•    Work in compliance with the provisions of the applicable provincial Health and Safety legislation(s), regulations, and internal policies and procedures.
•    Wear all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Park issued uniform when required. 
•    Appropriate outdoor attire to protect against weather (i.e., hat, sunscreen, long pants, closed-toe shoes).

WORKING CONDITIONS
•    Able to volunteer at agreed upon times. Shifts may include weekdays during the daytime, evenings and weekends on a consistent basis.
•    Work environment is outdoors; must be comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
•    Must be friendly and willing to interact with new people.
•    Must be able to work in a physical capacity requiring extended periods of standing, walking, moderate lifting, pushing, pulling, bending and reaching.

Work with the Downsview Park Education team and other volunteer ambassadors to welcome members of the public to the Park and support a safe and inclusive community. Inform members of the public about Park programs, events, amenities, volunteer opportunities, rules and provide directions and assistance as needed. Gather and share information with Park staff regarding Park usage and Park visitors. This role will be primarily on evenings and weekends. 

COMPETENCIES
•    Adaptability
•    Communication
•    Interpersonal savvy
•    Networking and relationship building
•    Service excellence

KEY FUNCTIONS
•    Interact with members of the public and assist visitors as needed.
•    Take direction from and provide advice to the Education Manager and/or Education staff as it relates to the role as a Park Ambassador.
•    Promote Park initiatives, programs and events.
•    Support building and maintaining relationships with the Park community.
•    Help to support community use of the Park. 

BENEFITS
BENEFITS FOR VOLUNTEER
•    Meet new people and gain new skills.
•    Increase knowledge of the outdoors and local environment.
•    Contribute to the community.
•    Gain volunteer hours for Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) if applicable.

BENEFITS FOR DOWNSVIEW PARK
•    Create meaningful connections between community and Downsview Park.
•    Learn from and with volunteers relating to the environment, community and more.
•    A safer and more inclusive Park.

KEY REQUIREMENTS
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
•    Clear criminal background check.
•    Interpersonal skills and comfort interacting with new people.
•    Ability to represent the Park in a friendly and professional manner.
•    Comfort with being outdoors for prolonged period in all weather conditions.
•    First Aid and CPR certification is an asset. 
•    Bilingualism (English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Tagalog, Vietnamese or additional language) is an asset.
•    The Downsview Park community is at the heart of what we do. We strongly encourage community members, especially those from typically underrepresented groups to apply to represent the Park.

HEALTH AND SAFETY
•    Volunteer in compliance with the provisions of the applicable provincial health and safety legislation(s), regulations, and internal policies and procedures.
•    Wear all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Park issued uniform when required. 
•    Appropriate outdoor attire to protect against weather.
      -    I.e., hat, sunscreen, long pants, closed-toe shoes.
•    Adhere to all public health directives.

WORKING CONDITIONS
•    Able to volunteer at agreed upon times, including evenings and weekends on a consistent basis. Minimum of 8 hours per month June-September.  
•    Volunteer environment is outdoors; must be comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions while walking or standing for long periods of time.
•    Must be friendly and willing to engage with new people from diverse backgrounds.

Work in a team with Downsview Park Education staff and other volunteer Park Stewards to improve and maintain Downsview Park’s naturalized areas. Support a safe and inclusive Park community. Work towards stewardship goals outlined by Downsview Park staff. Support members of the public through stewardship action. Gather and share information with staff regarding the Park’s ecological health, usage, and visitor information. 

COMPETENCIES
•    Adaptability
•    Communication
•    Ability to work independently
•    Service excellence

KEY FUNCTIONS
•    Improve Downsview Park through stewardship actions such as planting native species, ecological monitoring, removing invasive species and seed saving
•    Take direction from and provide advice to Education staff as it relates to the role as a Park Steward.
•    Support the building and maintaining of relationships with the community.

BENEFITS
BENEFITS FOR VOLUNTEER
•    Connect with nature.
•    Increase knowledge of the outdoors and local environment.
•    Contribute to the community.
•    Gain volunteer hours for OSSD, if applicable.
•    Provide meaningful stewardship contributions to Downsview Park.

BENEFITS FOR DOWNSVIEW PARK
•    Improved green spaces.
•    Learn from and with volunteers relating to the environment, community and more.
•    Increase in biodiversity in the Park.
•    A safer and more inclusive Park.

KEY REQUIREMENTS
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
•    Clear criminal background check.
•    Ability to represent the Park with a friendly and professional manner.
•    Comfort with being outdoors for prolonged period in all weather conditions.
•    The Downsview Park community is at the heart of what we do. We strongly encourage community members, especially those from typically underrepresented groups to apply. 

HEALTH AND SAFETY
•    Volunteer in compliance with the provisions of the applicable provincial Health and Safety legislation(s), regulations, and internal policies and procedures.
•    Wear all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Park issued uniform when required. 
•    Appropriate outdoor attire to protect against weather.
      -    i.e., hat, sunscreen, long pants, closed-toe shoes
•    Adhere to all public health directives.

WORKING CONDITIONS
•    Able to volunteer at agreed upon times on a consistent basis. 
•    Volunteer environment is outdoors; must be comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions while walking or standing for long periods of time.
•    This role may involve physical activities such as digging, crouching, kneeling and other actions and should only be performed if physically fit. Accommodations/modifications may be possible but should be discussed in advance. 
•    Must be friendly and willing to engage with new people from diverse backgrounds.

We are excited to announce the Downsview Park Volunteer Greenhouse, a brand-new initiative, just getting started! This project aims to create a vibrant community space where volunteers and community members can connect, learn, and contribute to the growth and preservation of native plants. As we embark on this journey, we invite you to be part of our founding volunteer team and help shape the future of this green oasis.

Visit our Volunteer Greenhouse webpage for more details.