Why Our Recreation & Sports Professionals Enjoy Their Work

WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO

"I've been with the City off and on for a total of approximately two years in a variety of roles during the past four years. Currently, I liaise with the Community Recreation Coordinators (CRCs) to provide programming to communities. I am responsible for managing a budget and building an annual plan for our year-mdash;round programs. I am also responsible for the creation of posters to advertise our programs, and for communicating information to our staff. In addition, I plan Registered Day Camp Programs for the South Service Area, and work with CRCs who collaborate with assigned communities to decide what programs the community wants. During the summer, I supervise Recreation Technicians."
—Klarissa Paradis, Recreation Technician III-mdash;Program Manager, Neighborhood and Community Development

"Now working as the CORE Coordinator, I have been with the City for four years. I recruit staff for my program, provide support, leadership and resources to fellow leaders, ensure participation and safety, assist in the planning of drop-in programs, prepare payroll, assist in the implementation of programs and respond to customer inquiries."
—Stacey Leach, Recreation Technician II, Community Facility Services

"I've been with the City since December of 2009. As an Arts Instructor, I teach painting and drawing. I heard about this position through the Paint Spot, and was attracted to the work/life balance and flexibility."
—Summer Bozohora, Arts Instructor, Community Facility Services

"I have worked for the City in seasonal positions for three summers and one fall since 2009, and have just begun a full-mdash;time permanent position as Coordinator for the River Valley Programs. My responsibilities include training, scheduling and supervising approximately 20 skilled Outdoor Leaders. Purchasing, tracking inventory, maintaining program equipment, taking bookings and building rapport with facility partners and customers involved in our programs are a part of my job. I also work with my Program Manager to plan and design outdoor programs that help kids build skills and experience nature. We also take children to festivals and special events."
—Megan Hunter, Recreation Technician II, Program Coordinator, Neighborhood and Community Development

"Responsible for the Outdoor Pursuits Programs, I have been with the City for 10 years. I work inside so that others can work outside. I recruit program leaders and volunteers, market and promote programs, implement new programs, and work on various projects with partners such as Edmonton Catholic Schools, Alberta Recreation Canoeing Association, the Edmonton Inner City Children's Project Society and various other facilities."
—Karina Ma, Program Manager, River Valley Programs, Neighborhood and Community Development

"I started with the City three years ago as a Recreation Technician I for the summer playground program, and am now the Childcare Attendant Supervisor for the Kinsmen Sports Center Kids Den. It is our duty to provide efficient services to our patrons: children and their families. The parents and guardians are trusting us to ensure the safety, nurturing and well-mdash;being of their children while in our care. Staff work as a cohesive team in order to provide quality childcare."
—Aura Gariepy, Childcare Attendant Supervisor, Community Facility Services

SOME OF THE BEST REASONS TO JOIN US

"The work environment is professional, and the City is such a reputable employer. Plus, there is strong potential for career growth, and the pay and benefits are competitive. Employees are held to a high standard, and are supported along the way by upper management. Strong performance is rewarded."
—Stacey Leach, Recreation Technician II, Community Facility Services

"In addition to the good pay scale and benefits, the City offers an ideal work environment. Staff are appreciated and respected for their work. We are provided with paid training that is really interesting and fun. The administration hires and trusts its employees to do their jobs—and as a result, high standards are met and upheld."
—Summer Bozohora, Arts Instructor, Community Facility Services

"The environment is positive and forward-mdash;thinking. The work we do matters to Edmontonians, and focuses on the goal of maintaining and improving the quality of life in our city. The City appreciates the individual personalities, talents and ideas of its employees."
—Megan Hunter, Recreation Technician II, Program Coordinator, Neighborhood and Community Development

"I joined the City because the job sounded fun—and it is. In a sense, you get paid to play. And I love the work that we do; empowering others. I like working as part of a team."
—Karina Ma, Program Manager, River Valley Programs, Neighborhood and Community Development

"I joined the City because I enjoy working with children. The supervisor made me feel welcome, as did my new co-mdash;workers, which appealed to me. I've stayed because the work environment is positive and supportive. It's given me the opportunity and flexibility to grow in my knowledge of childcare, and I really enjoy my work."
—Aura Gariepy, Childcare Attendant Supervisor, Community Facility Services

"There is always room to learn and grow, and I am a firm believer in life-mdash;long learning in terms of work and personal growth. The financial compensation is fair, and the City is a reputable employer. You can learn about many different departments and expand your horizons. Plus, I really value a dynamic team that recognizes there is life beyond work, so I appreciate the team's belief in work/life balance. We also work on flex-mdash;time, which is great."
—Klarissa Paradis, Recreation Technician III-mdash;Program Manager, Neighborhood and Community Development

QUALITIES THAT DEFINE THE CITY AS AN EMPLOYER

"In terms of an employer, I would describe working with the City of Edmonton as respectful, flexible, and supportive. But most of all, it's really fun."
—Summer Bozohora, Arts Instructor, Community Facility Services

