Ontario students looking for meaningful summer work opportunities with competitive pay may want to explore the thousands of positions Parks Canada has opened for 2025. With salaries ranging from $16.84 to $24 per hour — and some seasonal roles offering up to $30 per hour — these positions provide a chance to work in Canada’s stunning protected areas while earning a solid income.
Parks Canada employs more than 3,000 students and temporary workers each summer, managing operations across 450,000 square kilometers of national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas.
In Ontario, students can apply for positions as waterway staff at lock locations along the Rideau Canal, stretching from Ottawa to Kingston. Salaries range from $17.36 to $18.42 per hour, depending on the applicant’s academic level.
Similar roles are available at the Trent-Severn Waterway, which spans from Port Severn to Trenton, with comparable pay rates.
“With a vast network of national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas, students can explore some of Canada’s most beautiful and culturally significant places,” Parks Canada notes.
Beyond waterway operations, Parks Canada offers a variety of summer roles, including:
- Gate attendant and cashier services
- Event planning
- Lifeguarding
- Marketing and communications
- Security and law enforcement
- Skilled trades
- General administration
- Cleaning
- Computer and data management
These jobs provide students with opportunities to gain valuable experience in unique settings while contributing to the preservation and promotion of Canada’s natural and cultural heritage.
Parks Canada’s streamlined hiring platform allows students to apply in just 15 minutes by creating a VidCruiter account. The portal enables applicants to upload their resume and select up to 10 preferred work locations and job types.
While the application deadline is March 1, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and students are encouraged to apply early to secure their preferred positions.
Students can visit parkscanada.ca or the federal government’s online job portal to explore current postings and submit applications.