Bring Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) learning to life As a Senior Recreational Programs Assistant, you will foster a love of science and technology in learners of all ages and support the mission of the Ontario Science Centre through various STEM-based recreational programs.
About the job
As a Senior Recreational Programs Assistant, you will:
• deliver interactive, engaging and safe programs for children, youth and their families, including day camps, youth programs, Kids' Night Out, weekend programming and birthday parties
• greet, guide, and supervise participants of various ages and respond to their needs to ensure a positive experience
• set up, maintain and clean up program delivery spaces and supply areas, including moving boxes, supplies, and other large items (up to 20 lbs)
• ensure Ontario Science Centre policies, principles and procedures are followed in all programs
• adjust activities and communication to meet different learning and access needs
Please note:the Senior Recreational Program Assistants will participate in camp and other recreational activities that include extended periods of sitting, walking, kneeling, crouching, squatting, reaching and/or standing
Work schedule:• These positions are irregular/on-call, with no guaranteed hours
• Shifts may include evenings, weekends, statutory holidays, and occasional overnight work
• Peak program times vary throughout the year, and there is a high demand for full time availability during Summer Camp and Summer Youth Programs
• Outside of summer, employees must be available for at least 10 evening and/or weekend shifts per quarter
• Occasional work at off-site locations to support promotion of recreational programs and to deliver at partner locations may be required
The number of positions available:up to 5
What you bring to the team
Mandatory requirements
You must:
• be certified in Standard First Aid and CPR Level C before your start date and maintain it during employment
• be willing to obtain a Vulnerable Sector Check (required for top candidates)
• be available to work full time during Summer Camp 2026, and be available to work at least 10 evening and/or weekend shifts per quarter during other times of the year
Leadership and organizational skills
You can:
• work independently, with limited supervision, or as part of a team
• organize your time, plan, prioritize and adapt to changing priorities
• follow instructions and program procedures
• be reliable, flexible, and take initiative when support is needed
• demonstrate creative problem-solving skills
• mentor and support other staff with less experience, and volunteers
Technical skills and knowledge
You have:
• experience in teaching and leading recreational or science-based programs, or other engagement roles in a recreation, camp, or education setting
• experience guiding and supervising diverse groups of children with different ages, learning styles/abilities, and/or special needs
• the ability to adapt programs and activities to support participants with diverse access needs
• the ability to learn, follow, and apply procedures, daily operations and program practices
Customer service skills
You can:
• create welcoming, positive experiences by responding to visitor needs with care and professionalism
• be enthusiastic and engaging with visitors of all ages
• communicate with caregivers and visitors in a respectful, responsible, and professional way
• represent the Ontario Science Centre with confidence, courtesy, and a commitment to visitor care
Communication skills
You can:
• deliver creative, enthusiastic, and engaging interactive presentations, demonstrations and activities
• use presentation techniques that capture attention and encourage participation
• adapt programs to support participants with physical and/or developmental disabilities
• communicate clearly and respectfully, both verbally and in writing
Don't meet every qualification?
If you are excited about this position and meet most, but not all, of the listed qualifications, please still consider applying. We recognize that no one person might have every qualification in this job ad, and you just might be the right candidate!
How we support diversity, inclusion and accessibility
We are building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage everyone interested in working with us to apply, including people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black and racialized individuals, as well as people from all ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.
Our hiring process is accessible, consistent with Ontario's
Human Rights Code and the
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. We are working to prevent and remove barriers in our hiring processes and can offer
accommodation to address specific needs related to Code-protected grounds such as disability, family status and religion. For more information about accommodation during the hiring process please
contact us.Learn more about the work the OPS is doing to create an inclusive, anti-racist, accessible and diverse workplace:
What we offer
The Ontario Public Service is one of the Ontario's largest employers. Employees work for a wide range of ministries, with offices in more than 70 cities across the province. We offer:
• a career that can grow across ministries and job functions
• flexible learning and developmental opportunities, including education and mentorship programs
• a comprehensive compensation and benefits package
• base salary that aligns to market trends with performance-based pay and scheduled salary progressions
• a modern, friendly and accessible physical work environment