Job Spotlight
This section highlights some of the many positions available at the City of Markham.
You will learn about the roles, the benefits of working at the City and the hiring process.
- Aquatics
Are you looking for a fun new job? Land one of the best jobs in Markham and get paid doing something you love, while staying fit. Make new friends and build valuable skills that will set you apart in the workforce.
We have opportunities all across our City facilities – with plenty of excitement to dive into. This is a great chance to use your skills to help keep your community safe. And that’s something you can really be proud of.
If you have proven skills and a passion for all things aquatics, let’s jump right in. Our Certified Lifeguard and Swim Instructor roles are both known for the excitement. No two days are ever the same – and that’s because it’s a fast-paced, high-energy environment. Whether you’re teaching children or keeping families safe, you can have an important role in protecting your community.
What you’ll gain
Joining our Aquatics team means you can make a difference in many aspects of your community. Not only will you help people stay safe, you can teach them skills that will last a lifetime. It’s a rewarding, active and challenging role – that comes with a great sense of pride and achievement. And when it comes to your future, you’ll set yourself up for plenty of success. Our roles have been known to prepare team members for fulfilling careers in education, public service, physiotherapy and more.
Here are some valuable skills you’ll gain on the job:
- Leadership
- Conflict management
- Communications
- Creative lesson planning
- Teamwork
Key Requirements
It takes a lot of skills and focus to succeed on our team. That’s just one of the reasons we offer ongoing training to help you keep up with the latest techniques and protocols. And while you’re bound to have fun on the job, you’ll also gain valuable work experience that can set you apart for the future.
To qualify as a Lifeguard, you must be at least 16 years of age and have the following certifications:
- Standard First Aid
- National Lifeguard
To qualify as a Swim Instructor, you must be at least 16 years of age and have the following certifications:
- Lifesaving Society Swim and Lifesaving Instructors
- Bronze Cross or National Lifeguard
- Standard First Aid
Working Here
With more than 500 team members working at different facilities across the community, we’re united by a close-knit culture. The Aquatics team is a fun group that spends a lot of time together building relationships. There are many opportunities to interact personally with fellow team members, children and patrons. Working here, you’ll get to know some incredible people – all united by a shared passion for swimming.
Here’s a look at what it’s like when you join our team:
- Inclusive and diverse environment
- Gold standard for the best experience and safety of participants
- Flexibility by picking your own schedule
- Rotating stations during your shift creating continual interest and engagement
Our environment is centered around helping others. If you ask us, there’s no better way to give back to your community – but don’t take our word for it. Here’s what some of our team members have to say:
“It’s rewarding to see the excitement on kids’ faces when they finally achieve a skill.”
-Swim Instructor“I love making friends on my team and working together to put safety first.”
-Certified Lifeguard“I’m helping others develop confidence – and have fun at the same time.”
-Swim InstructorBenefits & Perks
- A flexible work schedule
- Free access to any aquatic drop-in program
- Exclusive discounts:
- Markham Fitness Centre membership
- YRT transit passes
- Qualification certifications or recertifications
Hiring Process
Our hiring process is designed to help make sure we find a great match – for both the City of Markham and for you. We know that in order to be successful, it’s important to start off right. That’s why you’ll have the support you need to feel prepared and comfortable every step of the way.
Interview
It all starts with an interview, where we get to know your qualifications and experience. Candidates are also required to go into the pool to be evaluated on their technical skills in the water. As a potential candidate, remember to just be yourself. Come prepared and ready to talk about your skills, knowledge and goals – as well as your values and interests. This is your chance to share who you are, and what you can add to the team.
What do I bring to my interview?
Be sure to bring copies of your resume, plus any relevant certifications or professional references.
Background Check
If you get an offer, the next step will be a background check. All potential candidates are required to submit a current Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS) by the date listed in your offer letter.
How do I get my VSS?
Go to your local police department website and follow the directions. You’ll also find information about costs and wait times. Here are some helpful links:
Note: If you live in the City of Toronto, please contact Human Resources at the City of Markham Civic Centre.
Finding the right people to join our growing team is one of the most valuable things we can do. We’re here to help make this a positive experience that we can all learn from, no matter the outcome.
- Camps
We are always looking for new ways to make a positive impact on our youngest residents. After all, today’s children are tomorrow’s leaders in our community. That is why we look for the most compassionate and driven people to help make our summer camps as successful as possible. As part of our team, you can have a hand in connecting almost 9,500 children to a variety of meaningful camps.
