Drop In Leader, Play in the Park (Summer 2026)

Job Summary

Working for the City means you are part of something big, something special! You will be part of a team of engaging, enthusiastic, and dedicated people that are committed to collaborating with one another to deliver on our commitment to the residents, visitors, and businesses of Mississauga.

Enthusiasm for working with children is the name of the game! We provide creative and unique speciality programs to meet the diverse needs of each local area. We provide an inclusive drop in program experience where program personnel will be required to work with participants with different needs including children with disabilities, children with behaviour challenges, newcomers, and language barriers. You will make a difference in your community and will leave a lasting impression on the children and youth who attend the program.

Here are our tenative Play in the Park locations:
 

• Barondale Green Park
• Brickyard Park
• Brookmede Park
• Ceremonial Green Park
• Community Common Park
• Forest Glen Park
• Hillside Park
• Lisgar Fields Park
• Neebin Park
• Rosebush Common Park
• Serson Park
• Shawnmarr Park
• Union Park
• Victory Park

 Employees can be assigned to any location within Mississauga or re-deployed to various locations, shifts and/or assigned a variety of job responsibilities on a day-to-day basis.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Program Supervisor or designate, the successful candidate will assist in the operation and delivery of a half day outdoor park program as developed by the Recreation and Culture Division to meet the needs of participants and to ensure adequate safety while facilitating physical and leisure activities.
 

• Provide an inclusive outdoor program experience which includes working with participants with different needs (i.e. children with disabilities, children with behaviour challenges, newcomers, and language barriers).
• Support objectives and philosophies of the Play in the Park Program through quality instruction and staff and customer relations.
• Implement a comprehensive safe half day outdoor park facilitated play program to meet the needs of all participants.
• Provide instruction to participants and ensure planning and preparation for all activities related to the program are carried out successfully.
• Ensure supervision of participants at all times and provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants by adhering to department safety standards and assisting with emergency procedures as required.
• Provide quality customer service and act as a knowledgeable resource to parents, participants, volunteers and other staff.
• Effectively and in a timely manner inform the Program Supervisor/ Designate with regards to all aspects related to parks or location, staffing, participant behaviour, equipment, supplies or anything that would impact the quality and safe delivery of day to day operations of the program.
• Conduct safety checks of program equipment and park areas daily. Clean up and store equipment appropriately.
• Incorporate and model the HIGH FIVE® Principles of Healthy Child Development in program delivery where appropriate.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Skills and Qualifications

• Willing to work in an outdoor park environment for the duration of the contract. Transportation between locations is required if working at two locations per day. Ability to travel between multiple park locations within the city for time-sensitive work-related travel where required.
• At least 15 years of age by June 1, 2026
• Must possess a valid Emergency or Standard First Aid with CPR B or C (Lifesaving Society, Canadian Red Cross Society,  St. John’s Ambulance or the Canadian Ski Patrol) certification (must be recognized by WSIB) by June 1, 2026. The award must be current during the employment period.
• Must possess a valid HIGH FIVE ® Principles of Healthy Child Development certification by June 1, 2026.
• Previous experience working with children an asset.
• A Level 3 - Vulnerable Sector Check will be required of the successful candidate, as a condition of employment, at their own expense, to verify the absence of a criminal record for which a pardon has not been granted by June 1, 2026

Additional Information

• Staff will be paid minimum wage on an hourly basis for attending required trainings or meetings.
• Employment Period is from June 29 - August 28, 2026
• Training for this position will be June 13 and June 14, 2026

Please note: Full-time hours are not guaranteed. Hours are dependent on sufficient program registration.

Applications are being accepted online only. Please note that you will be completing a questionnaire as you submit your application. Please fill this out completely. You will receive a receipt via e-email confirming that your application has been successfully sent.