Port Coquitlam is a city that’s growing, with a City organization that’s looking to grow its diverse team of employees to help shape its future.
“Port Coquitlam is going through a real period of growth and renewal, and a lot of excitement,” says mayor Brad West.
The City is aggressively recruiting to fill a number of positions in all departments and “we think it's one of the best places someone could come and work, and really grow their career,” he adds.
From its beginnings as a small agricultural town on the Canadian Pacific rail line, Port Coquitlam has grown to its current size of about 61,000 residents. The hometown of Canadian hero Terry Fox, PoCo is a livable city known for its affordability, accessible location, extensive parks and trail network, family-oriented services, small-town community spirit, charming historic downtown and business-friendly approach.
“Young families are moving to our city in droves. There is energy and excitement in the air,” West says.
What makes PoCo unique is that because of its size, there is significant development, like the revitalization of its downtown, which is attracting businesses, restaurants and shops. But as an employer, “we're small enough that if you come to work here, you're not lost in the shuffle. You're going to have a lot of opportunity for working across departments, working collectively as a team in a very hands-on way to deliver community-shaping projects.”
The organization encourages innovation, supports employees as they grow and advance, and recognizes talent and hard work, says its mayor.
“We've had people who have started some of the most entry-level positions in the City and end up as head of a department,” West says.
As the City’s recreation specialist in aquatics, Krystal Peyton oversees Port Coquitlam’s aquatics department, which spans two indoor and four outdoor pool facilities.
Hiring is continuous, with job openings posted to the City’s website year round.
All aquatic staff must have their National Lifeguard and Swim Instructor awards as well as Standard First Aid training. But equally important is they are team players who are motivated and care about the work they do, Peyton says.
Most aquatic staff are teens and university students. Shift work provides flexibility and allows time for studies and other commitments. It also provides a sense of community and social engagement.
“I think they love the job so much because they get to make meaningful connections with members of the community. We have the best staff around. The City has a great team of really kind, hard-working employees who really care about the work they do.”
The community vibe is evident not just on the pool deck at the City’s rec facilities but behind the desks at city hall, says Dominic Long, Port Coquitlam’s director of community safety and corporate services.
The City fosters a positive and inclusive work environment that attracts and retains talented employees.
“Port Coquitlam is unique amongst other cities in the Lower Mainland that when you're doing your day-to-day job, you can really see the efforts of your work,” Long says. “We're a forward-thinking city where we don't get caught up in trivial matters and we focus on – as mayor and council often say – getting the basics right.”
For employment opportunities with the City of Port Coquitlam, visit portcoquitlam.ca/jobs.
