Special Events Student

City of Kingston; Eastern Ontario; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A municipal government in Ontario seeks a Special Events Student to assist in coordinating and supporting City-led events and arts programming from May to August. Responsibilities include managing event logistics, coordinating with vendors, and engaging with the community. Applicants must be enrolled in full-time studies and possess strong organizational and communication skills. The role offers hands-on experience in an inclusive environment, ideal for students pursuing arts or event management careers.

Qualifications

• Must enroll and return to full-time studies in Fall of 2026.
• Experience in event coordination or program development preferred.
• Valid Class 'G' driver’s license and drivers abstract with ≤ 3 demerit points required.
• First Aid & CPR Certification is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Assist with event logistics including site plans and schedules.
• Help with event set-up and take-down.
• Track key park bookings and assist community event organizers.
• Research entertainers focusing on diversity and inclusion.
• Coordinate with vendors, community partners, and City staff.

Skills

Planning

Analytical skills

Communication

Problem-solving

Organization

Customer service

Teamwork

Adaptability

Education

Currently enrolled in full-time post-secondary studies

Studying recreation, arts, education, tourism or related

Tools

MS Word

MS Excel

MS PowerPoint

Job description

Overview

The City of Kingston is grateful to experience the traditional territories of Anishinabek (Ah-nish-nah-beg), Haudenosaunee (Ho-den-o-show-nee) and Huron-Wendat (huron-wen·dat). Kingston is a smart, livable city in the heart of eastern Ontario. Its stable and diversified economy includes global corporations, innovative start-ups and all levels of government.

At the City of Kingston, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential elements of a thriving workplace. We value the unique perspectives and experiences that each individual brings to our team. As we continue to grow, we are dedicated to creating an environment where all employees feel welcomed, respected, and empowered to contribute their best work. The City of Kingston views diversity as its strength and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented communities.

As staff, you play a pivotal role in enhancing people\'s lives by delivering exceptional, customer-centered services of the highest quality. Within our highly ethical environment, you\'ll embrace accountability by consistently going above and beyond, actively listening to our customers, creatively addressing their needs, and maintaining unwavering respect for all individuals you serve. As a result, you\'ll become an integral part of our qualified and dynamic team, recognized for its compassion, excellence, integrity, inclusivity, and adaptability.

Position Summary

The Special Events Student will work in the City’s Arts & Culture Services department and will support various City-led special events, external events, and arts programming, as needed. The Student will primarily support eight City events from May – August and will also work with the City’s external event booking office to provide support to community events.

The Special Events Student Will

• Assist with event logistics and implementation, including site plans, developing schedules, contact and invitation lists, event debriefs, and emergency plans
• Assist with general event set-up, such as setting up and taking down tents, moving barricades, and organizing event supplies and equipment
• Assist with external community event bookings, including regular tracking of events key City bookable parks/sites, collecting data from community events on permits and other event booking requirements, and providing information to event organizers
• Research new entertainers and activities for events, with a focus on arts and culture experiences and applying an IIDEA (Indigenization, Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility) lens
• Contact and coordinate with vendors, community partners, and City staff
• Perform administrative duties
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications, Competencies

• MUST BE ENROLLED IN AND RETURNING TO FULL-TIME POST-SECONDARY STUDIES IN FALL OF 2026 - Verification will be required
• Preference given to university or college students currently studying recreation, arts, education, tourism, event planning or a related program
• Experience with events (arts, culture, or recreation-based) in a coordinating role and/or program development is preferred
• A valid Class \"G\" driver’s licence and a drivers abstract with no more than three demerit points is required
• Access to own transportation during working hours is considered an asset
• Current First Aid & CPR-B/CPR-C Certification is considered an asset
• Must demonstrate corporate values of Belonging, Collaboration, Accountability, and Innovation.

Skills, Abilities, Work Demands

• Required to work occasional evenings, statutory holidays and weekends, depending on event schedule
• Excellent planning, analytical, communication and problem-solving skills
• Strong organization skills and able to handle pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Attention to detail with a high degree of accuracy
• Working knowledge of computers, MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Very strong written and verbal communication skills in English
• Able to follow instructions and perform assigned duties with limited direct supervision
• Ability to work in a team environment and independently
• Demonstrated customer service skills and ability to work with the general public
• Able to perform the essential duties of the job such as lifting and walking/standing for several consecutive hours
• Events are held both indoors and outdoors and may take place during extreme weather conditions. Must be prepared to work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a satisfactory criminal record check at candidate\'s own expense

Closing Statement

Please inform us of any accommodations we need to make to ensure a barrier-free recruitment experience. Accommodations are available in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC) and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) at any stage in the recruitment process. We\'re happy to provide more information if you email us at [e-mail].

Please apply to Career Opportunities at: www.cityofkingston.ca/Careers

Your resumé must demonstrate how you meet position requirements. Please upload to your profile any educational Degrees, Diplomas and/or Certificates that are relevant and required for the position. We thank all who apply, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. Information collected will be handled in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The City of Kingston may utilize artificial intelligence (AI) assisted tools throughout the recruitment process. All final hiring decisions are made by qualified municipal staff.

Please ensure to check any spam or junk folders for any emails coming from a City of Kingston account.

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