About the Role
If you have a strong enthusiasm for children and your community, you are in the right place. With our full-day and half-day summer camps, you can join us in a variety of roles – from Counsellor to Specialist. It is a great way to apply your creativity to make a difference for children between the ages of four and 15.
Our Inclusion Camp Counsellors also offer one-on-one support for campers with special needs. Your role with our inclusion campers is vital to the success of our camp program and makes a difference in a child’s life.
Camp Positions
Brief descriptions of the different kinds of camp positions are outlined below.
- Camp Director
The Camp Director manages the City of Markham Summer Day Camps within a designated recreation area and has oversight responsibilities for program planning, program delivery and administration. The Camp Director also oversees up to approximately 350 campers ranging from 3 to 16 years of age, while supervising and coaching 40 to 50 staff including supervisors, counsellors, specialists, and volunteers.
- Camp Inclusion Director
The Camp Inclusion Director manages all program planning, program delivery and administration for the special needs services within the City of Markham’s Summer Day Camps and oversees approximately 60 to 100 campers with special needs ranging primarily from 3 to 16 years of age, while supervising and coaching 15 to 20 staff including inclusion supervisors and inclusion counsellors. The Camp Inclusion Director also provides support to staff in day camps via Integration services.
- Camp Supervisor
The Camp Supervisor manages one of the City of Markham’s Summer and Holiday Day Camps with responsibilities including program planning, program delivery and administration. The Camp Supervisor oversees up to 120 campers ranging from 3 to 12 years of age, while supervising and coaching up to 15 staff including counsellors, specialists, and volunteers.
- Camp Inclusion Supervisor
The Camp Inclusion Supervisor manages program delivery and administration for the special needs services within the City of Markham’s Summer Day Camps. The Camp Inclusion Supervisor oversees up to 60 campers with special needs ranging primarily from 3 to 16 years of age, while supervising and coaching up to 25 staff. The Supervisor also provides support to staff in day camps via Integration services.
- Camp Specialist
The Camp Specialist manages a group of campers in one of the City of Markham’s Summer Camps with responsibilities including program planning, program delivery and administration. The program planning has a focus on either canoeing or high/low ropes. The Camp Specialist supervises a group of 6 to 10 campers (pre-schoolers, children or youth) and volunteers.
- Camp Counsellor
The Camp Counsellor manages a group of campers in one of the City of Markham’s Summer and Holiday Day Camps with responsibilities including program planning, program delivery and administration. The Camp Counsellor supervises a group of 6 to 10 campers (pre-schoolers, children or youth) and coaches and volunteers.
- Camp Inclusion Counsellor
The Camp Inclusion Counsellor supports a camper that may be a pre-schooler, child or youth with special needs in a City of Markham Summer Day Camp. Responsibilities include inclusive program planning, delivery and administration. The Camp Inclusion Counsellor primarily supports campers on a one-on-one basis and also provides support to camp counsellors, and volunteers.
Culture Camps
Help children explore their interests and find their passions, while opening the door to a lifetime of appreciation for the arts and beyond.
Our Art Gallery camps include:
- Art history
- Painting
- Drawing
- Sculpture
- Photography
- Fashion
Our Museum camps include:
- Archaeology
- History
- Anthropology
- Science
- Urban nature
- Engineering
Our Theatre camps include:
- Live performance
- Dance
- Musical theatre
- Mime
- Movement
- Voice
Recreation Camps
Help children stay active during the summer, while teaching them the importance of teamwork and respect. Our camps are safe, fun and inclusive for all participants.
Our camps include a variety of sports and activities:
- Badminton
- Basketball
- Robotics and Rocketry
- Skateboarding
- Tennis
- Soccer
- Chess
- Magic
- Eco Camp
- Computers
- Animation
- Volleyball
- Golf
- Hockey
- S.T.E.A.M or Technology
- Cooking
- Educational camps i.e. writing, math
- Swimming
- And so much more
Key Skills
It takes a lot of different talents to help create an engaging experience for children. Not only do you need to believe in the importance of culture and recreation in our community, you need to demonstrate the following skills:
Leadership
Influence and motivate others, while maintaining an overall commitment to excellence
Safety & Risk Management
Actively anticipate any type of risk – and do your part to keep a safe environment
Teambuilding
Foster a strong sense of belonging, camaraderie and support within the camp
Judgment
Assess situations, draw appropriate conclusions and make sound decisions
Customer Service
Focus individual and group efforts toward identifying and meeting community needs
Organization
Plan and implement highly engaging and meaningful activities that reach our goals
Problem Solving
Come up with effective solutions to manage and resolve day-to-day issues as they arise
Certifications
To qualify, you must be at least 16 years of age and be certified in Standard First Aid and CPR Level C and HIGH FIVE® Healthy Child Development. If you have not already, you can complete these training courses and obtain your certifications at our local community centres or through the Lifesaving Society.
