Common Questions about the Hiring Process

Our recruitment process varies by position, but generally includes:

1. Posting: Jobs are posted online, commonly for about two weeks.
2. Selection: Applications are reviewed and shortlisted candidates may be invited to interviews, testing or other assessments. Only candidates selected to move forward will be contacted.
3. Reference Check: Human Resources may request references from preferred candidates.
4. Offer: A conditional offer may be made, depending on role requirements such as a criminal record check. Interviewed candidates who are not selected will be notified.
5. Onboarding: New hires receive onboarding details and job-specific training to help them get started.

The City offers a collaborative workplace focused on community impact, public service and professional growth.

Yes. Flexible work arrangements may be available for certain positions, depending on operational requirements and the nature of the work. Where appropriate, eligible employees may have the opportunity to work remotely for a portion of their schedule, subject to departmental needs.

Eligible employees have access to health, dental, pension and wellness programs, along with paid time off and leave programs.

Yes! The City of Cambridge offers a wide range of career paths and supports employees in building skills, gaining experience and exploring opportunities across departments.

Employees may have access to internal learning, online and in-class training, leadership development, mentorship, succession planning, conferences, external training, tuition support and professional membership support, depending on role eligibility and operational needs.

The length of the hiring process varies for each position and depends on a number of factors. Candidates selected to move forward in the hiring process will be directly notified.

Yes, the City is pleased to offer many opportunities for students. We work directly with local school co-op offices to offer co-op opportunities to local students. We also commonly offer seasonal positions, typically posted in early Winter, for students seeking work over the summer months.

You must apply online during the application period stated in the posting. Applications are accepted online only.

1. Create the candidate profile, and attach resume and cover letter.  Your profile needs to have the following information: your name, home address, personal e-mail address, and contact phone number.
2. If applying for camp and aquatic positions, please ensure to attach copies of qualifications.
3. Complete the application form. (Be sure to click on 'apply to posting').
4. Submit the application.
5. You will receive an e-mail notification if your application is successfully submitted. (You might need to check your junk e-mail folder).

If you are selected for an interview, you will receive an email with dates and times. Log into your candidate profile to reserve your interview time.

We only contact those selected for an interview. The City does not guarantee employment for any applicant or returning staff, however, returning staff may fill some positions.

We offer invitations to interviews by email. This invitation provides you with more information about the interview.

Please note: Due to the high volume of applications received for these positions, we are unable to provide status updates on individual applications.

Offer Letter:

Successful candidates will receive an electronic offer letter. The letter will outline a timeline by which the offer must be signed and returned, or else may be rescinded.

Onboarding Information Email:

In order to complete your new hire activities click on the link in the email you received for the new hire onboarding email. You will be prompted to create an onboarding password. You will then be required to enter the applicable details in the panels.

You will need the following information:

• Copies of any certifications, education and licenses specified in your offer letter
• Direct deposit banking information for payroll purposes
• Proof of Social Insurance
• Health and Safety Awareness Training Certificate

The City of Cambridge is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified individuals and will accommodate the needs of qualified applicants under the Human Rights Code in all parts of the recruitment and hiring process. 

If you require an accommodation at any stage of the recruitment or hiring process, please contact  Human Resources  as early as possible so that appropriate arrangements can be made to support your participation. 

Employees must complete the  Worker Health and Safety Awareness in 4 Steps training program. The program helps workers get familiar with health and safety in the workplace, including the rights and responsibilities of workers. Employees must provide a certificate of completion for this training program before their first day of employment.

If you are hired for a supervisory type position, you must complete the Supervisor Health and Safety Awareness in 5 steps training program. This program provides information on your health and safety role as a supervisor. You must provide your certificate of completion before your first day on the job. Supervisor roles include Head Instructor/Lifeguard, Camp Supervisors and more.

Yes. Training orientation dates will be communicated to you and are mandatory. We also provide all employees with job specific training.

Sign up on CORAL for First Aid, CPR, and AED training courses.

Human Resources may require a Police Record Check before your employment can begin. Successful candidates will be required to provide a police record check at their own expense. The police record check must be current and issued within six (6) months of the employment start date. 

The job posting and offer will indicate if and what type of check is required based on the position, such as:

• Criminal Record & Judicial Matters Check
• Police Vulnerable Sector Check

Applicants must apply for a Police Record Check through the police service in the community where they live. Those living in Waterloo Region can apply through the Waterloo Regional Police Service.

We collect personal information related to the recruitment and hiring process under the authority outlined in the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The City uses this information to determine eligibility for employment at the City of Cambridge only. If you have any questions about this collection of personal information, you can contact the Freedom of Information and Privacy Coordinator, Clerks Division, FOI@cambridge.ca.