Student Jobs

Am I eligible to apply?

To be eligible for a summer student job you must:

• Be at least 18 years old by December 31.
• Be currently enrolled in full-time studies at a college or university.
• Be returning to full-time studies for the following semester.
• Be legally able to work in Canada as a student (if hired, you will need to bring your Social Insurance Number card).
• Have a full G class driver's licence and submit a current driver's record from Service Ontario (if you are required to drive a Regional vehicle).

When do the jobs start and end?

Our summer student jobs start at the beginning of May and end at the end of August. The start and end dates can change to fit specific operational needs and job requirements.

What types of jobs are available?

We offer summer student jobs in various departments throughout the Region. Some of these positions are:

• General maintenance and cleaning - industrial and commercial environment.
• General labourer - working outside in a variety of areas (water/sewer/road repair).
• Durham Region Transit (DRT) - bus drivers and service people (clean, fuel up and check, top up fluids in buses). This involves being available to work all shifts (days, afternoons, nights, and weekends or statutory holidays).
• Administrative/clerical-type positions.
• Technical-type positions (engineering, social services/caseworker, planning, information technology, public health inspector, etc.).
• Food and nutrition - in a long-term care environment.
• Nursing and health care related positions - in a long-term care environment.
• Recreation, therapy and kinesiology - in a long-term care environment.
• Paramedic services.

What is the rate of pay?

• Students are paid an hourly rate depending on the position and in some cases, the number of years of post-secondary education completed.
• Some student positions are unionized and pay union dues.
• Four per cent vacation pay is added to each pay.

What are the work hours?

Work weeks range from part-time hours, which are 24 hours or less per week depending on operational needs. Full-time hours vary from 35 to 40 hours per week. 

In some cases, shift work is required. This includes days, afternoons, nights, weekends or statutory holidays.

What is the hiring process?

We match resumes with jobs based on your area of study, experience and specific interest. Only one resume is required for all summer student positions.

• All students must submit their resume online via our recruitment portal. Hard-copy applications and resumes are not accepted.
• Submit one document that contains your cover letter and resume.
• We thank all candidates for their interest in summer student employment opportunities, however, we will only contact those selected to participate in our competition process.
• If we choose you to participate in the competition process, you will be required to provide contact information for two references. References must be work supervisors, teachers, professors, counsellors and/or volunteer-related references (personal references are not accepted).
• The testing and interview process will take place during the period of February 1 to June 30 and will be completed virtually as much as possible.
• If you require accommodation at any time throughout the application process, please tell us and we will provide appropriate assistance in accordance with the Region's Accommodation Policy.
• Some positions require a Police Record Check and/or a current driver's record from Service Ontario prior to being hired

We will tell you if you need to complete any of these things.

How do I apply if I worked with the Region last summer?

• You must submit your resume online via our recruitment portal.
• Contact your supervisor or manager from the previous summer to communicate your interest and confirm your eligibility.
• Operational needs and a successful performance from the previous year determine summer student employment opportunities.
• Returning students do not need to attend an interview, unless we are considering them for a different position.

What documents do I need?

• Proof of Social Insurance Number
• Proof of date of birth (copy of birth certificate or passport)
• A void cheque or a completed direct deposit form from your bank
• Proof of school enrolment
• Driver's record (if required)
• Proof of a valid G class driver's licence (if required)
• Police Record Check (if required)
• Proof of immunization (if required)
• Certificate of Health form (if required)

What do you accept as proof of enrolment in school?

• Registrar's letter confirming enrolment and academic eligibility for the next semester.
• Letter or screenshot confirming your anticipated graduation date.
• Letter or screenshot indicating that you have more credits left to complete in your current degree.
• Letter or screenshot confirming your acceptance to a program next term/semester at a post-secondary education establishment.

Is there any training and/or orientation?

All summer students will attend an orientation where they will learn about our organization, health and safety, and corporate policies. You might have more training, depending on your job.

Do I get time off during employment period?

The purpose of our Summer Student Employment Program is to employ students who are available to work during the full months of May, June, July and August. As per the Employment Standards Act, four per cent vacation pay is paid on a biweekly basis instead of paid time off.