Green Spaces Summer Student

Division Community, Recreation and Culture Services

External Posting Close Date Until Filled

At the City of St. Catharines, you’ll find more than just a job — you’ll find a place that fits.

Here, your work means something — where you can see the impact, feel the pride, and know you’re a part of something bigger. You’ll be trusted to do your job, backed by people who care, and part of a team that shows up for each other. There’s flexibility when it counts, and a real understanding that life doesn’t stop when the workday starts. With pay you can count on, great benefits, and a pension that helps you plan ahead — you’ve got more than a job. You’ve got the space to grow, the balance you need, and a place that gets it.

It feels different — because it is.

It’s a place that works for you.

About the Role:

As a summer student, you will be assigned to one of our three departments, Horticulture, Sports Parks, or Cemetery Operations.

Horticulture

The Horticulture department is dedicated to the maintenance and enhancement of parks and green spaces throughout the City of St. Catharines. The City of St. Catharines maintains approximately, 1,400 acres of parkland and open space. The City also has three beaches with associated parklands. St. Catharines is known as the “Garden City” because of its many parks, gardens, and trails. Hours of work are 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM, seven days a week.

Sports Parks

St. Catharines is home to many outdoor playing fields and courts to enjoy a game of fun with family and friends. Residents can rent a variety of spaces with the City of St. Catharines, including fields and diamonds, tennis courts and parks. Hours of work are seven days a week, with shifts from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, or 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM.

Cemetery

St. Catharines has some of the most beautiful and well-kept cemetery grounds in the Niagara Region and southern Ontario. The Victoria Lawn Cemetery is maintained by the City of St. Catharines. Hours of work are Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

What You'll be Doing:

Working in Horticulture, Sports Parks and Cemetery Operations will encompass a variety of tasks and responsibilities including:

Garden maintenance, weeding, digging, and watering.
Grass maintenance.
Cleaning up litter in green spaces.
Cleaning and maintaining washrooms.
Cleaning and maintaining sports fields and courts to ensure that they are ready for use.

What's Required:

A current student enrolled in post-secondary studies for September.
Someone who values outdoor work and community engagement.
A team player who can also work independently, with physical capability for outdoor tasks.
Physically capable of performing outdoor work in all weather conditions including heat and rain.
Someone who holds a valid G driver’s license.

Key Details:

Commitment to work from May through to the end of August.
Regular hours: 40 hours per week, consistent schedule each week.
Safety boots are required (to be purchased by the candidate)
Must be able to lift and carry materials as required.

Job Details:

Job ID: 2026-01

Pay Rate: $20.40

Hours: 40 per week

Schedule: Variable

Location: St. Catharines, ON

Work Mode: In Person

Employee Group: Student

Position Type: Temporary, Full-time

Duration: 4 months

Application Deadline: Until Filled

Jobs with an application deadline will close at 11:59 PM on that date. Jobs listed as ‘open until filled’ may close at any time.

Other Requirements:

Other Position Requirements include: Class G Driver’s Licence

Candidates selected for the position will be required to complete the Ministry of Labour’s Worker Health and Safety Awareness training and provide proof of the educational credentials listed on their resume and job application.

What's In It for You:

Curious what it’s like to work for the City of St. Catharines? Watch the video and Hear from Our Team.

Here’s what you can expect when you join us:

Great People: Be part of a team that supports you, celebrates your wins, and helps you succeed.

Make Your Mark: Bring your ideas, drive meaningful change, and leave a lasting impact on our community.

Learn & Grow: Access training and development funds to take your skills to the next level.

Competitive Pay: Competitive pay from a certified Ontario Living Wage Employer.

Secure Future: Join the OMERS pension plan with employer-matched contributions.

Balance & Benefits: Flexible hybrid work options plus health, dental, and vision benefits for eligible positions.

Additional Information:

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of St. Catharines is committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible, and respectful work environment. We celebrate the uniqueness of every individual. Our community is enriched by people from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences—a value reflected in our 2023–2027 Strategic Plan.

Don’t Meet Every Requirement?

We encourage individuals from all backgrounds, experiences, and education levels to apply. While specific qualifications may be required for certain roles, we assess each applicant’s overall suitability. Please note that unionized roles are subject to collective agreement requirements.

Accommodation

We are an equal opportunity employer and provide accommodations throughout the recruitment process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodation at any stage, please contact Human Resources at hrreps@stcatharines.ca.

Application Process

To ensure transparency and fairness, all applications must be submitted online through our application portal. Please keep your contact information up to date and regularly check your spam and junk email folders, as important communications may be directed there.

Interviews and Assessments

Depending on the role, interviews may be conducted via video conferencing or in person. Various tests and/or assessments may be administered as part of the selection process.

Use of AI

The City of St. Catharines does not use artificial intelligence (AI) technology in any part of the recruitment process.