Program Assistant, Special Anniversary Initiatives at City of St. Catharines

At the City of St. Catharines, you’ll find more than just a job — you’ll find a place that fits.

Here, your work means something — where you can see the impact, feel the pride, and know you’re a part of something bigger. You’ll be trusted to do your job, backed by people who care, and part of a team that shows up for each other. There’s flexibility when it counts, and a real understanding that life doesn’t stop when the workday starts. With pay you can count on, great benefits, and a pension that helps you plan ahead — you’ve got more than a job. You’ve got the space to grow, the balance you need, and a place that gets it.

It feels different — because it is.

It’s a place that works for you.

About the Role

The City of St. Catharines is seeking a highly organized, creative, and community-minded professional to support major civic anniversary initiatives through the role of Program Assistant, Special Anniversary Initiatives. This temporary part-time position will assist with planning, coordination, communications, research, and partnership development related to two significant municipal initiatives:

• STC150 – celebrations and community activations recognizing the 150th anniversary of the incorporation of the City of St. Catharines in 2026; and

• Long-range planning activities related to the 200th Anniversary of the Welland Canals to be commemorated in 2029.

Reporting to the Manager, Recreation and Culture Programs, the successful candidate will work collaboratively across departments and with community partners to help deliver engaging public initiatives that celebrate local history, culture, heritage, and civic pride.

What You'll be Doing

(These set out the principal functions of the position and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements).

STC150 Anniversary Initiatives

• Assist with the planning, coordination, and implementation of community celebrations, activations, events, and commemorative activities associated with STC150.
• Support project scheduling, logistics coordination, meeting preparation, and stakeholder communications.
• Assist with promotional activities, community engagement initiatives, and event documentation.
• Coordinate information gathering and maintain project files, timelines, and records.

Welland Canal 200th Anniversary Planning

• Support project planning activities related to the 200th Anniversary of the Welland Canals in 2029.
• Work collaboratively with Museum and Historical Services staff to assist with implementation planning related to the Historic Welland Canals Interpretive Plan.
• Assist in the development of communications and social media planning to promote the Historic Welland Canals and upcoming bicentennial initiatives.
• Conduct research related to funding opportunities, grants, sponsorships, partnerships, and potential community collaborators.
• Assist in developing partnership and resource plans for future anniversary programming and initiatives.
• Research best practices and comparable anniversary or heritage celebration projects undertaken by other municipalities or organizations.

General Duties

• Prepare briefing materials, reports, correspondence, presentations, and meeting notes.
• Research external project funding and grant opportunities.
• Liaise with internal departments, community organizations, cultural institutions, and external stakeholders.
• Support special projects and administrative tasks as assigned.
• Set up and tear down, monitor event timelines and ensure all event relates activities run smoothly.
• Respond effectively to customer concerns and service issues as they arise.
• Ensure work is completed in accordance with City policies, procedures, and accessibility standards.

What's Required

Grade 12 Diploma

Post-secondary education in Recreation & Leisure Studies, Public Administration, Event Management, Communications, Tourism, Community Development, or a related field preferred.

Minimum of one (1) year of experience supporting projects, events, community initiatives, or municipal programs

• Experience with research, communications, partnership development, or event coordination is considered an asset.
• Familiarity with heritage, cultural, tourism, or public engagement initiatives is preferred.
• Experience working within a municipal, non-profit, heritage, museum, or public sector environment is considered an asset.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with strong attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a collaborative environment.
• Research and analytical skills, including the ability to gather and summarize information effectively.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and familiarity with social media platforms and digital communications tools.
• Physical ability to lift and carry a minimum of 40lbs as required for event set up, and tear down.
• Ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, including both summer and winter conditions.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with staff, community partners, and stakeholders.
• Knowledge of St. Catharines history, culture, and community organizations is considered an asset.
• This position may require occasional evening, weekend or holiday work to support community events.

Job Details

Pay Rate: $23.46

Hours: 35 per week

Schedule: Variable

Location: St. Catharines, ON

Work Mode: Hybrid (less than 50% remote)

Employee Group: Non-Union

Position Type: Temporary, Full-time

Duration: Until December 31, 2026

Vacancy Status: This posting is for an existing vacancy

Application Deadline: Until Filled

Jobs with an application deadline will close at 11:59 PM on that date. Jobs listed as ‘open until filled’ may close at any time.

Other Requirements

Other Position Requirements include: Ability to travel between City work locations

Candidates selected for the position will be required to complete the Ministry of Labour’s Worker Health and Safety Awareness training and provide proof of the educational credentials listed on their resume and job application.

What's In It for You

Curious what it’s like to work for the City of St. Catharines? Watch the video and Hear from Our Team.

Here’s what you can expect when you join us:

• Great People: Be part of a team that supports you, celebrates your wins, and helps you succeed.

• Make Your Mark: Bring your ideas, drive meaningful change, and leave a lasting impact on our community.

• Learn & Grow: Access training and development funds to take your skills to the next level.

• Competitive Pay: Competitive pay from a certified Ontario Living Wage Employer.

• Secure Future: Join the OMERS pension plan with employer-matched contributions.

• Balance & Benefits : Flexible hybrid work options plus health, dental, and vision benefits for eligible positions.

Additional Information

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of St. Catharines is committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible, and respectful work environment. We celebrate the uniqueness of every individual. Our community is enriched by people from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences—a value reflected in our 2023–2027 Strategic Plan.

Don’t Meet Every Requirement?

We encourage individuals from all backgrounds, experiences, and education levels to apply. While specific qualifications may be required for certain roles, we assess each applicant’s overall suitability. Please note that unionized roles are subject to collective agreement requirements.

Accommodation

We are an equal opportunity employer and provide accommodations throughout the recruitment process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodation at any stage, please contact Human Resources at [email protected].

Application Process

To ensure transparency and fairness, all applications must be submitted online through our application portal. Please keep your contact information up to date and regularly check your spam and junk email folders, as important communications may be directed there.

Interviews and Assessments

Depending on the role, interviews may be conducted via video conferencing or in person. Various tests and/or assessments may be administered as part of the selection process.

Use of AI

The City of St. Catharines does not use artificial intelligence (AI) technology in any part of the recruitment process.

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