Engagement and Education Assistants

YMCA; Owen Sound; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local community center in Owen Sound seeks creative students for the Engagement & Education Assistants role. You will develop and deliver summer art camp programs, collaborate with local schools, and lead public educational initiatives. The position requires strong interpersonal and organizational skills. Compensation is $17.60 per hour for a 35-hour work week during the summer season. Applicants must be between 16-30 years old and eligible for funding through Young Canada Works.

Benefits

OMERS defined benefit pension plan eligibility

Hands-on experience in arts education

Qualifications

• Applicants must be between 16 and 30 years of age.
• Experience in customer service, teaching, or public engagement is an asset.
• Must work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Develop lesson plans for summer art camp for children aged 8–12.
• Collaborate with schools to deliver educational activities.
• Lead guided tours and promote gallery initiatives.

Skills

Customer service

Teaching

Interpersonal skills

Creativity in arts-based education

Organizational skills

Fluency in French

Education

Currently studying or have studied in Education, Art, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office (Word, Publisher, Outlook, Excel)

Digital photography

Social media platforms

Job description

Application Deadline Date: February 20, 2026

Engagement and Education Assistants

Job Type: Student – Seasonal

Job Posting #: 2026-06

Closing Date: Friday, February 20, 2026

Group: Non-Union

Department: Community Services/ Tom Thomson Art Gallery

Location: Owen Sound, ON

The City of Owen Sound is seeking creative, motivated students to join the Tom Thomson Art Gallery as Engagement & Education Assistants. Reporting to the Education and Curatorial teams, this role supports the development, expansion, and delivery of the Gallery’s summer engagement and education initiatives, with a particular focus on the continued growth of Camp TOM programming and community-facing public programs.

This position plays a key role in delivering high-quality educational experiences for youth and the broader public while supporting increased visitor services and programming during the Gallery’s peak summer season. This posting is for summer student positions.

What You’ll Do

Development & Delivery of Summer Art Camp Programming

• Develop comprehensive lesson plans for expanded June PD Day Camps and a 7-week Summer Art Camp program for children aged 8–12, aligned with Gallery exhibitions and the permanent collection
• Facilitate engaging, creative, and educational art experiences both onsite and offsite, including outdoor hikes and nature-based art activities
• Ensure participant safety, appropriate supervision, and inclusive learning environments
• Support increased camp enrollment and program growth

Community Outreach & Engagement

• Collaborate with local schools, community organizations, and cultural partners to deliver workshops, educational activities, and public programs
• Support Upcycle TOM 2026, including installation of student artwork in downtown storefronts and coordination of dismantling activities
• Assist with the Magic School of the Arts Studio Art Show, including installation and opening reception activities

Public & Educational Programming

• Promote and support the Gallery’s free membership initiatives in collaboration with cultural partners
• Lead guided tours for school groups, community organizations, and the public during peak summer tourism months
• Support special events and public-facing programming, including Canada Day, long weekends, street festivals, opening receptions, artist talks, and presentations

Visitor Services & Operational Support

• Support the Visitor Services team during peak periods, contributing to a welcoming, informative, and high-quality visitor experience
• Welcome guests and provide information about current and upcoming exhibitions, programs, and events
• Process admissions, memberships, and retail sales using point‑of‑sale systems
• Support tours, programs, and special events as required
• Monitor visitor flow, track attendance, and maintain a professional, welcoming environment
• Ensure adherence to established procedures and service standards

Digital Content & Communications

• Produce and manage digital content, including photography and video, to support outreach, education, and promotional initiatives
• Contribute content to the Gallery’s website and social media platforms in alignment with communications strategies

What We’re Looking For

Education & Experience

• Currently studying or have studied in Education, Art, Art History, Arts Administration, Museum Studies, or a related field
• Experience in customer service, teaching, tourism, or public engagement is considered an asset
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills for engaging diverse audiences and age groups
• Demonstrated creativity and enthusiasm for arts-based education
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills with the ability to multitask and maintain attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment
• Competency in Microsoft Office (Word, Publisher, Outlook, Excel), social media platforms, digital photography, and databases
• Fluency in French is considered an asset

Other Requirements

• Ability to work flexible hours, including days, evenings, and weekends
• Ability to work the full contract term from May 5 to September 4, 2026
• This position is dependent on funding through Young Canada Works, and applicants must meet program eligibility requirements.

This position depends on funding through Young Canada Works. Applicants must confirm that they meet the funding requirements to be considered for these positions.

Program Participants must:

• be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, or have refugee status in Canada (non-Canadians holding temporary work visas or awaiting permanent resident status are not eligible);
• are legally entitled to work in Canada (have a valid social insurance number);
• are between 16 and 30 years of age inclusive at the start of employment; and
• are a high school, college, CEGEP or university student.

Note: Priority will be given to students who have not previously participated in the YCWHO employment program.

• Wage: $17.60 per hour, 35 hours per week, including daytime, evening, and weekend shifts
• Benefits: OMERS defined benefit pension plan eligibility.

Why Join Us?

· Gain hands‑on experience in arts education, public programming, and gallery operations

· Develop skills in lesson planning, facilitation, public speaking, and digital content creation

· Work with a dynamic team in a nationally recognized public art gallery

· Contribute meaningfully to youth engagement and cultural programming in Owen Sound

Why Owen Sound? Owen Sound offers a vibrant arts community, stunning natural surroundings along Georgian Bay, and a strong culture of creativity and collaboration—making it an inspiring place to learn, work, and grow.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit their applications via the City’s Careers Page by Friday, February 20, 2026, at 4:30 PM. We are committed to inclusive, barrier‑free recruitment and encourage applications from all qualified individuals. Accommodations are available upon request.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

The City of Owen Sound values diversity and is committed to providing an inclusive workplace. We will accommodate the needs of applicants in accordance with the Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act throughout the hiring process.

The City of Owen Sound is committed to a fair, transparent, and people-centred recruitment process. While modern tools may assist in administrative tasks, all hiring decisions are made by people, and every application is reviewed by a member of our Human Resources team.

We do not use automated decision-making or artificial intelligence tools to screen out or eliminate applicants. Any technology used in the hiring process is designed solely to support efficiency—not to replace human judgment or evaluate applicant suitability.

Privacy Statement:

We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Personal information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act for the purpose of candidate selection. It will be maintained in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

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