Conference Front Desk Representative

Normai; Kingston; Hybrid; CAD 23,000 - 26,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid training Apr 27–May 1, 2026

4% vacation pay

Night shift premium 0.50 CAD/hr

Summer seasonal role

Job summary

Queen’s University in Kingston, ON, invites applications for Casual Front Desk Representatives for the summer conference season. You will perform front-line service, check guests in/out, and support information desks while working shifts including nights and weekends.

Training is paid and occurs in late April, with a peak season through the summer. The role requires strong communication and problem-solving skills and a team-oriented approach.

Qualifications

• Experience with customer service, problem solving and organization
• Excellent communication skills are required
• Ability to work in a fast-paced team environment
• Willingness to work rotating shifts including nights and weekends

Responsibilities

• Provide front-line customer service via phone, email, and in person.
• Check guests in and out; manage reservations.
• Bag, organize and audit keys; maintain accurate records.
• Process deposits and financial transactions (cash, credit/debit).
• Collaborate with Custodial and Event Services staff.
• Troubleshoot guest issues to ensure a smooth stay.
• Provide information about Kingston and Queen’s Campus.
• Work all shifts including nights, days, evenings and weekends.
• Provide support during move-in week at the end of August.

Skills

Customer service

Problem solving

Time management

Communication

Team player

Education

Academic requirements may include practicums/internships

Job description

Job description for the 2026-2027 academic year

Hours of Work: Various shifts (24 hr operation), approx. 8 hrs per shift (half/split shifts also available based on operational need). Nights and weekends included.

Training Week: Paid training will take place from April 27, 2026, to May 1, 2026.

Job Description

From May-August, Queen’s Residences operates some of our buildings to host conference groups and transient overnight stays during Kingston’s busy tourist season. Reporting to the Assistant Manager, Front Desks and taking work direction from Senior Desk Representatives, Casual Front Desk Representatives provide front-line customer service during the summer conference season. Candidates should have experience with customer service, problem solving and organization. Excellent communication skills are required as our Front Desk staff correspond with staff and guests through email, phone and in person. Candidates should be comfortable working in a fast-paced team environment, possess good time management skills, and have the ability to deal with difficult customer service situations. Hospitality, tourism and/or Front Desk experience is an asset.

Services and tasks at the Front Desk during summer conference season include:

• Providing front-line customer service via phone, email, and in person.
• Checking guests and groups in and out.
• Bagging, organizing and auditing keys.
• Booking reservations.
• Working in collaboration with departmental partners including Custodial and Event Services staff.
• Processing financial transactions including deposits, cash, credit and debit transactions, counting floats, etc.
• Troubleshooting guest issues to ensure a smooth stay.
• Completing administrative tasks as assigned.
• Providing information about Kingston and Queen’s Campus.
• All Guest Services Representatives are required to work all shifts including nights, days, evenings and weekends. Shifts vary in length from 3 hours to 8 hours.
• Provide support during Queen’s move-in week (must be available last week of August).

Eligibility & Terms of Employment

• Any academic requirements (including practicums, internships, etc.) must not interfere with ability to complete desk shifts.
• Other campus work (including internships) paired with the Casual Front Desk Representative role must not exceed employment standards regulations.
• Orientation leader training or other job trainings must not interfere with training for this role.
• Staff must be legally entitled to work in Canada, or possess a valid student visa.
• Staff must be able to work shift work, including midnight shifts (11 pm–7 am).
• Staff must be committed to work; time-off requests will be reviewed on an individual basis and are not guaranteed.
• Staff must submit a satisfactory Canadian Police Information Check (CPIC) and Vulnerable Sector Check prior to your start date. It is the employee’s responsibility to maintain a clean CPIC and Vulnerable Sector Check for the duration of your employment in this role with Queen’s. Any lapse may have implications for your continued employment status. The University can require that you produce a new Letter of Clearance at any time. In addition, you are also required to immediately disclose to the University any occurrence and/or circumstances(s) that might impact your ability to receive a clear CPIC or Vulnerable Sector Check.
• Shifts will be scheduled throughout the entire duration of the contract dates; staff must be available for mandatory training at the beginning of their contract (full days), as well as during long weekends, Homecoming and Reading Weeks.
• Front Desk Representatives must abide by the policies and procedures as outlined by Housing & Ancillary Services, the Employee Handbook and the University Code of Conduct.

Hiring Process

The University will provide support in its recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant’s accessibility needs. If you require accommodation during the interview process, please contact the Residence Life & Services office at [e-mail] .

Remuneration

• Compensation is $17.20 per hour plus 4% vacation pay. A shift premium of $0.50/hr is applied for 11 pm–7 am shifts.
• Employees are entitled to be paid one-and-a-half (1 ½) times their regular rate of pay for each hour worked on a statutory holiday.
• Wages are amended if provincial minimum wage standards change.