Employment

Top reasons to work here

1. The people - Our staff are warm and inviting. They come from different backgrounds and offer different perspectives.
2. The atmosphere - A positive, friendly and welcoming environment helps to keep staff engaged and motivated.    
3. The city - Waterloo is home to three of Canada's top post-secondary institutions. We are one of the most recognized startup communities in the world with high employment rates and an active quality of life.
4. Flexibility - We offer alternatives from the traditional workday to support and nurture work-life balance.
5. Giving back - From large campaigns that support the United Way to more grass-roots fundraisers like the Christmas hamper, there are lots of opportunities to get involved and give back.
6. Social events - Annual employee events, staff trips to Wonderland, BBQs and more bring employees together.
7. Training and development - Support is provided for career growth and development. Employees often begin their career here as part-time staff, working their way through to full-time positions permanent in a variety of departments.
8. Benefits package - Dental, vision, massage therapy, vacation - we've got you covered.
9. Employee assistance program - Employees have access to a confidential program that provides support and practical solutions on a range of personal and work-related issues.
10. Health and safety - We are committed to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment for employees.
11. Diversity - We are an equal-opportunity employer that values diversity in our workforce.

Employee testimonials 

Our dedicated staff work in a variety of fields from firefighting, horticulture and engineering, to aquatics, planning and finance.

"I don't face the public directly in my work, but I support teams that do, and that gives me satisfaction because I know I'm helping others. I like the challenge. Every day is different and that keeps me engaged and it gives me an opportunity to learn and improve my skills."

- Fern, systems analyst

"The location of my office allows for work-life balance. I can easily fit in a skate, a walk or a swim into my day which leaves my family time for family time."

- Nancy, supervisor, leisure and active living programs 

"I love my job because I make a difference by addressing our residents' concerns. It's nice to be able to see things through. I like working with a variety of people from different teams across the organization, who are always willing to help out and get things done."

- Zohra, customer service 

"I was born and raised in Kitchener-Waterloo. It feels good to work in a city and help people I've known my entire life. I love the work I do in the forestry division and the team I work with is great, we are all well trained and work really well together as part of a team with a common goal. It's satisfying knowing we are having a positive impact on our community on a daily basis."

- Ben, forestry

"The City of Waterloo delivers some really interesting and great projects - this is a city that definitely punches above its weight. The work that I do, for example station area planning for the ION, exposes me to things you wouldn't see in other cities of similar size. I can grow as a professional here because there are great leaders helping me gain experience and knowledge for further improvement and development."

- Adam, planner 

Recruitment process

• all applications must be submitted online on our job opportunities page
• application files should be in .doc, .docx or pdf files
• once you apply online, you will get an email confirmation
• if you do not receive a confirmation email, check the ‘junk’ folder in your email account
• ensure applications for part-time, casual positions includes supplementary availability sheet
• if you are selected for an interview, we will contact you to schedule an interview
• interviews are held with an interview panel and will have behavioural and technical questions

Accommodations 

Interview format

Hiring of relatives policy