Program Associate - Recreation Services

Position Details

• Primary Work Location: RIM Park Manulife Sportsplex & Healthy Living Centre, Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex & Community Pavilion, Albert McCormick Community Centre, and Moses Springer
• Posting Status: Internal & External Job Posting
• Number of Positions: 3 (Current Vacancies)
• Employment Group: Non-Union
• Job Status: Casual Part Time
• Posting Release Date: October 19, 2026
• Hours of Work: Up to 24 hours per week
• Posting Closing Date: October 30, 2026

Why Work With Us

The City of Waterloo is a rewarding place to work. Each day, you will support and/or participate in the delivery of services that impact residents of this city, making it a great place to live, work and play for everyone.

Home to two world-class universities, a top-ranked college, a tech ecosystem, entrepreneurs and small businesses, there is a readiness to do things differently in Waterloo. Our vision is to be a leader in sustainability and to build a future-ready community for all. We are committed to workplace wellbeing and providing an inclusive, safe and enjoyable work environment.

For more information about the City of Waterloo’s Strategic Plan, Vision, Values and Guiding Principles, see the City of Waterloo 2023-2026 Strategic Plan.

What We Offer

• Supportive and caring organization that promotes respect, inclusivity, sustainability, health, safety and wellness.
• Dedication to the organization’s commitment to Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion through ongoing training and access to related programs and workshops, opportunities to connect with others around topics of social justice and equity, and opportunities to be involved with initiatives that guide this corporate journey.
• A commitment to environmental sustainability, as demonstrated in many plans and policies. For example, we’re working towards reducing our corporate greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2050, with real progress underway.
• Certification as a Living Wage Champion.
• Defined Benefit Pension Plan (OMERS) eligibility for all employees.
• Up to 10 paid Reservist Leave days per year, with single contribution OMERS buyback option for any unpaid time.
• Easy and sustainable commuting options through the TravelWise program, which offers public transit discounts and a dedicated carpool network for employees.
• Substantial internal and external training and development opportunities, along with opportunities to get involved and give back to the community.
• Enjoyable employee-wide events, activities, site visits and BBQs to connect with coworkers.
• Complimentary FitPass for access to leisure, swim and fitness drop-in programs for employees and family members.

What You Will Do

Reporting to the Supervisor, Sports Programming, your primary responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Monitor recreation and community programs and activities for a variety of participants, including children, youth, adults and seniors.
• Support participants with basic instructions and ensure participants behave in a safe and cooperative manner throughout activities and programs.
• Work with and monitor children's active programs, including Kid Athletes, Karate and fitness-style programs.
• Provide excellent customer service to program participants through direct interactions and engagement.
• Prepare, set up and take down equipment and supplies required for activities. Ensure facilities and assigned resources are maintained and ready for use.
• Maintain a clean, safe environment and identify and report any safety hazards or damage to equipment or the facility.
• Work cooperatively with other City staff and partners to ensure successful delivery of programs.
• Assess and respond to incidents, problems and emergencies as required in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Provide routine activity summaries and document incident reports if required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What You Will Bring

• In pursuit of secondary school education or equivalent.
• Six months’ experience monitoring community programming or recreation leagues.
• Experience working with or monitoring children and youth in active programs such as camps, sports and karate.
• Experience working with various age groups and familiarity with municipal recreation departments or outdoor parks operations is an asset.
• Exceptional customer service skills and the ability to deal cooperatively, efficiently and effectively with co-workers, customers and user groups.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to perform the physical duties of the job, including standing and walking for prolonged periods, lifting and moving equipment.
• Working knowledge of computer programs, including MS Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Valid MTO ‘G’ class driver’s license in good standing, with a driver’s abstract acceptable to the City, is preferred.
• A passion for promoting and maintaining a healthy and safe workplace and the ability to work respectfully and effectively in a team environment.
• Strong commitment to delivering quality customer service.
• Demonstrated commitment to Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion.

What We Will Require

• A Vulnerable Sector Check satisfactory to the City.
• Standard First Aid with CPR C certification recognized by the Workplace Safety Insurance Board (WSIB), required or to be obtained at own expense within the first month of employment.
• High Five certification.
• Proof of current and valid certificates, licences and/or educational qualifications, if applicable.

Hours of Work

A schedule is established at the beginning of each season (up to 24 hours per week), though flexibility may be required depending on operational and staffing needs. This position requires evening and weekend availability.

This position requires access to reliable transportation as work hours may be outside regular transit service hours.