At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain parks and outdoor spaces, ensuring they are clean, safe, and accessible.
- Company: Join the City of Kingston, a vibrant and inclusive community-focused workplace.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience while contributing to your community this summer.
- Why this job: Make a difference in your city while developing valuable skills and connections.
- Qualifications: Must be enrolled in full-time studies and returning in Fall 2026.
- Other info: Flexible shifts available, including evenings and weekends, with a focus on teamwork.
The predicted salary is between 10 - 13 £ per hour.
The City of Kingston is grateful to experience the traditional territories of Anishinabek, Haudenosaunee and Huron-Wendat. Kingston is a smart, livable city in the heart of eastern Ontario. Its stable and diversified economy includes global corporations, innovative start-ups and all levels of government. At the City of Kingston, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential elements of a thriving workplace. We value the unique perspectives and experiences that each individual brings to our team. As we continue to grow, we are dedicated to creating an environment where all employees feel welcomed, respected, and empowered to contribute their best work. The City of Kingston views diversity as its strength and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented communities.
As staff, you play a pivotal role in enhancing people's lives by delivering exceptional, customer-centered services of the highest quality. Within our highly ethical environment, you'll embrace accountability by consistently going above and beyond, actively listening to our customers, creatively addressing their needs, and maintaining unwavering respect for all individuals you serve. As a result, you'll become an integral part of our qualified and dynamic team, recognised for its compassion, excellence, integrity, inclusivity, and adaptability.
Position Summary
- Ensure parks, open spaces, and outdoor amenities are safe, clean, and accessible.
- Responsible for park and sports field maintenance, including grass trimming and cutting, leaf/grass raking, diamond infield care, trash and litter collection.
- Maintenance and care for dog park areas including grass trimming, minor fence maintenance, and litter collection.
- Minor maintenance and care of park playground surfaces and structures.
- Minor maintenance of splash pads and daily cleaning of surface.
- Cleaning of park and sports field public washrooms and documentation.
- Clean and maintain park furniture including park benches, trash cans, picnic tables, and BBQs.
- Park special event support.
- Customer service interactions with park and sports field users.
- Perform traffic control duties in accordance with Book 7.
- Assist with general road crew labourer duties including shoveling, raking.
- Other duties as assigned.
Shift hours of operation are between 7:00 am and 11:00 pm, Monday to Sunday. Must be available to start full-time work as of May 4, 2026, varied shifts including evenings and weekends.
Qualifications, Competencies
- MUST BE ENROLLED IN AND RETURNING TO FULL-TIME SECONDARY OR POST SECONDARY STUDIES IN FALL OF 2026 – Verification will be required.
- Preference will be given to applicants with a valid Class 'G' driver’s licence.
- Must demonstrate corporate values of Belonging, Collaboration, Accountability, and Innovation.
Skills, Abilities, Work Demands
- Ability to work alone or in a team environment.
- Proven customer service skills.
- Proof of immunity to Tetanus and Hepatitis B may be required prior to start date.
- Ability to work outside in inclement weather conditions.
- Must be able to follow instructions and complete daily work assignments.
- Must provide and wear CSA approved protective footwear.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a satisfactory criminal record check at candidate’s own expense.
Closing Statement
Please inform us of any accommodations we need to make to ensure a barrier-free recruitment experience. Accommodations are available in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC) and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) at any stage in the recruitment process. We’re happy to provide more information if you email us at HRCity@cityofkingston.ca. Please apply to Career Opportunities at: www.cityofkingston.ca/Careers. Your resume must demonstrate how you meet position requirements. Please upload to your profile any educational Degrees, Diplomas and/or Certificates that are relevant and required for the position. We thank all who apply, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. Information collected will be handled in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The City of Kingston may utilise artificial intelligence (AI) assisted tools throughout the recruitment process. All final hiring decisions are made by qualified municipal staff. Please ensure to check any spam or junk folders for any emails coming from a City of Kingston account.
Public Works Student (Summer Student 2026) in Kingston upon Thames employer: City of Kingston
Contact Detail:
City of Kingston Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Public Works Student (Summer Student 2026) in Kingston upon Thames
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the City of Kingston! Research their values and mission, especially around diversity and inclusion. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills! Since this role involves interacting with park users, think about how you can demonstrate your ability to listen and respond to their needs during interviews or networking events.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current or past employees of the City of Kingston on platforms like LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips and might even refer you for the position!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, make sure to highlight any relevant experience in your profile that aligns with the job description.
We think you need these skills to ace Public Works Student (Summer Student 2026) in Kingston upon Thames
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Public Works: When you're writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for public works! Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your interest in maintaining parks and outdoor spaces. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about making a difference in the community.
Tailor Your Resume: Make sure your resume is tailored to the job description. Highlight your customer service skills and any experience you have with outdoor maintenance or teamwork. We want to see how you fit into our values of collaboration and accountability!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. Remember, we’re looking for specific examples of how you meet the qualifications, so don’t be shy about showcasing your skills!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website at www.cityofkingston.ca/Careers. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, make sure to upload any relevant educational documents to strengthen your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at City of Kingston
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you understand the responsibilities of a Public Works Student. Familiarise yourself with tasks like park maintenance and customer service interactions. This will help you demonstrate your enthusiasm and readiness to contribute.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Highlight any relevant experience you have, whether it's working in teams or providing customer service. If you've done similar work before, share specific examples that showcase your ability to handle outdoor tasks and interact positively with the public.
✨Embrace Diversity and Inclusion
The City of Kingston values diversity, so be prepared to discuss how your unique background or experiences can contribute to a more inclusive workplace. Think about how you can bring different perspectives to the team and enhance the community spirit.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the team culture, opportunities for growth, or how they ensure safety in outdoor work. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.