Talent Pool-Recreation Officer

Anishinabek Employment & Training Services; Northwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 26,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible learning opportunities

Defined-benefit pension plan

Comprehensive health and dental benefits

Job summary

Anishinabek Employment & Training Services is seeking a full-time Recreation Officer to oversee recreational programs for inmates at Thunder Bay Correctional Centre. The role involves planning, facilitating activities, and ensuring safety standards while serving diverse needs.

The successful candidate will have experience in recreation program facilitation and must possess or be willing to obtain First Aid and CPR certification. The position offers a wage of $32.16 per hour and a range of benefits.

Qualifications

• Current First Aid and CPR certification or willingness to obtain.
• Experience in facilitating recreational activities.
• Understanding of the correctional environment.
• Ability to apply safety and security measures.

Responsibilities

• Plan and facilitate recreation programs and events.
• Ensure safety standards are met during activities.
• Prepare reports on incidents and activities.
• Work with inmates to meet diverse recreation needs.

Skills

Facilitation of recreational programs

Knowledge of First Aid and CPR

Communication skills

Supervisory skills

Analytical and planning skills

Education

Training in kinesiology or physical education

Job description

Recreation Officer

Thunder Bay, Ontario P7E6H8

Responsibilities

• Participate in the planning, design, implementation and facilitation of institutional recreation programs and special events.
• Recommend changes to improve existing programs and events.
• Provide instruction, including lectures, discussions and demonstrations in recreational activities.
• Arrange for facilities, equipment and materials required for recreational activities.
• Ensure security, control and safety standards are maintained while organizing, coordinating, leading and implementing individual or group recreational activities.
• Prepare incident/occurrence, accident and injury, and other reports.
• Perform other duties, as required.
• Contribute to the development, implementation and evaluation of a balanced (physical, social, cultural, educational) recreation program for inmates with diverse needs and security requirements.
• If successful, be headquartered at the Thunder Bay Correctional Centre New Build site (2495 Highway 61 South) and may be assigned to work at any of the three locations within the Thunder Bay campus.
• Potentially be hired before the planned opening in 2027 to support training and ensure effective operations upon opening.

Qualifications

• Mandatory requirements
  • Current First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Heartsaver certificates, or willingness and ability to obtain certification upon hire.
• Specialized Knowledge and Experience
  • Experience facilitating a variety of recreational programs, including instructing and guiding participants in physical, social, cultural and/or educational recreation activities.
  • Training and knowledge in kinesiology, physical education or recreation leadership.
  • Understanding of the correctional system and environment to design and plan recreational programs and activities that meet the needs of inmates.
  • Ability to apply relevant legislation, regulations, institutional policies and procedures to ensure the safety and security of participants during recreation activities.
• Communication, Facilitation and Supervisory Skills
  • Interpersonal and influencing skills to encourage inmate participation in scheduled recreational activities and to provide program information and instruction.
  • Knowledge of verbal diffusing techniques to handle behavioural problems and altercations.
  • Demonstrated supervisory skills and knowledge of motivational and counselling techniques.
  • Writing skills and proficiency with computer software to prepare routine reports and activity schedules.
• Analytical and Evaluation Skills
  • Ability to participate in the design and implementation of recreation program content, including selection of required equipment and materials.
  • Planning skills to ensure resources and facilities are available for recreational activities.
  • Arithmetic skills to maintain accurate offender counts and equipment inventory.

Compensation & Work Details

• Employment type: Full Time
• Job occupation type: Program leaders and instructors in recreation, sport and fitness
• Total positions: 1
• Wage: $32.16 per hour
• Hours per week: 40
• Days of work: N/A
• Closing date / Apply by: 8/23/2026
• Start date: N/A

Benefits

• A career that can grow across ministries and job functions.
• Flexible learning and developmental opportunities, including education and mentorship programs.
• Many employee networks offering support for and education about underrepresented groups.
• Tailored work arrangements, including opportunities like flex hours, self‑funded leave and more.
• Defined‑benefit lifetime pension plan (guaranteed, ongoing inflation‑protected income after retirement).
• Group health, dental, life and disability benefits.
• A range of vacation and leave options.
• Employee and Family Assistance Program, which provides confidential counselling services.