Student Jobs - FAQ
When do applications open?
Student Summer Jobs at Ontario Parks are now open for the 2024 season! Apply online here.
Hiring takes place all through the application period, so don’t wait. Send your application as soon as it's ready.
Other student positions may come and go from the GoJobs portal all through the off-season, so keep checking back.
If you don't find what you are looking for, sign up for an alert to be notified when future student jobs are posted.
Am I eligible to apply?
Here are the minimum eligibility requirements for student positions:
Student Status: You must be enrolled in a secondary or post-secondary institution (currently or for the upcoming fall semester) OR you must have graduated within the past six months (for example, if you graduated in December 2023, you could apply for and start a summer student position up until June of 2024). Your school does not need to be located in Ontario to be eligible.
Age: You must be a minimum of 15 years of age. There is no maximum age limit.
Residency: You must be a resident of Ontario during the term of employment.
What experience do I need?
It depends on which position you're applying to. We recommend:
- reading the job application thoroughly
- reading through the list of Park Ranger positions
- learning more about working in parks by exploring our website and blog
We're always looking for skills that will be an asset in any position including:
- exceptional customer service skills and ability to interact with the public
- team-building and leadership skills
- self-motivation, positive attitude, and diligence
- an appreciation of Ontario's natural resources
When will I hear if I got an interview?
Parks are hiring all through the winter and spring until positions are filled. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Are inclusion and diversity important to Ontario Parks?
Yes. We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful, and equitable workplace. We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions.
Visit the OPS Anti-Racism Policy website and the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.
Is staff housing available?
It depends which park you're applying to. Check out our list of parks with staff housing.
At any other provincial park, you will be responsible for your own housing.
There are minimal costs associated with staff housing for students.
Pro tip: if you're interested in staying in staff housing, say so in your cover letter.
When will I start? How long are student job contracts?
The operating season differs from park to park. Some are open year-round and others for only certain months, such as May to September.
Student roles start as early as May and as late as July. Most contracts finish at the end of August / beginning of September as students return to school.
If you are selected for an interview, your manager will share the timing of the role in that specific park.
What kind of training will I receive?
When you start your role, you'll receive a full orientation.
Additionally, many roles include training and learning opportunities. These may include:
- First Aid and CPR
- Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA)
- Workplace Discrimination and Harassment Policy (WDHP)
- Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System
- Water Treatment/Distribution certification
- Working with Wildlife
- Enforcement
- Public Relations/Customer Service
- Working around aircrafts and heavy equipment
- Registration system