Employment

Top reasons to join our team

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

Here's what we offer:

• Supportive workplace: we promote respect, health, safety and wellness
• Commitment to Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity, and Inclusion (READI): ongoing training, workshops, and opportunities to connect and participate in READI initiatives across the organization
• Living Wage Champion: we're proudly certified as an Ontario Living Wage Employer
• Employer-paid benefits: extended health and dental care, including paid sick days, long-term disability, life insurance, and an Employee and Family Assistance Program (check job posting for eligibility)
• Defined benefit pension plan: all employees are eligible for OMERS
• Flexible schedules: paid vacation, personal days, and overtime banking (eligibility varies)
• Development opportunities: internal and external training to help you grow
• Community engagement: opportunities to get involved and give back to the community
• Opportunities to connect: enjoy events, activities, site visits, BBQs and more
• FitPass: free access to leisure, swim, and fitness programs for you and your family

Be You @ Waterloo — our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging

We acknowledge that our work is situated on the land traditionally cared for by the Haudenosaunee, Anishnaabe and Chonnonton Peoples, and the enduring presence and deep traditional knowledge and philosophies of the Indigenous Peoples with whom we share this land today. 

We're committed to Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity, and Inclusion and reducing barriers to employment opportunities.

We encourage applications from historically underrepresented groups, including Black, Indigenous, racialized communities, women, persons with disabilities and members of 2SLGBTQIA+. Self-identification in applications is encouraged.

Follow these steps to apply online

1. View current job postings. Find a position that fits your experience and interests. Each posting includes:
• required experience and education
• salary range or hourly pay
• hours of work
• work location
• union affiliation
• term length (if role is temporary)
• number of positions
2. Save or print job details for future reference. Job details are only available online during the posting period.
3. Prepare and apply: Prepare your resume and cover letter. When ready, click "Apply to this job."
4. Submit your application: Upload your resume and cover letter (as one file) via Dropbox, LinkedIn, Google Drive, OneDrive, or directly from your computer or device.
   • we prefer PDFs but also accept .doc and .docx files
5. Complete the form: Make sure to fill in all required fields (marked with asterisks). Optional fields are not mandatory.
6. Email confirmation: You’ll receive a confirmation email once you apply.
7. Check your inbox and junk mail folder — emails will be from Talent Pool Builder (no‑reply@talentpoolbuilder.com)

What happens after you apply
We review all applications and email only those selected for the next phase.

Sign up for job alerts

Get email notifications when we post a new job that fits your experience and interests. 

Check your inbox and junk mail folder — emails will be from Talent Pool Builder (no‑reply@talentpoolbuilder.com).

Accommodations

We’re committed to inclusivity and offer accommodations at all stages of the recruitment process.

If you need accommodations, email us at recruitment@waterloo.ca. Include the position title and competition number in your message.

We occasionally offer co-op and placement opportunities, which are posted on the respective school’s website and follow their co-op processes and timelines.

Waterloo Library careers

The library operates separately from the city. Check library job openings on their website.

What to expect in an interview

Candidates invited to attend an interview will receive 2 emails:

• first email: confirms you've been selected and provides location, parking, and public transit information
• second email: gives the interview date, time, location and interviewer names
  • some candidates may need to select an available time from a calendar 
  • virtual interviews will include a Microsoft Teams link
• check your inbox and junk mail folder — emails will be from Talent Pool Builder (no‑reply@talentpoolbuilder.com)

Interview format

• interviews are held either in person at city facilities or virtually via Microsoft Teams
• you’ll meet at least two interviewers; their names and titles will be shared in advance
• the interviewers will provide more details about the position and ask behavioural and technical questions
• for in-person interviews, please limit fragrances due to allergies and sensitivities

Preparing for virtual interviews

• ensure your browser supports third-party cookies and Microsoft Teams
• test your camera and microphone beforehand
• use the Microsoft Teams link provided in your invitation to join the interview

What to wear

• dress appropriately for municipal business, while allowing individual expression

Need to reschedule?

• email recruitment@waterloo.ca for immediate assistance in cancelling or rescheduling your interview

Prepare employment references

If you move ahead in the recruitment process, we'll ask you to submit employment references through an online form. Here's what we're looking for:

• provide contact information for at least 2 references (3 preferred)
• include at least 2 current or past managers or supervisors, if possible
• if you don’t have employment experience, use teachers, volunteer supervisors, or coaches
• we don’t accept relatives or family members as references
• we’ll email your references directly:
  • you will need to provide their email addresses
  • remind them to check their inbox and junk mail folder — emails will be from Talent Pool Builder (no‑reply@talentpoolbuilder.com)

Read our Recruitment Policy and use of AI

Recruitment Policy

Our Recruitment Policy (PDF) explains how we ensure a fair, transparent, and inclusive hiring process. It focuses on removing barriers to employment and encourages applications from diverse and underrepresented groups.

Our use of AI during recruitment

We use an artificial intelligence (AI) tool to assist in reviewing resumes by organizing and highlighting relevant work history. This tool is used only to support the hiring process and does not make any hiring decisions. All final decisions are made by City staff.