Working Here
When you join one of our culture and recreation camps, you will gain more than you ever thought possible. Not only will you have the opportunity to share your passions and personal interests, you will help create a deeper sense of belonging that brings the entire community together. The impact you will make and the relationships you will build can last a lifetime – and it all starts this summer.
Here are some valuable skills you will gain on the job:
- Working with people (including people who have disabilities)
- Communicating verbally with different age groups
- Building interpersonal, leadership and teaching skills
- Managing people and providing customer service
- Gain valuable skills to help you excel in your future career
Our team comes together to create a fun work environment that is centered around putting children first.
Here is a look at what it is like to join our team:
- Inclusive and diverse environment
- Social activities – in and outside of work
- Youthful and student-oriented atmosphere
- Independent work, with the opportunity for collaboration
- Lead campers in your community and make a difference in their lives
Benefits & Perks
- A flexible work schedule
- Free access to any aquatic drop-in program
- Exclusive discounts:
- Markham Fitness Centre membership
- YRT transit passes
- Qualification certifications or recertifications
Hiring Process
Our hiring process is designed to make sure every role we fill is a great match – for both the City of Markham and for you. We know that in order to be successful, it is important to start off right. That is why you will have the support you need to feel prepared and comfortable every step of the way.
Interview
It all starts with an interview, where we get to know your qualifications and experience. As a potential candidate, remember to just be yourself. Come prepared and ready to talk about your skills, knowledge and goals – as well as your values and interests. This is your chance to share who you are, and what you can add to the team.
There is also a practical interview component in the recruitment process. Applicants are asked to come prepared to lead a game, using their fellow applicants to act as “campers”. Applicants are evaluated based on criteria such as preparedness, leadership, execution of activities, safety and inclusion.
What do I bring to my interview?
Be sure to bring copies of your resume, plus any relevant certifications or professional references. References are conducted if you are successful in the interview process.
Background Check
If you get an offer, the next step will be a background check. All potential candidates are required to submit a current Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS) by the date listed in your offer letter.
How do I get my VSS?
Go to your local police department website and follow the directions. You’ll also find information about costs and wait times. Here are some helpful links:
Note: If you live in the City of Toronto, please contact Human Resources at the City of Markham Civic Centre.
Finding the right people to join our growing team is one of the most valuable things we can do. We’re here to help make this a positive experience that we can all learn from, no matter the outcome.
- Camp Director
- Planners
We are looking for Planners to help build the next generation of innovative communities that the City of Markham is known for. You are a true visionary, committed to shaping the future of our growing City, building on its existing urban areas, expanding its parks and open space systems, preserving its greenways and key natural areas, focusing on environmental sustainability, championing the creation of complete communities. This is an exciting opportunity to bring your ideas to life and to create something remarkable for the people that live and work in Markham.
About the Role
If you are a dedicated and energetic individual who is committed to achieving excellence in urban planning and city building, this is the right place. Our Planners thrive in a fast-paced work environment designed to promote our socially and economically diverse community. Whether you are developing new employment areas, business parks or residential and mixed use districts, you will find plenty of ways to leave your mark for years to come.
Here are some of the key responsibilities of this position:
- Manage, analyze, and make recommendations on complex development applications within prescribed timelines
- Identify and negotiate land use and development concepts and solutions with internal and external clients
- Undertake, research and prepare policies, guidelines, and regulations
- Conduct independent site visits relative to assigned files and projects
- Assist in the interpretation and ongoing maintenance of the Official Plan, Secondary Plans and Zoning By-laws
- Prepare planning reports and deliver presentations to Committees, Council and at Public Meetings
- Facilitate and initiate public consultation, liaison and community outreach
Key Skills
It takes a lot of different talents to help turn visions into realities. Not only do you need to be able to collaborate between other departments, public agencies, residents, applicants and Councillors, you also need to demonstrate a variety of skills:
- Service Excellence: Meet or exceeds service standards when interacting with customers in the community and in the organization
- Change & Innovation: Respond positively and professionally to change and helps others through change
- Teamwork & Relationship Building: Interact with others in an inclusive, collaborative and respectful way that creates effective working relationships
- Communication: Communicate in a clear, professional and respectful way; and demonstrates active listening
- Accountable & Results Oriented: Demonstrate ethical behaviour and accountability, align with City values, and abides by relevant policies and legislation
- Management & Leadership: Demonstrate self-management, professionalism and engagement; and lead by example
Key Requirements
To qualify as a Planner, you must have a Degree in Planning or a related discipline and have related experience in development review and/or planning policy.
