Employment

Thank you for your interest in working with the City of Waterloo. We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from all qualified individuals.

View job opportunities + apply online

Working here

Working for the City of Waterloo can be challenging, rewarding and fun. You can learn more about the organization through the strategic plan, our staff structure, and the members of city council.

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.

Picture of Fern, a systems analyst"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

 

Nancy, a leisure program supervisor"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 

 

Zohra, an employee from customer service

"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 

 

Ben, a forestry worker in a hrad hat"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

 

Adam, a planner from the city"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 
Accommodations are available for all steps of the recruitment process. Applicants need to make their needs known to human resources prior to the step in the process where assistance is required.

Interview format
Interviews are conducted at city facilities by a panel that includes a member of human resources and the hiring manager/director. The interview panel members will give you more details on the position, and you will be asked behavioural and technical questions.

Hiring of relatives policy

According to our policy (PDF), relatives of city employees and elected officials can seek employment with the city, but are prohibited from working in positions in which one supervises the other or where one can exert influence over the other. 

Collective bargaining agreements

The city has three different labour groups. Collective agreements cover vacation time, pay scales, benefits and other employee-employer regulations.