Jobs and community involvement

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Recruitment

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The Recreation, Cultural and Facility Services Department offers many opportunities for energetic and talented candidates looking to take on new challenges. Variety, growth, and benefits are just a few reasons why the City of Ottawa is consistently ranked as the one of the National Capital Region’s Top Employers and Canada’s Best Diversity Employers! Once you are onboard, you will have access to a range of professional development opportunities within the City of Ottawa.

Whether you are a student, recent graduate, mid-career, or semi-retired, there are part-time, full-time, temporary, and seasonal positions posted throughout the year that fit many schedules.

  • Summer recruitment
    • Full-time summer positions are posted in February and competitions remain open until the end of August or until they are filled.
  • Year-round recruitment
    • Permanent year-round part-time positions are updated every June and competitions stay open until they are filled.
    • Permanent and temporary full-time positions are posted sporadically throughout the year.

Please note, some part-time competitions are open to candidates who turn 15 years of age by the end of the calendar year. Criteria appears in the application process on the job website.

Application and onboarding

Before you apply

  • Review how to apply for jobs online at the City of Ottawa
  • The City of Ottawa does not accept unsolicited, late or incomplete applications.
  • Apply online to all competitions that you are interested in and qualified for.
  • We can only consider you for employment for the competitions to which you have applied.

Apply online at ottawa.ca/careers.

  • ​​​​Year-round positions (September to June)
  • Summer positions (July to August)
  • The summer application process opens each year in February and closes at the end of the summer season.

Requirements

Please note that the following is required during the onboarding process for new hires:

Police Records Check 

Successful applicants must provide a valid Police Record Check within the last six months, depending on the position offered. Details about the type of Police Record Check required are available on the competition and will be confirmed by the hiring manager at the hiring stage. 

  • Level 1 Criminal Record Check 
  • Level 2 Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (applicants under the age of 18) 
  • Level 3 Vulnerable Sector Check 

For information on Police Record Checks, visit the Ottawa Police Service website

Documents 

The following documents are required by successful candidates during the onboarding process: 

  • Social Insurance Number 
  • Valid Police Record Check within the last six months. 
  • Void check or direct deposit form from a banking institution in the applicant's name (please note that direct deposit is mandatory). 
  • Proof of age (candidates must meet the minimum age requirement as outlined in the competition). 
  • Current qualifications and certifications outlined in the competition (original documents may be requested). 

For any inquiries, please contact the HR Service Centre by email or by phone at 613-580-2424, extension 47411. 

All instructors teach classes and training sessions according to the established corporate rules and standards.

Maintenance Helpers are responsible for performing duties associated with the operation and maintenance of all City facilities, including but not limited to:

  • Minor facility maintenance and carpentry
  • Basic repairs of facilities equipment
  • Ice resurfacing and pool operations 
  • General housekeeping
  • Setup and cleanup for special events 
  • Painting 
  • Grounds maintenance 
  • Snow removal

They maintain:

  • Recreation and cultural facilities
  • Police and fire stations 
  • Public libraries 
  • Childcare centres 
  • Paramedic posts 
  • Public Works facilities 
  • Ottawa City Hall  
  • Administrative buildings 
  • Museums 
  • Long-term care facilities  
  • Outdoor spaces
  • Event spaces

A variety of jobs, usually full-time, become available throughout the year across the department. These are often specialized positions in our business areas which include:

  • Business and Technical Support Services
    • Arts and Heritage Development
    • Business Applications
    • Employee Administration and Training
    • Marketing and Communications
    • Partnerships, Corporate Advertising, Sponsorship
    • Project Management
    • Strategic Support
    • Workplace Wellbeing
  • Complexes - Aquatics and Specialized Services
    • Aquatics Operations
    • Community Programs
    • Inclusive Recreation
    • Recreation Complex Operations
  • Community Recreation, Culture and Support Services
    • Community, cultural, heritage recreation and sport programs
  • Facility Operations
    • Facility management
  • Parks and Facilities Planning

Youth leadership programs

Real training, real certificates, real experience!

The City of Ottawa offers a full range of leadership programs for youth 14 and up.

“My daughter really enjoyed the leadership camp. She learned so much, made some great friends, and recognized some strengths that she didn't even know she had.” Lori Kerrigan, mom of past participant

“It was amazing and rewarding to see how much the participants grew. I didn’t even recognize them by the end of the program.” Derek McDonald, leadership instructor

“It was a fun way to develop life lessons and skills, gain work experience and meet new friends.” Liane Geis, past participant

Advanced Leadership Program (ALP)

This program is aimed at youth 14 years and up and focuses on valuable pre-employment skills, hands on work experience in recreation (qualifies for the 40+ hours of community service), certification in High Five: Principle of Healthy Child Development, Standard First aid, CPR, and defibrillator training.

Volunteer opportunities - Recreation

Want to gain volunteering experience while making a difference in your community? The Recreation, Cultural and Facilities ​Services Department has a wide variety of volunteer opportunities for people aged 14 years or older. Assist with:

  • before and after school programs
  • March break camps
  • holiday​ camps
  • summer camps
  • an activity or program at one of our many Community Centres

Volunteer in your community today!

View more information, or for questions email or call 613-580-2424 ext. 20029.

Hands together

Volunteer opportunities - Museums

Volunteers 14 years or older can take part in:

  • Administrative support
  • Assisting with educational and public programs
  • Artefact collections
  • Costumed actors
  • Customer service
  • Exhibitions
  • Gardening
  • Heritage trades
  • Photography
  • Promotional outreach
  • Prop and set building
  • Research
  • Sewing
  • Tea service (Tea on the Lawn)

Some volunteer roles may require specialized skills, training, or knowledge. Prospective volunteers are encouraged to indicate relevant skills and training when completing their online application.

Browse our current volunteer opportunities or select a link below to learn more about your community museums! 

Locations

*Public bus routes do not service this site

Volunteers 16 years or older can take part in:

  • Preparing meals and refreshments for artists
  • Preparing the front of house for the patrons
  • Folding and distributing programmes
  • Scanning tickets
  • Assisting patrons to their seats
  • Greeting patrons
  • Assisting patrons with accommodation requirements
  • Providing directions
  • Loading and unloading trucks
  • Assisting with the setup and tear down of the stage
  • Assisting with scenery changes
  • Assisting with sound/lights for performances
  • Operating production equipment
  • Setting up microphones and speakers

Some volunteer roles may require specialized skills, training, or knowledge. Prospective volunteers are encouraged to indicate relevant skills and training when completing their online application.

Browse our current volunteer opportunities.

Locations