JOB DESCRIPTION

The City of Orillia is seeking to fill the position of Buddy Leader (formerly Buddy Counsellor) in the Parks and Recreation Division of the Environment and Infrastructure Services Department. Reporting directly to the Team Lead – Buddy Program and Logistics, the Buddy Leader will play a key role in providing one-on-one support to children with a range of various abilities and providing support and guidance to ensure a safe and engaging experience for all campers.

 DUTIES

• Provide one-on-one support to children with a range of different abilities, fostering a safe, enjoyable, and inclusive camp experience tailored to each camper’s unique needs.
• Collaborate closely with Day Camp staff to adapt and modify camp activities, ensuring that campers of all abilities are able to participate fully and meaningfully in the program.
• Maintain open, ongoing communication with parents and caregivers, providing updates on camper progress, achievements, and any areas of concern throughout the camp program.
• Utilize positive behavior modification strategies to guide and support campers, fostering a respectful, understanding, and structured environment.
• Respond promptly and effectively to emergencies by following established safety protocols, keeping a calm demeanor, and prioritizing camper safety.
• Understand, adhere to, and enforce Corporate Policies & Procedures, Confidentiality Guidelines, Emergency Procedures, and Health and Safety Standards for all participants and staff.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Assess and monitor facility accomodations to meet the activity requirements and safety needs of each camper, making adjusments as necessary to create a secure environment. 
• Assist with additional tasks as assigned to support overall camp operations and maintain a cohesive team environment.
• Attend and participate  in all scheduled staff meetings and training sessions, ensuring readiness to fulfill the responsibilities of the role and contributing to team cohesion and professional development.
  
  

 QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior experience providing one-on-one support to children with diverse abilities in a camp or recreational setting is preferred.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of effectively engaging with staff, campers, and parents.
• The City will provide one opportunity for the successful candidate to obtain Behaviour Management Systems (BMS) Training certification at no cost. If the candidate is unable to attend the scheduled training or does not complete it, they will be responsible for obtaining the certification at their own expense.
• A valid and acceptable Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check must be provided prior to the employment commencement date, at the incumbent’s expense.
• High Five- Principles of Healthy Child Development is required. (Please see below for the date and registration link for available HIGH FIVE–PHCD course, applicants are required to obtain this training prior to their start date).
• Current Standard First Aid and CPR-C certification from an accredited organization is required. Please see below links for First-Aid registration, applicants are required to obtain this training prior to their start date.
  
  

Below is the registration link for the available Standard First Aid- CPRC courses:

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  Standard First Aid – CPR-C – January 24 – January 25

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  Standard First Aid – CPR-C – March 28 – March 29

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  Standard First Aid – CPR-C – May 2 – May 3

   

   

   

Below is the registration link for the available HIGH FIVE–PHCD course.

High Five – Principles of Healthy Child Development – May 5, 2026  

Successful candidates will be required to participate in Behaviour Management Systems (BMS) Training on May 9, 2026.

This position is a seasonal contract position (May 1, 2026, to September 4, 2026) that includes evening and weekend shifts. Compensation for this position is $19.78 to $20.38/hour (2025 Rate) based on qualifications. Interested applicants are invited to submit an application by January 16, 2026, at Noon.

Applications will only be accepted by applying online. Please click the "Apply Now" button below.

Note: The City of Orillia is committed to an inclusive, barrier-free environment. Accommodation will be provided in all steps of the hiring process. Please advise the City of Orillia Human Resources Department if you require any accommodations to ensure you can participate fully and equally during the recruitment and selection process. We thank all applicants that apply and advise that only those to be interviewed will be contacted. In accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, personal information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act 2001,S.O. 2001, c. 25., and will be used for the purpose of candidate selection. Questions about this collection should be directed to the Freedom of Information Coordinator, City of Orillia, 50 Andrew St. S., Orillia ON L3V 7T5.