City of Vancouver Jobs in Local Government Services

More people across British Columbia have started searching for meaningful, community-focused careers in the public sector, especially those offered through City of Vancouver Jobs. These opportunities range from casual lifeguard roles and warehouse work to full-time careers in engineering, planning, and administration. Whether you’re a student, newcomer, or experienced professional, the city’s hiring efforts reflect a growing need for people from all backgrounds to help keep things running.

One of the best things about City of Vancouver Careers is the variety. Some roles are designed specifically for students or first-time job seekers. Others are tailored to experienced project managers, office support professionals, or civil engineers looking to move into government. With steady hiring throughout the year and clear job descriptions, applying for a job in the city is both approachable and practical, no matter where you are in your career.

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City of Vancouver Jobs: Municipal Careers Across Departments

Overview of the City of Vancouver

Vancouver is a coastal city located in British Columbia, known for its natural beauty, thriving economy, and progressive policies. With a population of over 660,000 and growing, it stands as one of the most livable cities in the world. Surrounded by mountains and ocean, it offers a high quality of life alongside diverse job opportunities in both the public and private sectors. The city is also home to major ports, green initiatives, and some of the most innovative urban planning in Canada.

As one of the largest municipalities in Western Canada, this city plays a central role in delivering services that support everyday life. This includes public safety, infrastructure, environmental planning, social housing, and more. Like other growing cities in the Metro Vancouver region, such as Burnaby, Surrey, and Coquitlam, Vancouver invests heavily in its workforce. The result is a wide variety of government roles that support the people, programs, and policies that shape how the city functions.

Types of Jobs – Job Opportunities Available in the City of Vancouver

The City of Vancouver offers an incredibly wide range of job opportunities, which makes it one of the most dynamic places to work in the public sector. Whether you’re a student looking for part-time work, a foreign applicant with the right permits, or someone pursuing a career in government, some options suit different experience levels and interests. The city hires across multiple departments, including engineering, parks and recreation, community safety, and administration. Every role contributes to the delivery of public services that directly impact residents’ daily lives.

Administrative and Office Roles

From clerical support to executive coordination, these roles help the city run smoothly behind the scenes. They often involve data entry, scheduling, and communication tasks in various departments.

• Office Support Clerk
  Office Support Clerks are responsible for maintaining records, managing schedules, and supporting department staff with day-to-day administrative tasks. These roles require attention to detail, good communication, and a basic understanding of software tools like spreadsheets and internal filing systems.
• Data Entry Assistant
  In this position, clerks are responsible for inputting and updating digital records. The job often involves entering permit applications, attendance logs, or payroll data. It’s ideal for detail-oriented individuals who are comfortable working in a focused, independent environment.
• Customer Service Representative
  These employees respond to public inquiries through phone, email, or in-person visits. They help residents with parking permits, tax bills, and service requests. This role requires strong communication skills and a helpful, professional attitude.

Public Works and Engineering

These jobs focus on maintaining Vancouver’s infrastructure—from roads and water systems to civic buildings. Engineers, technicians, and field crews all play a part in keeping the city operational.

• Civil Engineer
  Civil Engineers support the city’s infrastructure projects by designing, reviewing, and overseeing construction plans. Whether it’s roadways, drainage, or municipal facilities, these professionals play a key role in long-term city development.
• Survey Technician
  Technicians work alongside engineers to collect field data, mark land boundaries, and support planning documents. This role often includes on-site inspections and reporting using digital mapping tools.
• Construction Project Inspector
  These workers monitor construction sites to ensure work is being completed safely and according to plan. They liaise with contractors, review timelines, and report progress to city staff.

Parks, Recreation, and Community Services

Roles in this area help improve quality of life for residents by supporting community centers, public parks, and recreation programs. Opportunities span event planning, facility operations, and youth services.

• Lifeguard
  Lifeguards are hired year-round for pools and in summer for beaches. They oversee swimmer safety, conduct rescues if needed, and teach swim lessons. Candidates must hold valid CPR and lifeguarding certifications.
• Recreation Program Assistant
  This role involves supporting community classes, sports programs, and events across city-run facilities. It’s a great opportunity for students or those looking for flexible part-time work.
• Gardener
  Gardeners work on the upkeep of Vancouver’s parks and public gardens. Tasks include planting, trimming, and maintaining flower beds and landscaping. It’s a physical job that suits those who enjoy outdoor work.

Warehouse, Stores, and Fleet Services

This category includes jobs that handle logistics, supplies, and vehicle operations for city departments. It’s ideal for those skilled in inventory, transport, or mechanical services.

