Community Leisure Programmer

Position Details

• Primary Work Location: WMRC: Community Pavilion
• Hourly Range: $36.17 - $45.22 (Band I)
• Employment Group: Staff Association
• Job Status: Temporary Full Time (up to 6 months)
• Posting Release Date: August 31, 2026
• Hours of Work: 35 hours per week
• Posting Closing Date: September 13, 2026
• Department: Parks & Recreation

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 & Guiding Principles, please click here: 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 for 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 the initiatives that guide this corporate journey.
• A commitment to environmental sustainability as demonstrated in many plans and policies. For example, we are 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.
• Substantial internal and external training and development opportunities.
• Opportunities to get involved and give back to the community.
• Employee-wide events, activities, site visits, BBQs, etc.
• Complimentary FitPass for access to leisure, swim, and fitness drop-in programs for employees and family members.
• …And so much more!

What You Will Do

Reporting to the Supervisor, Children's Programs and Inclusion Services, your primary responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Coordinate, promote and deliver multi-site recreation programs (camps, specialized active living and leisure programs).
• Work in collaboration with community members to deliver programming (i.e. contracted instructors or service providers).
• Provide leadership (oversight, recruitment and orientation) and support to part time program staff including camp leaders and coordinators, program assistants, instructors.
• Develop and introduce new innovative and creative program opportunities designed to meet the needs and preferences of the community.
• Ensure quality of program content and program delivery by conducting program and program instructor evaluations on an annual basis or when required, and provide recommendations to the Supervisor and/or Recreation Services management team.
• Ensure programs are operating in compliance with Occupational Health and Safety, Accessibility Legislation, Public Health Regulations, and City of Waterloo policies and procedures.
• Demonstrate a strong customer service orientation, responding promptly to customer inquiries and requests including customer complaints and inappropriate participant behaviour.
• Ensure programs operate and support overall budgetary targets relative to revenue and expenditure.
• Organize efficient scheduling and logistical administration of programs to maximize use of existing and sometimes limited resources.
• Maintain required statistics and prepare reports as required.
• Assist with identifying staffing requirements and assist with the recruitment, interviewing, hiring, and training of seasonal and program staff as needed.
• Assist with payroll submissions as required.
• Work collaboratively with other program staff and customer service teams to ensure development and seamless delivery of programming.
• Participate actively at section and divisional staff meetings and other department committees as required.
• Assist in establishing, monitoring and achieving goals and objectives as set out in the corporate Strategic Plan and Recreation Services Business Plan.
• Ensure work is performed in a safe manner according to health and safety guidelines and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

What You Will Bring

• A post-secondary diploma in Recreation and Leisure or related field and/or equivalent experience and education.
• A minimum of two (2) years of knowledge and experience with diverse programming for all ages including camps, leisure and active living programs, older adult programming, special interest, arts & culture, educational and social programs.
• Strong understanding of recreational issues, best practices, trends and policy development.
• Excellent customer service skills are required.
• Must be able to demonstrate leadership skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Must be a highly motivated, self-starter with excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to establish effective working relationships.
• Demonstrate the ability to confidently and effectively handle emergency situations.
• Proficient computer skills in Word and Excel is required; knowledge of ACTIVENet system is a definite asset.
• Understanding of pertinent legislation, including but not limited to AODA, Occupational Health and Safety and Public Health, as it applies to recreation programming is an asset.
• Knowledge of HIGH FIVE Principles of Healthy Child Development and/or Principles of Healthy Aging is an asset.
• Able to work in a changing environment and have an interest in broader community initiatives.