Program Assistant

The City of Markham is proud to be recognized for the 5th consecutive year as one of Canada’s Best Employers by Forbes and Statista Inc. In 2025, the City of Markham is ranked 2nd among municipalities in Canada and 12th overall for Government Services. The recipient of multiple environmental awards, we are recognized for our innovative sustainability and urban planning initiatives as well as our fiscal accountability. More than 366,000 residents call Markham home and benefit from our rich heritage, culturally diverse environment, vibrant local economy and focus on quality of life.

**Location**: Thornhill Community Centre

**Hours of Work**:**Various programs, primarily evenings and weekends.

**J**oin us and make a lasting difference**

**Job Summary**
Responsible for assisting the Program Instructors with all aspects of preparation, organization and delivery of sports programs for preschool children through to adults while contributing to a positive and safe environment for all participants and peers. This position also provides the necessary experience for individuals who are working towards obtaining their necessary qualifications to be Program Instructors.

**Job Duties**
- Under direction from the Program Instructor, assists with the instruction of the program. According to a specific plan, will assist with specific drills while creating a fun, safe and positive learning environment. If the program has the maximum number of participants, this position may assist by taking half of the class, seeking guidance from the Program Instructor on implementation of drills and activities
- Assists with maintaining established class participant ratios
- Ensures all program participants are aware of upcoming events, program changes or cancellations
- Provides feedback to the Program Instructor on program changes and improvements
- Refers any program decisions to the Program Instructor
- Advises Program Instructor of any customer service issues, complaints or inquiries
- Checks and ensures all participant emergency and medical information is accurate on the class list
- Ensures safety at ALL times, enforcing safety regulations such as wearing CSA approved hockey helmets for skating programs and mandatory masks for pre-school children as set out by the City of Markham sports, fitness, arts and leisure programs policies and procedures
- Assists the Program Instructor with set up and clean-up of all equipment and supplies
- Ensures the site, equipment and supplies are appropriate to the activity and environment to reduce and minimize risk to other staff and participants
- In conjunction with the Program Instructor, works within established budget for the program (if applicable) to meet the objectives and philosophies of the City of Markham’s recreational sports, fitness, arts and leisure programs
- Escorts preschool children to the washroom or change room

**Qualifications/Requirements**
- Attending or has partially completed high school.
- Minimum age of 15 years of age at the start of employment
- Previous experience working with children and adults in an instructional sports, arts and leisure setting.
- Standard First Aid with CPR ‘C’
- High Five Certificate and adherence to the principles of Healthy Child Development. (Children ages 6 to 12 years)
- Good verbal/written communication skills, customer service skills and sensitivity to interact with a diversity of parents and staff in a courteous and efficient manner.

**Core Behaviours**
- ** Service Excellence**: Meets or exceeds service standards when interacting with customers in the community and in the organization.
- ** Change & Innovation**: Responds positively and professionally to change and helps others through change.
- ** Teamwork & Relationship Building**: Interacts with others in an inclusive, collaborative and respectful way that creates effective working relationships.
- ** Communication**: Communicates in a clear, professional and respectful way; demonstrates active listening.
- ** Accountable & Results Oriented**: Demonstrates ethical behaviour and accountability, aligns with City values, and abides by relevant policies and legislation.
- ** Management & Leadership**: Demonstrates self-management, professionalism and engagement; leads by example.

The City of Markham is committed to inclusive, accessible and barrier free employment practices and to creating a workplace that reflects and supports the diversity of the community we serve. Please let us know if you require an accommodation and we will work with you to ensure a barrier free hiring process.

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