Careers
Why work for the City of Winkler?
Everyday, our team gets to work for the good of our community. Whether it’s providing recreational activities, setting sustainable development plans, maintaining our water infrastructure, or keeping our community safe, the work of every City employee helps to improve the quality of life of our residents and visitors.
The City of Winkler is in a period of sustained growth, which means there are always new and exciting challenges to work through. Working for the City gives you the opportunity to be a part of an ambitious team and to continually improve your skills and knowledge.
Some of the benefits that City of Winkler employees enjoy are competitive wages, health benefits, professional development opportunities, and a pension. There are also company-wide events throughout the year and a positive work environment.
How do we decide who to hire?
It is a big responsibility to be a municipal employee! And so one of the most important qualities we look for in a candidate is character. We want people who think of others first, people who strive to contribute and make a difference, and people who interact with others wisely and generously.
Once we think a candidate has the right character, we will look to see who has the best skills and aptitude for the job.
What qualifications will help me get a job with the City?
Public Works
The Public Works department is responsible for our transportation infrastructure. They maintain roads and sidewalks by filling potholes, sealing cracks, painting lines, clearing snow, and sweeping away sand, dust, and leaves. They are also responsible for planting and caring for the city’s trees.
Some of the major qualifications for a Public Works Operator include a Class 3 License with Air Brake Endorsement, experience in equipment operation, carpentry, welding, minor electrical, and working with concrete.
Utilities
The Utilities department builds and maintains water and wastewater infrastructure throughout the city. They work with water and sewer lines, water meters, fire hydrants, lift stations, and the lagoon. They also respond to broken water mains and keep water draining during major rain events!
Utilities Operators need their grade 12 degree (or equivalent) to qualify for the provincial Water and Wastewater Facility Operator Certification Program. Operators are required to complete training and take tests to advance to a higher class of operator. It is helpful to have experience in mechanical maintenance, plumbing, and equipment operation, and to have a Class 3 License.
Water Treatment Plant
Water Treatment Plant Operators ensure that we have quality drinking water. They do daily analysis of Winkler’s water and adjust chemical treatments to ensure quality. They also maintain equipment and facilities, including reservoirs and wells.
Water Treatment Plant Operators need their grade 12 degree (or equivalent) to qualify for the provincial Water and Wastewater Facility Operator Certification Program. Operators are required to complete training and take tests to advance to a higher class of operator. It is helpful to have mechanical aptitude and a bachelor’s degree with a background in science, mathematics, or environmental studies.
Recreation – Community Services
The Community Services department provides access to recreation facilities and programming for our community.
Recreation Facilities Operators maintain our ice rinks, sports fields, pool, and buildings. They also get to drive the Zambonis! Certifications in refrigeration, pool operation, and pesticide application along with experience in facility maintenance, mechanics, construction, or landscaping are valuable assets.
There is also a team that plans events and programming and schedules facility usage. Experience with facilitating sports leagues and tournaments, planning community events, and public relations is helpful in these positions. A degree in Recreation Management would be an asset!
Administration
To keep the city organized, we need a strong administrative core. This department includes our finance, communications, IT, human resources departments as well as our receptionists and by-law officer.
Experience and training in a relevant field are important qualifications. It is also helpful to have experience in a municipal environment. Some advanced positions require a certificate in Manitoba Municipal Administration and a CMMA designation.
Planning and Permitting
The Planning and Permitting department guides Winkler’s sustainable growth. They create long-term plans for the city’s growth and work with developers and evaluate their proposals to achieve these strategic objectives. They also conduct public consultations, process permit applications, apply and revise City by-laws at the direction of Council, and conduct zoning reviews.
Understanding of the permitting process and Winkler’s by-laws is essential for this position. A degree in Urban Planning with the goal of earning CPP designation is a requirement for a Planner. A Permitting Clerk should have experience in an office environment, especially in a municipal or legal context.
Engineering
The engineering department is responsible for the City’s building projects, including infrastructure, new facilities, and major maintenance or renovation of existing buildings. They create designs and budgets, tender contracts, do field inspections, and carry out asset management plans for city infrastructure.
Depending on the position, a Certified Engineering Technologist diploma or a degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering is required along with being a member of Engineers Geoscientists of Manitoba.
Building Maintenance, Cleaning, & Groundskeeping
Our Building Maintenance team takes care of our grounds and facilities so that they are functional, accessible, and comfortable. They repair, maintain, and clean municipal buildings, ensure safety compliance, and cut the grass and clear the snow.
Experience with building maintenance, construction, and landscaping are all relevant to these positions.
Police Department
The Police Department keeps our community safe by patrolling the community, responding to calls, investigating incidents of crime, and liaising with other parts of the justice system.
There is no previous training or experience required to apply to be a police officer, but you must have a grade 12 degree (or equivalent), have a Class 4 Driver’s License, be at least 21 years old, and have great character and commitment to following the law.
Fire Department
Members of the Fire Department responds to emergency calls for fires, motor vehicle accidents, hazardous materials incidents, medical emergencies, and more. They are a team of paid volunteers who may have other jobs and responsibilities but are able to respond for emergency calls.
Firefighters need to be physically fit to perform firefighting tasks, have a strong value for safety and teamwork, have healthy stress management strategies, and structure their life to be available for calls.
SEASONAL
The City of Winkler has opportunities for seasonal employment across our many departments.
For these positions, some prior work or volunteer experience can be helpful, especially if it is relevant to the job you are applying for. However, the City provides lots of on-the-job training!
Lifeguards – Lifeguards and head guards keep patrons safe at the Aquatic Centre. All lifeguards must have the appropriate training and certification.
Ticket Clerks – Welcome patrons to the Aquatic Centre and help to keep the facilities clean.
Summer Camp Workers – Provide weekly day-camp activities to children in our community.
Seasonal Parks & Rec Maintenance – Help with the maintenance of our fields, parks, gardens, and facilities. This includes cutting grass, watering plants, garbage removal, and cleaning.
Seasonal Public Works Operators – Helps with a variety of tasks having to do with roads and sidewalks, such as crack sealing, branch clean-up, line painting, and more.
Seasonal Utilities Operators – Assists Utilities Operators with various tasks, including water meter installs, locating underground utilities lines for property owners, and more.
Seasonal Groundskeepers – Helps to keep Bethel Park and the outdoor areas around City Hall looking great! Includes gardening, mowing, and cleaning building exteriors and bathrooms.
Seasonal Water Treatment Plant Operators – Helps with the operation, maintenance, and repair of the water treatment process, including collecting and testing water samples and treating water.
Seasonal Engineering Assistants – Supports our engineering team with field surveys, data collection, surveying, data entry into GIS system, and producing Autodesk Civil3D drawings.