Working at CVC Parks
As we enjoy this winter weather, we’re already planning for spring, including hiring for seasonal staff to help support our parks.
During your visit to our parks, you might have interacted with our wonderful parks staff. Thanks to their hard work and dedication, our parks are well-maintained for our community to enjoy.
If you’re thinking about applying to work with us, learn what a day in the life of a Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) parks staff is like and why they love to do their jobs.
Role Rundown
At CVC we hire four key positions at our parks:
- Crew Members, Conservation Parks
- Crew Members, Property Management
- Crew Members, Visitor Services
- Security Officers, Enforcement
These positions vary in responsibility but are connected by a love for working outdoors and engaging people with nature.
Crew Members, Conservation Parks
Our conservation parks crew members are dedicated to parks that have amenities like park stores, pavilions or rental facilities. These parks include Island Lake, Terra Cotta, Belfountain and Ken Whillans Conservation Areas. Crew members collaborate daily on a variety of tasks to share the workload. Tasks could include:
- Trail and grounds maintenance
- Customer service
- Hosting special events
- Boating and water work
- Equipment and facility rentals
- Property and facility inspections and maintenance
Crew Members, Property Management
Each day, our property management team travels to one or two different parks that offer a variety of hiking trails and unique features. These parks include Upper Credit, Silver Creek, Limehouse and Rattray Marsh Conservation Areas, the Elora Cataract Trailway and more. They carry out property maintenance work, including trail work, grass cutting and various landscaping tasks.
They also monitor park conditions for risk assessments to help us update visitors, which is posted to our parks advisories.
Crew Members, Visitor Services
These staff members are the friendly faces that greet you at the gate or park store and are on site to address your questions and concerns. To expertly answer your inquiries or refer you to the right team member, they stay informed about CVC activities. Speak to them if you have questions about:
- Our parks and what each park has to offer
- Picnic and event reservations
- Equipment rentals
- Rules and regulations
- The benefits of being a parks passholder
Security Officers, Enforcement
Our security officers help to protect the important natural resources in our parks and ensure our visitors can safely enjoy our facilities.
Security officers are licensed as a private security guard through the Province of Ontario. They work across all our parks and are ready to respond to first aid and emergency situations.
All in a Day’s Work
Our parks are open to the public during daylight hours, our staff begin their shifts as early as 5 a.m. giving them the chance to catch some gorgeous sunrises to start their day.
Staff Insight
Each day can hold a new adventure, challenge or team effort. We asked our operational crew members what their favourite aspect of their job was. Here’s what they had to say:
What is your favourite part about opening the park?
“The peaceful quietness of the park after a busy previous day. The fresh snowfall with all the animal tracks running through it and the beautiful sunrises you sometimes get to catch.”
“Arriving to work and watching the sunrise while opening ice huts or preparing the boats for the day with other staff members. You have time to watch and listen to the birds, since they are usually scared off as it gets busier.”
What is your favourite daily task?
“I love working outside on the trails. Since I enjoy hiking in nature in my personal life, being able to do it as part of my job is amazing. I also look forward to connecting with visitors, helping them experience the beauty and unique features of our parks.”
“I enjoy that there are a variety of tasks that we do, from fixing canoe seats to working on the trails. I also enjoy assisting visitors by offering new experiences through our rental program.”
What is something that surprised you about being a crew member?
“There were so many things I thought I would never get to try in my life that I have experienced here, like driving a snowmobile or learning to use new tools.”
“Crew members, me included, are often surprised by the amount of skill development there is. If you can bring your own experience and a willingness to learn, you can be trained in diverse skills like operating equipment like boats and tractors, to making repairs and property maintenance.”
What perks come with the job?
“Knowing I get to call nature my office and being able to work in the fresh air and explore the parks. It’s great interacting with our happy visitors who love being here and enjoying nature too.”
“I enjoy the daily variety, learning new skills and tackling challenges or assisting visitors with my shared passion for the outdoors.”
What do you find fulfilling in this job?
“Having the chance to work at different park locations. I’m gaining experience and learning about the unique aspects of our parks and visitors across the watershed. I’ve been surprised by the experiences this has offered, and it’s shown me what I’m capable of. My self-confidence and self-esteem have grown.”
“Of course, being outside every day and providing customer service to build positive relationships with our visitors.”
What’s it like being part of the Credit Valley Parks team?
“Positive! It’s refreshing to be with people that have similar interests. I find it special working with people who want to protect and connect with nature, making collaboration fun and exciting.”
“It’s fantastic and I feel supported by our team. There can be a big learning curve when you start, but with time you start you feel more comfortable and know theirs always someone you can ask for help.”
Getting Started at CVC
If you have a willingness to learn, you love the outdoors in all types of weather and you like to connect people with nature, then apply to join our team!
Before applying, keep in mind that each park requires a specific skill set. Read the job outline carefully and tailor your cover letter accordingly. Check if there are additional certifications required for the role, such as a pleasure craft operator’s card or first aid.
Don’t be shy about applying, even if you don’t meet every requirement. We train in many aspects and you might be the ideal fit for our team. We’re also committed to diversity, inclusiveness and equity. We are proud to serve one of the most culturally diverse areas of Canada and recognize that diversity enriches the lives of all watershed residents and the work we do.
Get Familiar With our Parks
We encourage you to visit and explore our parks if you haven’t already to get a feel and connect with our staff in person.
Consider volunteering with us and in the parks to get involved and connected. Programs like our Conservation Youth Corps and other volunteer opportunities throughout the year.
If you are a college or university student, we have programs on parks, trails and other outdoor recreation program management you might be interested in.
Join us at our Job Fair and Open House
Are you a student or a recent graduate? Connect with us at our Job Fair and Open House on Saturday, February 22, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Hiring a Variety of Positions
Don’t miss this opportunity to network with our staff, learn more about the important work we do and how you can join our team.
In addition to seasonal parks staff, we are hiring for a variety of positions. Come prepared with your resume and questions you may have for staff from any of the following areas of work:
- Conservation Parks
- Visitor services at our parks
- Enforcement and property management
- Engineering services
- Ecosystem restoration and stewardship
- Watershed science and environmental monitoring
- Information Management and GIS
Don’t forget to check our jobs webpage for the most up-to-date information on postings.
Register to attend the Job Fair and Open House.
By Sarah Lebret, Associate, Marketing and Communications.