Consider a rewarding career in correctional services and join us in making a difference in the lives of individuals in custody and in keeping our communities safe.
As a Recreation Officer, you will contribute to the development, implementation, and evaluation of a balanced (physical, social, cultural, educational) recreation program for inmates with diverse needs and security requirements.
These positions will support all three locations of the new campus model institution which comprises of three sites located at:
• 2351 Highway 61 South
• 285 MacDougall Street
• 2495 Highway 61 South
The number of positions to be filled has not been identified at this time. This competition will be used to create an eligibility list of qualified candidates to fill upcoming opportunities within the next 21 months following the closing date of the job ad posting.Successful candidates will be headquartered at the Thunder Bay Correctional Centre New Build site (2495 Highway 61 South) and may be assigned to work at any of the three locations within the Thunder Bay campus.
Candidates may be hired in advance of the planned opening in 2027 to support training and ensure effective operations upon opening.
Explore Exciting Career Opportunities in Corrections Join us for a Career Fair for the New Thunder Bay Correctional Centre This event offers a unique opportunity to learn more about the rewarding career paths in Corrections and to meet our dedicated team.
To learn about other career opportunities available, please visit our career fair landing page:
Thunder Bay Correctional Centre Opportunities Link Event Details
Date: Wednesday June 24, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Location: Lakehead University, 955 Oliver Rd. Thunder Bay, ON
REGISTRATION REQUIRED Thunder Bay Correctional Centre Career Fair Registration Link • Please bring a valid photo ID and Eventbrite confirmation code (electronic or print out)
• You may still attend and register on site that day
• Parking will be paid by Correctional Services (Parking code to be provided upon entry)
About the job
• Participate in the planning, design, implementation and facilitation of institutional recreation programs and special events
• Recommend changes to improve existing programs and events
• Provide instruction including lectures, discussions, and demonstrations in recreational activities
• Arrange for facilities, equipment, and materials required for recreational activities
• Ensure security, control, and safety standards are maintained while organizing, coordinating, leading and implementing individual or group recreational activities
• Prepare incident/occurrence, accident and injury, and other reports
• Perform other duties, as required
What you bring to the team
Mandatory requirements
• You have current First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Heartsaver certificates OR you are willing and able to obtain certification upon hire
Specialized Knowledge and Experience
• You have experience facilitating a variety of recreational programs including instructing and guiding participants in physical, social, cultural and/or education recreation activities
• You have training and knowledge in kinesiology, physical education, or recreation leadership
• You have understanding of the correctional system and environment in order to design and plan recreational programs and activities to meet the needs of inmates
• You are able to apply relevant legislation, regulations, institutional policies, and procedures in order to ensure the safety and security of participants during recreation activities
Communication, Facilitation, and Supervisory Skills
• You have interpersonal and influencing skills to encourage inmates to participate in scheduled recreational activities as well as effectively provide program information and instruction
• You have knowledge of verbal diffusing techniques in order to handle behavioural problems and altercations
• You have demonstrated supervisory skills as well as knowledge of motivational and counselling techniques
• You have writing skills and proficiency with computer software to prepare routine reports and activity schedules
Analytical and Evaluation Skills
• You can participate in the design and implementation of recreation program content, including the selection of required equipment/material
• You have planning skills to ensure resources and facilities are available for recreational activities
• You have arithmetic skills to maintain accurate offender counts and equipment inventory
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 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
• many employee networks offering support for and education about underrepresented groups
• tailored work arrangements, including opportunities like flex hours, self-funded leave and more
Our comprehensive compensation and benefits package includes:
• a defined-benefit lifetime pension plan (guaranteed, ongoing inflation-protected income after retirement)
• group health, dental, life and disability benefits
• a range of vacation and leave options
• an Employee and Family Assistance Program, which provides confidential counseling services