"The philosophy of working together to build stronger communities is evident in the decisions and actions of the people I work with. The qualities that come to mind are these: positive and fun, people-driven focused, and forward-thinking."
—Megan Hunter, Recreation Technician II, Program Coordinator, Neighborhood and Community Development

"The culture is fun, family-oriented, and satisfying. I feel empowered to get the job done, because I am given the resources and support I need."
—Karina Ma, Program Manager, River Valley Programs, Neighborhood and Community Development

"I would describe the Kids Den as being supportive, positive and a growth opportunity. The atmosphere is friendly. I enjoy coming to work and appreciate my co-workers. The other staff—at the Kinsmen Sport Center— are helpful as well. And the Operations staff are very helpful and kind."
—Aura Gariepy, Childcare Attendant Supervisor, Community Facility Services

"The qualities that define the City as an employer would be professional, accountable and thorough. As for my department, I would choose these: creative, fun, and professional. I would describe the culture as one that is friendly and inviting. The people I work with are friendly and fun, and there is a great rapport built within the team."
—Klarissa Paradis, Recreation Technician III-mdash;Program Manager, Neighborhood and Community Development

"I would say that opportunity and challenge best define the City as an employer. The work culture of the Community Services Department is professional but relaxed. Staff members are encouraged to contribute their ideas and take ownership of their positions."
—Stacey Leach, Recreation Technician II, Community Facility Services

WHY EDMONTON IS A GREAT PLACE TO WORK

"I have the ability to use and develop my skills, and I enjoy the wonderful people I work with every day. Plus, the opportunity to work in job that you feel passionate about is a luxury and a motivation to be the best and do your best every day...who wouldn't want that?"
—Megan Hunter, Recreation Technician II, Program Coordinator, Neighborhood and Community Development

"I would advise others to work here for lots of good reasons. First of all, the work has real meaning and value to it. Plus, it's a service-driven environment. And there are new challenges all the time."
—Karina Ma, Program Manager, River Valley Programs, Neighborhood and Community Development

"The City of Edmonton provides a stable work environment. My supervisors acknowledge the hard work and achievements of the staff, which makes me feel more valued and appreciated. They've been very helpful and supportive. And the administration will hold staff barbecues to socialize with others outside of your department."
—Aura Gariepy, Childcare Attendant Supervisor, Community Facility Services

"Working with the City offers purpose. Each department has a vision, goal, and mission statement. You know what you are working toward, and it is so rewarding when you see progress and achievement because of something you or your team has done."
—Klarissa Paradis, Recreation Technician III—Program Manager, Neighborhood and Community Development

"They really care about their employees. There is plenty of opportunity for career advancement, and with the program team, we get to make a difference in the lives of children."
—Stacey Leach, Recreation Technician II, Community Facility Services

"I am appreciated for my skill and knowledge, love all my co-mdash;workers, from the front desk to the administration, caretaking and the other teachers. It's a community and team environment that makes me proud of my city."
—Summer Bozohora, Arts Instructor, Community Facility Services

THE MOST REWARDING PART OF A CAREER HERE

"The City has great people to work with. I value what I can do for my community, and I have learned a great deal about myself in order to become a strong leader."
—Karina Ma, Program Manager, River Valley Programs, Neighborhood and Community Development

"I get to work with children every day. I get to watch them grow and develop, while being surrounded by laughter and creativity."
—Aura Gariepy, Childcare Attendant Supervisor, Community Facility Services

"I have learned so much about management and working with others. I have learned to apply my critical thinking and to seek out answers in many different ways. One of the highlights of working with the City was with the Leaders in Training Portfolio program. The enrollment and participation numbers had been decreasing over the years and my partner and I worked really hard to excite youth to participate. Sure enough, we had a 40% increase in participants. They were so successful in their leadership placements, and many youth returned to participate the next year. It was so exciting to see them love what they were doing."
—Klarissa Paradis, Recreation Technician III-mdash;Program Manager, Neighborhood and Community Development

"What I find most rewarding is to see the impact that we make on the lives of children throughout the City. Working behind the scenes to coordinate the programs, it is sometimes easy to forget the wonderful effect that our programs have on the children and youth. Whenever I visit a site, however, and see the fun being had and the difference being made, it is a great feeling."
—Stacey Leach, Recreation Technician II, Community Facility Services

"I love to teach and get a high rate of return students. As such, I develop a rapport with my classes and relationships with the individuals, which furthers my professional work in other areas."
—Summer Bozohora, Arts Instructor, Community Facility Services

"One of the perks of working with the City is the opportunity for personal and professional growth. By working in a field that attracts like-minded people, I have gotten to know some of the best people I have ever met. The memories will last a lifetime."
—Megan Hunter, Recreation Technician II, Program Coordinator, Neighborhood and Community Development