Playground Leader - South Cowichan Recreation

Cowichan Valley Regional District; Mill Bay; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Mill Bay is accepting applications for a Playground Leader position for summer 2026. The role involves leading recreation programs for children aged 3-15, promoting healthy lifestyles and environmental protection. Candidates should have experience working with youth, strong communication skills, and ideally be pursuing post-secondary education. The position offers $26.39 per hour and includes opportunities for casual employment throughout the year.

Qualifications

• First aid with child CPR certificate is required.
• Theoretical or practical experience in leading recreation programs is necessary.
• Enthusiasm and energy when working with children and youth is crucial.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct leadership and instruction in a recreation program for children.
• Encourage protection of the environment and promote healthy lifestyles.
• Establish respectful relationships with children while maintaining authority.

Skills

Leading recreation programs

Supervising children and youth (ages 3-15)

Effective communication

Organizational skills

Public relations knowledge

Education

Post-secondary education in a related field

Job description

General Information

The Cowichan Valley Regional District is now accepting applications from prospective candidates to work as a Playground Leader in the South Cowichan Recreation Divsion for summer 2026.This is a great opportunity for those seeking to gain experience in the recreation and childcare field. Our summer positions provide the opportunity for you to learn and be mentored by experienced staff, gain valuable coaching feedback/support throughout your employment and gain valuable training courses that can be utilized in future careers.

Working under the supervision of the Programs & Marketing Coordinator, Playground Leaders provide direct leadership, instruction and supervision in a varied and comprehensive program for children and youth ages3–15 in our community parks. There is an educational component to daily activities to encourage protection of the environment and promote active, healthy lifestyles where many activities take place in our natural environments. The CVRD is committed to providing a positive work environment that embraces diversity.

Qualifications

• Preferred candidates are enrolled in post secondary education in a related field.
• Afirst aid with child CPR certificate and a valid BC driver’s license are required.
• Theoretical and/or practical experience developing, promoting and leading recreation programs and experience leading and supervising children and youth ages 3-15 is required.
• Knowledge of programming for summer camp is required.
• Knowledge of public relations and marketing would be an asset.
• The successful candidate is enthusiastic, energetic and enjoys working with children and youth.
• Successful candidates possess effective organizational skills and the ability to:
  • Establish and maintain a respectful, fun relationship with children and youth while maintaining a position of authority.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff, managers, and the public.
  • Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing when communicating with children and youth, parents and supervisors including listening and following direction.
  • Work independently as well as a member of a team.
• Preference will be given to candidates aged 15-30 years as per the Canada Summer Jobs Program through Service Canada, however candidates outside of this age range will be considered.

Hours of Work

This position is available for a period of 9 weeks commencing June 22, 2026 and continuing until August 21, 2026, subject to funding. Hours of work are Monday to Friday and will consist of: six positions at 30 hours per week; two positions at 17.5 hours per week; and casual, on-call opportunities. There may be opportunities to retain casual employment throughout the year if you have a desire to further your work experience in the recreation field.

Salary

This temporary position is unionized (CUPE Local 358), and is compensated at $26.39perhour, which is $23.05 per hour plus 6% pay in lieu of benefits, 6% pay in lieu of vacation and 2.5% pay in lieu of statutory holidays. (2025 rates)

Application Instructions

Please submit a resume and cover letter at the link above by 4:30 pm on the date indicated.

Note

Successful candidates will be required to submit a satisfactory police information check and driver’s abstract.

Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in any stage of the hiring process should contact Human Resources at [e-mail] to communicate their accommodation needs.