• Storekeeper
  Storekeepers handle inventory, receive incoming deliveries, and distribute supplies to various city departments. The job requires good organizational skills and comfort with manual handling and basic systems.
• Warehouse Worker
  Warehouse Workers help move, sort, and manage city inventory including tools, seasonal materials, and maintenance supplies. The role involves some lifting and equipment handling.
• Fleet Maintenance Assistant
  This role supports the city’s vehicle and equipment fleet by helping mechanics, organizing parts, and ensuring vehicles are prepped for use. It’s a hands-on job with a strong teamwork element.

Planning, Environmental, and Project Roles

These positions support sustainable city growth through urban planning, environmental policy, and special project coordination. They often require analytical skills and long-term vision.

• Project Manager
  Project Managers coordinate the planning and delivery of large-scale initiatives like road improvements, community facilities, or sustainability programs. The role involves managing teams, schedules, and budgets.
• Environmental Analyst
  Analysts study data related to sustainability, waste management, and climate policy. Their work supports the city’s broader green goals and helps align services with provincial standards.
• Urban Planner
  Planners shape long-term community growth by developing housing, land use, and zoning plans. The role combines public consultation with technical knowledge in planning policies.

Community Safety and Public Service

Whether it’s supporting emergency services or ensuring bylaw compliance, these roles help keep Vancouver safe. They often involve public interaction, enforcement, or frontline assistance.

• Security Officer
  These officers provide on-site security at city buildings and public events. Responsibilities include monitoring entrances, reporting incidents, and supporting emergency procedures.
• Emergency Social Services Support Worker
  In this role, workers help coordinate services during emergencies, such as extreme weather or evacuations. They assist in shelter operations and help connect residents to temporary support.
• Fire Prevention Assistant
  Assistants work with inspectors to help educate the public, perform fire code checks, and assist with administrative duties related to fire safety documentation.

Entry-Level and Youth Jobs

These positions are designed for students, recent graduates, or those new to the workforce. They offer training, mentorship, and a chance to gain hands-on experience in civic operations.

• Recreation Leader (for Students)
  This is a seasonal role perfect for high school or university students. Leaders help coordinate kids’ programs, supervise events, and guide recreational activities at city centres.
• Administrative Support – Youth Employment
  Through city-run youth employment programs, students can work in departments like archives, cultural services, or IT. These short-term jobs offer valuable government experience.
• Outdoor Maintenance Helper
  Entry-level helpers assist with park and street maintenance. The role involves basic landscaping, painting, and clean-up tasks. No experience is required, making it a good option for young applicants.

Workplace Insights

Working in City of Vancouver jobs offers a firsthand look at what it means to serve a diverse, vibrant, and fast-growing urban community.

What It’s Like Working Here

Jobs with the City of Vancouver are rooted in structure, support, and real community impact. Whether you’re maintaining streets, managing permits, or helping run a summer program, you’re part of the system that keeps the city running. Most departments are organized, and workdays tend to follow clear routines. Staff know what’s expected of them, have access to all the tools they need, and are encouraged to collaborate. For people who want consistency while doing meaningful work, the city offers a balanced and dependable environment.

• Roles follow consistent schedules with set start and end times
• Departments focus on collaboration, not competition
• Employees work toward visible, community-wide outcomes
• Jobs are available in both indoor and outdoor work settings
• City staff are provided with training, safety gear, and resources

Why Employees Enjoy Working Here

Employees value a strong workplace culture, steady schedules, and the chance to do work that directly improves life for residents. Whether it’s a project manager overseeing upgrades or a lifeguard watching over a community pool, each role carries a sense of purpose. Supervisors are often described as approachable and fair, and most teams maintain a strong support system. Internal hiring is common, and many employees move into more senior roles over time.

• Many staff stay with the city long term due to growth options
• Positive team dynamics are common in most departments
• Managers provide support without micromanaging
• Contributions are acknowledged both formally and casually
• People feel their work has a real, lasting impact

Workplace Environment and Expectations

Across all departments, professionalism is key, but that doesn’t mean the environment is overly strict. Staff are expected to be respectful, punctual, and responsible, but also encouraged to learn, ask questions, and improve over time. For new hires, especially students or those without experience, the onboarding process is clear and supportive. Training is provided, and coworkers are usually happy to help with early learning.

• Staff are trained during onboarding and supported as they settle in
• Clear expectations are outlined at the start of the role
• Teamwork, reliability, and communication are emphasized
• Mistakes are treated as learning opportunities, not failures
• Departments take pride in safety and mutual respect

Benefits and Salary

If you choose City of Vancouver jobs, you’ll get health and dental coverage that’s actually worth it, plenty of vacation days to relax, and automatic enrollment in their pension plan, too. Some positions come with uniform allowances, wellness perks, or professional development support. Part-time and temporary roles may not include benefits, but still offer consistent pay and fair scheduling. Students, casual workers, and warehouse crews are supported with orientation, access to resources, and clear communication around scheduling.

