Are you seeking a job in a progressive city renowned for its award-winning culture, collaborative team dynamics, and commitment to inclusivity?
The City of Coquitlam offers unparalleled opportunities to grow your career and is a top contender for job seekers looking to make a meaningful impact.
Co-op student turned full-time employee Hannah Wong’s story is just one example of how the City puts its people first, encouraging staff to explore and pursue their ambitions without sacrificing balance.
“When I was a student, working for the City was not what I had initially planned for, mostly because I wasn’t aware of the wide variety of jobs there were in a municipality,” Wong says.
“During my time with Coquitlam, I discovered a passion for working in local government. I love the work-life balance it provides and the way that we can actually see the result of our work within the local community.”
Setting up for success
Wong began working for the City of Coquitlam in September 2019 as a co-op student in the Human Resources department. Excited to start in a role related to her studies and learn about local government functions, she found her ideal fit working for the City, where she could pursue her desired career goals and gain meaningful experience.
As her term came to a close, she transitioned into a temporary full-time HR role, eventually settling into her current position as a Human Resources Assistant after graduation. Throughout her tenure, Wong has been passionately spearheading the creation of a co-op program for the City.
“Facilitating the City’s co-op program and hiring new students each semester is a way for me to help them learn about and experience what a career in municipal government looks like. It showcases that there are so many opportunities in different types of jobs available for students and recent graduates,” she describes.
“How many other places can say that they hire lawyers, RCMP staff, engineers, lifeguards, trades workers, and accountants, all for the same organization?”
Encouraging collaboration, fostering culture
The City of Coquitlam consistently exceeds expectations with its award-winning culture and dedication to progress. Its innovative approach has been recognized with multiple awards, including the BC Top Employer Award for six consecutive years, a Silver Medal for Excellence in Policy Planning from the Planning Institute of British Columbia, five consecutive Organizational Safety Excellence Awards from the BC Municipal Safety Association, and a Community Excellence Award by the Union of BC Municipalities for its ground-breaking Community Support & Recovery Plan (CSRP).
Coquitlam is committed to leading with purpose, and staff members benefit from a wealth of learning opportunities through internal programs such as mentoring pop-ups and leadership programs, as well as diversified courses ranging from accessibility awareness training to Indigenous-led workshops.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) is a key focus for Coquitlam, and these values are incorporated across all City business, including its policies and practices, language, neighbourhood planning, and services. This commitment to addressing inherent injustices and biases, particularly towards historically marginalized groups, ensures a welcoming environment for all.
The City's forward-thinking mentality also shines in its innovative projects. From environmental sustainability and digital transformation to childcare partnerships, Coquitlam implements solutions that make a difference.
Prioritizing wellness, the City of Coquitlam offers immediate access to nature, easy SkyTrain access, hybrid and flexible work schedules, earned day-off programs, corporate events, and other unique perks, such as free access to City recreation facilities, while fostering a positive and respectful environment that promotes collaboration across all departments.
To start your career journey with the City of Coquitlam today, visit coquitlam.ca/414/Career-Opportunities.