Working Here
The City of Markham offers a robust learning and development program that includes on-the-job training, access to in-house training and professional development opportunities, as well as opportunities to attend professional conferences. Our management team endeavours to provide you with the tools and support you need to grow your career and achieve your highest goals.
The City of Markham is divided into three multi-disciplinary Development Districts that handle all of the development applications within their geographic areas (excluding the City’s heritage districts). The Development Districts are comprised of Planners, Engineers, and Urban Designers, and each team is led by a District Manager. The Development Districts are centered around collaboration, which means that you work very closely and on a daily basis, with your team members from each of these disciplines. This team structure is part of what makes working here special. By encouraging communications between disciplines and avoiding the tendency to think in “professional silos”, it encourages more efficient working relationships and better community building.
Here is a look at what it is like working on our Development District teams:
- Collegial, highly professional atmosphere that encourages discussion and debate
- Responsive to client needs (residents; applicants; politicians; etc.)
- Regular weekly team meetings to discuss applications, and resolve matters in a team environment
- A Focus on innovation and finding better ways of doing things
- Opportunities for Team oriented social events (lunch; summertime BBQs; team-building exercises; etc.)
Benefits & Perks
At the City of Markham, we are proud that meaningful careers and excellence in service are a reality. We don’t just talk about a commitment to each other and our community, we live it! And that commitment is what inspires us as we create a better future for all. One of the many ways we see that commitment come to life is through our benefits, programs and culture. “Thrive at the City” reflects who we are today. It’s a comprehensive program designed to support our evolution as an organization while providing our staff with valued benefits and opportunities. “Thrive at the City” includes everything we offer our people: it’s your pay, your pension, your vacation time and other leaves. It also includes group health and insurance benefits, learning opportunities, training and safety programs, culture and workplace initiatives, and benefits that follow you into retirement. For the City, our benefit plans and programs are the investment we make in each of you – financial and more. Quite simply, it’s what we give in return for the outstanding contribution you make to our community every day.
Hiring Process
Our hiring process is designed to help make sure we find a great match – for both the City of Markham and for you. We know that in order to be successful, it’s important to start off right. That’s why you’ll have the support you need to feel prepared and comfortable every step of the way.
Submitting your application
- You will receive a confirmation email that your application has been successfully submitted
- All communication will be made by email or phone. Please check your emails regularly for messages from the City of Markham, and check your junk/spam mail folder as well.
- You can update your contact information at any time by logging into your candidate profile. However, the application you have already submitted will not automatically update your contact information.
Application Screening
- Your application will be reviewed by Human Resources and the Hiring Manager
- While all applications are welcome, only those applicants considered for an interview/test will be contacted by email or phone
Interview and/or Testing
- The interview panel will include the Hiring Manager and Human Resources and as needed, other relevant staff
- Interview(s), testing and references will be based on job-related criteria
- We invite applicants for interviews through email communication.
Selection
- The Hiring Manger and Human Resources will discuss the results of the interview, test and references against the requirements of the job to select the best candidate(s) for the job
Job Offer
- An offer of employment will be made to the successful candidate(s)
- Job offers may be conditional upon providing, at your expense, a Criminal Record Check/Vulnerable Screening Check (if required for the job) that is satisfactory to the City of Markham
Finding the right people to join our growing team is one of the most valuable things we can do. We’re here to help make this a positive experience that we can all learn from, no matter the outcome.
- Temporary Labourers - Operations
As a Temporary Labourer with the City of Markham, you will belong to a seasonal team that makes a lasting impact. This is a special opportunity to help maintain our community facilities, parks, roads or events for your family, friends and neighbours alike. Not only will you roll up your sleeves to create beautiful and safe areas, you will get the support, resources and tools you need to succeed in your specific role – and make your community proud.
About the Role
The City of Markham hires hundreds of seasonal workers each year from early April to end of October and from early November to end of April. If you enjoy being outdoors and working within a structured schedule, this might be the right fit for you. Our Temporary Labourers thrive in a team-oriented environment that is dedicated to safety, training and making a difference in the community.