• Lifeguards and student roles usually pay between $18 – $23 per hour
• Administrative and office support positions range from $45,000 to $60,000 per year
• Skilled trades and warehouse jobs pay between $50,000 and $70,000 annually
• Civil engineers and project managers often earn $75,000 to $100,000 or more
• Senior-level roles and department heads earn over $110,000 annually

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for City of Vancouver jobs, candidates must meet a range of basic and role-specific eligibility requirements.

Minimum Age Requirement

The City of Vancouver offers several roles that are open to students and young job seekers, starting at age 15 or 16. These include positions like seasonal assistants, outdoor support staff, and recreation helpers. Trying to get a city gig with heavy machines, security duties, or tech tasks? You’ll have to wait until you’re at least 18 years old to sign up. Proof of age may be requested as part of the onboarding process.

• Youth-friendly jobs are available starting at age 15 or 16
• Most part-time and casual positions require applicants to be 16 or older
• Full-time and safety-sensitive roles typically require an age of 18 or above
• Applicants may need to verify their age before starting work

Education and Qualifications

Some city roles require no formal education beyond high school, especially those targeted at students or first-time job seekers. Other positions, like civil engineer or project manager, call for post-secondary education and industry-specific certifications. Lifeguard jobs require up-to-date certifications, while administrative roles usually expect applicants to be familiar with basic computer systems and document handling.

• Entry-level roles often require only a high school diploma or equivalent
• Professional roles require degrees or diplomas related to the field
• Specific certifications are needed for lifeguards, engineers, and other technical staff
• All qualifications must be valid and up to date at the time of hire

Work Eligibility in Canada

To work for the City of Vancouver, you must be legally allowed to work in Canada. This includes citizens, permanent residents, and individuals with a valid work or study permit. While some roles may be open to foreign applicants already in the country, the city does not offer visa sponsorship or relocation assistance.

• Only applicants with legal status to work in Canada will be considered
• The city does not sponsor immigration or work permits
• International students with valid permits may be eligible for part-time roles
• Proof of eligibility is required before an offer can be made

Criminal Record Check

A criminal background check is required for many city roles, especially those involving public safety, childcare, financial access, or vulnerable populations. Depending on the position, you may need to submit either a general background check or a vulnerable sector screening. The city will inform you if this is needed during the hiring process.

• Recreation and youth program jobs often require vulnerable sector checks
• Roles in security, finance, or public-facing areas may require background screening
• All checks must be completed before your start date
• Police-issued documentation is typically required

Licensing and Certifications

Several jobs require licenses or professional certifications before you can start. For example, TTC-related roles need a valid BC driver’s license with the appropriate class. Lifeguards must hold certifications in First Aid and CPR, and technical roles like engineering or trades work may require safety training, industry credentials, or union membership.

• Lifeguard roles require CPR-C, National Lifeguard certification, and First Aid
• Drivers and fleet workers need a valid BC license with the correct class
• Engineers and project managers must show proof of formal credentials
• Trades roles may require union certification or safety courses

Application Process for City of Vancouver Jobs

Considering the City of Vancouver Jobs is a fully online process, designed to be simple and accessible for applicants at any stage. Whether you’re applying as a student, a skilled tradesperson, or a project manager, the steps are nearly the same. Start by browsing the job listings, prepare your documents based on the position’s requirements, and submit everything through the official careers portal. After that, it’s about staying alert for emails from the hiring team and being ready for next steps like interviews or background checks.

Browse and Choose a Job

Search for a role that matches your background, availability, and interests. You can use filters to narrow down jobs by category, department, employment type, or keyword.

• Go to the City of Vancouver careers page
• Use filters for job type, category, or location
• Review the qualifications and responsibilities carefully
• Make note of the job closing date and application instructions

Get Your Documents Ready

Once you’ve picked a job, prepare your resume and other necessary files. The posting will tell you if a cover letter, certification, or portfolio is needed.

• Resume tailored to the job description
• Cover letter (if requested or recommended)
• Copies of licenses or certifications, such as First Aid or engineering credentials
• Updated references, if applicable

Submit Your Application Online

If you’re thinking about applying, you’ll need to use the city’s official job portal because that’s where it all happens. You’ll need to create an account or log in, complete a basic application form, and upload your documents.

• Find the job you want to apply for
• Click “Apply Now” and log in or create a profile
• Fill in your contact info and work history
• Upload your resume and other required files

Summary

People across British Columbia who are looking for steady, community-driven careers often find the right fit through the City of Vancouver Jobs. With roles ranging from student-friendly part-time work and seasonal outdoor jobs to professional careers in engineering, planning, and operations, the city offers something for nearly every skill level and background. Jobs come with fair pay, clear expectations, and access to structured benefits and development opportunities. Whether you’re a first-time job seeker, a foreign applicant with the right work status, or someone ready to build a long-term path in government, Vancouver provides the environment, tools, and support to make it happen.

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