Recreation Counsellor

City of St. John's; San Juan de Terranova; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A municipal recreation department in Canada is seeking Recreation Counsellors to engage with children, youth, and seniors in various recreational programs. The position requires strong leadership skills and experience in instructing activities like sports and arts. Ideal candidates must complete a Criminal Record Screening and hold certifications in First Aid and CPR. This role offers flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, emphasizing safety and participant engagement.

Qualifications

• Completion of Youth Leadership Programs or equivalent is an asset.
• Must hold a Criminal Record Screening Certificate and Vulnerable Sector Check.
• Physical agility required for swimming and canoeing activities.

Responsibilities

• Implement various recreational activities as outlined by supervisors.
• Supervise program participants and ensure safety.
• Enhance program content by building on participant interests.

Skills

Leadership experience/training

Experience with children/youth or seniors

Instructing sports and outdoor activities

Customer service skills

Problem-solving ability

Education

Standard First Aid

CPR Level C

HIGH FIVE® Certification

Job description

Our City, Our Future

St. John's is a progressive city with a strong connection to the past and a positive outlook on the future. As one of the oldest cities in North America we have a unique history, but we are also a growing city with the needs and opportunities of a modern urban population. The City of St. John’s is committed to recruiting world-class talent and expertise to join our City staff, more than 1200 strong, who provide a vast array of valued services to the residents of St. John's and the metropolitan area. If you are an innovative thinker with a positive attitude and a commitment to quality, we want you to help us make St. John’s a city where people want to live and feel they belong.

The Opportunity

The City of St. John’s Recreation Division is currently seeking motivated, enthusiastic, and energetic individuals who enjoy working with children, youth, and/or seniors to work in our Recreation Programs as Recreation Counsellors.

Accountabilities

Recreation Counsellors must be comfortable implementing a variety of recreational activities as outlined by supervisors, enhancing program content by building on participant interests and directly supervising program participants. They must possess a strong sense of safety awareness, good oral communication, customer service skills and problem‑solving ability. The successful applicant will be required to participate in all training programs applicable to this position and other related work. The above statements reflect the general duties considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job identified and shall not be considered a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the job.

Qualifications

• Leadership experience/training (i.e., completion of City of St. John's Youth Leadership Programs or equivalent) would be an asset
• Previous experience working with children/youth or senior adults in a recreational group setting would be considered an asset
• Ability to or experience in instructing various sports, outdoor activities, arts / crafts, and low organized games

Other Requirements

• Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) Criminal Record Screening Certificate AND Vulnerable Sector Check – Dated not more than six months prior to hire
• Must be comfortable in an aquatic setting as some positions involve activities such as swimming and canoeing/kayaking

Additional Qualifications Include

• Standard First Aid
• CPR Level C
• HIGH FIVE® Principles of Healthy Child Development Certification

Physical Requirements

Many of these positions require physical agility and stamina to carry out required duties. Candidates must be comfortable in an aquatic setting as these positions involve activities such as swimming and canoeing.

Hours of Work

Monday – Friday, approximately 2:00 to 5:45pm for After School Program. Morning, evening and weekend shifts may also be available.

Locations May Include

• Paul Reynolds Community Center
• Southlands Community Centre
• Shea Heights Community Centre
• Kilbride Community Centre
• Kenmount Terrace Community Centre

Period of Employment

January 2026 - June 2026

We wish to express our appreciation to all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position. However, only candidates selected for interview will be contacted. The City of St. John's does not accept applications in person, by email, fax or mail. Applications will be received up to 12:00 Midnight (Newfoundland Standard Time) on closing date.

This City of St. John's is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the employment of a qualified workforce which reflects the community's diversity.