We offer Temporary Labourer opportunities across two divisions:
Parks
- Trim Crew: maintain the grounds, mow lawns and care for trees including trimming, cutting, pruning, bracing, stumping and fertilizing
- Special Events: work weekends to participate in the set up and take down of equipment used at events
- Horticulture: perform a variety of garden tasks like pulling weeds and planting flowers, shrubs and trees
Roads
- Roads: ensure the overall safety and inspection of roadways by coordinating traffic for construction projects, setting up signage, roadway repairing and more
- Winter Sidewalk Maintenance: provide assistance involved in sidewalk winter maintenance to uphold our high levels of safety standards
Key Requirements
We are looking for friendly, customer service oriented and dedicated people to help our community lead by example. Whether you are trimming trees or inspecting roads, your work is important to the people who live here. To help you succeed, we will provide you job related training, health and safety training, work attire and work equipment – all you need to do is bring your work ethic, hands-on skills and the following requirements:
To qualify for our Parks roles, you must have:
- High School Diploma or equivalent.
- Full G License with clean driver’s abstract (no demerit points and no more than one moving and one non-moving infraction)
- Hands-on experience operating various grounds maintenance equipment used in parks and landscaping
- Standard First Aid & CPR C certification from a WSIB approved provider, or willing to obtain prior to joining our team
- The availability to work 40 hour shifts from 5 AM to midnight, 7 days a week
To qualify for our Winter Sidewalk Maintenance roles, you must have:
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- Full G License with clean driver’s abstract (no demerit points and no more than one moving and one non-moving infraction)
- Experience in grounds or winter maintenance
- Experience in the operations of various grounds maintenance equipment used for sidewalk winter maintenance such as four-wheel drive tractors, municipal-type tractors, snowplows, snow blowers and sanders
- The availability to work 20 hours per week, up to a maximum of 48 hours per week (no more than 13 hours per day).
- The flexibility to be assigned to one of two 4-day shifts: Sunday until Tuesday and every second Wednesday, or Thursday to Saturday plus every other Wednesday. Must be available for call-out within one hour, and for rotating standby shifts.
To qualify for our Roads roles, you must have:
- High School Diploma or equivalent, plus roads maintenance courses
- Full G License with clean driver’s abstract (no demerit points and no more than one moving and one non-moving infraction)
- Experience in roads maintenance, preferably in an urban growth environment
- Experience operating a range of light and heavy-duty vehicles, equipment, and hand tools.
- Operation of large articulated loaders; 5 tonne or larger crane and boom truck would be an asset
- The availability to work various shifts including afternoons (3:30 PM to midnight) and weekends
Working Here
Working here means belonging to a team that truly cares. You can feel it across our divisions – and it is the main reason many of our Temporary Labourers come back year after year. From being willing to help out wherever needed, to dropping off water bottles when the days are hot, we are proud of our friendly environment that is centred around taking care of each other. From day one, you will discover that safety is our top priority. That is why we offer intense training to help you and your team stay safe and healthy.
Here is a look at what you will gain as part of our team:
- Extensive health and safety, driver and equipment training from leading industry experts
- Dedication to health and safety practices and protocols, as well as provision of personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Experience working with various equipment and tools
Whether you join our Parks or Roads division, your role can open many doors for your future. Not only will you expand your skills and learn from the people around you, you will take great pride in your work. Doing your part to create a better community is what makes this opportunity so special.
Benefits & Perks
The work we do serves to improve the lives of those within our community. The City of Markham’s health and wellbeing programs are designed to support all staff and their families in achieving optimal health and wellbeing. It’s about enabling each of us to feel secure and protected as we live our best life, supporting us in a way that feels real. The City of Markham’s commitment to ensuring the health and safety of our staff is reflected through our comprehensive and accessible health and safety education and programs. Our total rewards called “Thrive at the City” includes everything we offer our people: it’s your pay, learning opportunities, training and safety programs, culture and workplace initiatives. These are designed to support who you are today, and how you want to grow both personally and professionally.
Hiring Process
Our hiring process is designed to help make sure we find a great match – for both the City of Markham and for you. We know that in order to be successful, it’s important to start off right. That’s why you’ll have the support you need to feel prepared and comfortable every step of the way.
- Selected candidates will be contacted by email to arrange an interview
- A driver’s abstract will be requested prior to the interview
- Interviews are either in person or virtual (Zoom)
- Those selected from interview will be asked to provide references (at least two previous direct Supervisors)
- If the applicant is successful, a formal offer will be provided to individual
Finding the right people to join our growing team is one of the most valuable things we can do. We’re here to help make this a positive experience that we can all learn from, no matter the outcome.