Youth employment

Working as a student with the City of Kitchener is more than just a job - it’s a chance to build valuable skills, gain hands-on experience and make a real impact in your community.

Summer and part-time opportunities

We hire students for summer and part-time work. Whether it’s lifeguarding at our pools, running programs at community centres, supporting events at The Aud, working in our parks or providing exceptional customer service, we offer a wide variety of opportunities.

Whether you're exploring future career paths or looking to grow your resume, our student positions offer meaningful work, transferable job skills and a fun environment. It’s a great way to connect with others and build confidence.


 

Lifeguarding and aquatics

Becoming a lifeguard is a great way to learn more about teaching and coaching. You can also share your passion for swimming with others. Learn more about what we look for in lifeguards and how to become one.


A place to build your career

Meet Jerry: A career built from the ice up

Jerry began his journey with the City of Kitchener as a part-time employee, sweeping stands and driving the Zamboni at the Aud. With mentorship support for training and internal growth, he moved into a full-time role two years later. Over the last 27 years, Jerry has worked in various departments, earned his refrigeration certifications and now serves as VP of CUPE Local 68.

First job at the City of Kitchener: Part-time Labourer at The Aud

Current job at the City of Kitchener: Parks Maintainer Turf

"Starting in an entry-level role taught me a lot,” says Jerry. “If you're open to learning, growing, and taking on new challenges, there’s real opportunity to build a meaningful career with the City of Kitchener."

Side-by-side image: On the left, a man in a navy City of Kitchener jacket and cap smiles in front of a red backdrop with white text. On the right, the same man is in high-visibility safety gear—orange jacket, red pants, yellow hard hat, face shield, and ear protection. He is cutting a fallen tree branch in a forest.

 

Teagan’s 30-year journey: Growing up and giving back

Teagan began working with the City of Kitchener at the age of 15, as leader with summer camps and also worked with youth programs. Over the years, she has worked in 10 of the 14 community centres, built new centres from the ground up and is now a people leader. With every step, mentors helped her grow and develop her skills and now she’s doing the same for others.

First role at the City of Kitchener: Summer Camp Leader

Current role at the City of Kitchener: Manager, Community Centres

"I grew up in Kitchener - I took dance classes at a community centre when I was five,” says Teagan. “I’ve always felt supported in my career, and now I get to pay that forward to other young people. I really can’t imagine working anywhere else."

Teagan smiles at the camera - left side, pictured at her first role at the City - right side, pictured at her current job at the City.

High school co-op opportunities

We offer a co-operative education program for high-school students, in partnership with the Waterloo Region District School Board and the Waterloo Catholic District School Board. Please connect with your school to learn more.

Post-secondary co-op opportunities

Post-secondary co-operative education opportunities are posted at Conestoga College, the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University. Please connect with your on-campus co-op or career centre to learn more.