Summer Student Employment Program

The City’s Summer Student Employment Program begins on February 1 every year and is a great opportunity for students to gain valuable work experience, explore career paths, showcase skills and enhance academic goals. An eligible student must be: 

• legally eligible to work in Canada
• 16 years of age or older by the first day of summer employment
• 15 years of age or older for employment with the Ottawa Public Library  
• 15 years of age by the end of the current calendar year (December 31) for employment in certain positions in Recreation, Cultural & Facility Services  
• enrolled in a secondary or post-secondary program or institution of higher learning, returning to school or graduating that same year

Each position listed may have other hiring criteria. Please be sure to review the qualifications on the job posting.

Summer student hiring process

Step 1: Application phase

Applications will be accepted from February 1 until 11:59 pm EST on the last day of February for most positions. Public Works accepts applications for certain positions until the end of July, and Recreation, Cultural and Facility Services will accept applications until the end of August based on operational requirements.

We strongly encourage the completion of the confidential self-ID questionnaire found in the profile information section of your candidate profile. This information is used to help remove barriers to employment opportunities, attract and retain a diverse, high-performing workforce and support service excellence by reflecting the community we serve.

You can view the status of your application in your candidate profile.

Step 2: Assessment phase

Online applications will be reviewed and assessed beginning in March and will continue throughout the summer for jobs in Recreation, Culture and Facilities Services. If selected for an interview, you will be contacted by the hiring manager via email and/or telephone based on the information provided on your candidate profile or resume. 

Step 3: Decision making and selection phase

For applicants that are successful in the assessment phase, credentials and job specific qualifications will be reviewed to confirm summer program eligibility. You can view the status of your application in your candidate profile.

Step 4: Hiring and documentation phase

Once credentials are collected and verified, a job offer will be made to successful applicants who will then be asked to view and accept their offer online and complete mandatory hiring documentation. Hire dates for summer students may begin as early as April 1 for some positions. When completing the mandatory hiring documentation, you will need your Social Insurance Number and personal banking information available.

Important facts and information

The City of Ottawa does not accept unsolicited, late or incomplete applications.

We will only consider you for jobs that you have applied for. Applicants are only contacted if selected for an interview. You can view the status of your applications in your candidate profile. 

Vulnerable Sector Check or Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check

A Vulnerable Sector Check or Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check may be required prior to being hired as a summer student; any requirements will be identified on the job posting. 

For information on how to apply for a Vulnerable Sector Check or Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check, please visit the Ottawa Police Services website. 

Police record checks completed by a third-party company will not be accepted. 

Documents required prior to being hired: 

• Proof of student status (proof of enrolment from the Registrar, a letter of acceptance with a timetable, tuition invoice, dated student ID, report card or transcript)  
• Proof of age 
• Proof of certifications and/or credentials if required
• Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJM) or a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) if required

Thank you to all who apply, however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.