Employment and Careers

Summer Art Instructor (Canada Summer Jobs) — Job Posting

St. Thomas–Elgin Public Art Centre (STEPAC) | St. Thomas, Ontario

The St. Thomas–Elgin Public Art Centre (STEPAC) is seeking an enthusiastic Summer Art Instructor to support our seasonal public programming. This role is ideal for someone who loves making art, enjoys working with children, and is excited to help create a welcoming, hands-on studio experience in a public gallery setting.

This position is funded through the Canada Summer Jobs program.

Position Details

Position Type: Seasonal, full-time (Canada Summer Jobs)
Term: Approximately 11weeks (dates to be confirmed)
Hours: 35 hours per week (dependent on funding agreement)
Location: St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre

What You’ll Do

Program Instruction & Delivery

Lead engaging, age-appropriate art activities for children.
Demonstrate techniques and encourage creativity using a range of materials (drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, mixed media, etc.).
Support an inclusive learning environment that builds confidence, curiosity, and connection through art.

Program Planning & Studio Support

Lesson planning and activity preparation for the summer art
Set up and clean up studio spaces, prepare materials, and help maintain an organized and safe workspace.
Support basic supply tracking and material prep for programs.

Participant Support & Safety

Help maintain a positive, safe, and respectful environment for all participants.
Supervise participants appropriately and follow STEPAC policies and procedures.
Communicate program needs, attendance notes, and any concerns to supervising staff.

Communication & General Support

Welcome participants and guardians and support smooth sign-in/sign-out when required.
Assist with simple administrative tasks such as attendance lists and feedback/evaluation.
With guidance, gather occasional photos or short captions for program promotion (following STEPAC permissions and guidelines).

What You Bring

Required

Experience working with children, youth, or community groups (camp, classroom, recreation, studio assistant, etc.).
Comfort using a variety of basic art materials and leading group activities.
Strong communication, reliability, and a friendly, professional manner.
Ability to work collaboratively and take initiative.

Assets (Nice to Have)

Education or training in visual arts, education, early childhood education, recreation, or a related field.
First Aid/CPR certification.
Experience adapting activities for diverse learning needs and accessible programming.

Canada Summer Jobs Eligibility (Required)

To be eligible, applicants must:

Be between 15 and 30 years of age (inclusive) at the start of employment;
Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person granted refugee protection under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act; and
Be legally entitled to work in Canada and have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN).

Working Conditions

This role takes place in a busy studio/gallery environment and includes standing, bending, and light lifting (moving tables/materials). Training and orientation will be provided.

How to Apply

Please email:

Resume, and
A short cover letter (tell us about your experience working with kids/community programming and why you’d be a great fit)

Send to: email
Subject line: Summer Art Instructor – Canada Summer Jobs

Application deadline: April 18
Start date: June 8

STEPAC is committed to a respectful, inclusive workplace.

We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and encourage those who may contribute to the diversity of our community to apply.

Instructor Assistant (Summer Programs) — Job Posting

St. Thomas–Elgin Public Art Centre (STEPAC) | St. Thomas, Ontario

The St. Thomas–Elgin Public Art Centre (STEPAC) is hiring an Instructor Assistant to support our summer education and public programs. This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys working with children and families, is comfortable in a creative (and sometimes messy!) studio environment, and takes pride in helping programs run smoothly—from prep to clean-up.

You’ll work closely with STEPAC staff and instructors to create a welcoming, safe, and inspiring space where creativity and community connect.

Position Details

Position Type: Seasonal (Summer)
Hours: 35 hours/week
Duration: 9 weeks (dates to be confirmed)
Location: In-person at STEPAC, St. Thomas, ON

What You’ll Do

Support Program Delivery

Assist the lead instructor during camps, workshops, school/group visits, and drop-in activities.
Support participants one-on-one and in small groups (encouragement, troubleshooting, reinforcing instructions).
Help maintain a positive, inclusive, and respectful learning environment for all ages and abilities.

Prepare Materials & Set Up Studios

Prepare and portion art materials (paint, paper, clay, printmaking tools, mixed media, etc.).
Set up and take down program spaces (tables, chairs, stations, signage).
Help organize storage areas and keep materials accessible and tidy.

Maintain Clean, Safe Spaces

Clean and sanitize tools, tables, sinks, and work areas before and after programs.
Support safe use of materials and basic tool handling under staff direction.
Follow STEPAC’s health and safety procedures and report incidents/concerns promptly.

Provide Friendly Front-of-House Support

Welcome participants and guardians and assist with sign-in/out where required.
Support basic documentation such as attendance tracking and photo permission checks.
With guidance, help display participant work and assist with approved photos for program promotion.

What You Bring

Required

Experience working with children, youth, or community groups (camp, recreation, classroom support, volunteer roles, etc.) or a demonstrated ability to support groups in a professional setting.
Strong communication skills and a dependable, positive attitude.
Comfortable with hands-on tasks including frequent clean-up and material prep.
Able to follow direction, work collaboratively, and take initiative when needed.

Assets (Nice to Have)

Interest or training in visual arts, education, early childhood education, recreation, or a related field.
Experience supporting inclusive programming and diverse learning needs.
First Aid/CPR certification (or willingness to obtain).

Working Conditions

This role is active and studio-based, and includes standing, bending, and light lifting (moving supplies, tables, and program materials). Training and orientation will be provided.

How to Apply

Please email:

Resume, and
A brief cover letter (tell us why you’re interested and any experience you have supporting programs with children/families)

Send to: email
Subject line: Instructor Assistant – Summer Programs

Application deadline: April 18
Start date: TBA

STEPAC is committed to a respectful, inclusive workplace.

We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and encourage those who may contribute to the diversity of our community to apply.

If this role is also Canada Summer Jobs funded, tell me and I’ll add the required CSJ eligibility paragraph and adjust the wording to match the grant language exactly.

Gallery Attendant (Canada Summer Jobs) — Job Posting

St. Thomas–Elgin Public Art Centre (STEPAC) | St. Thomas, Ontario

The St. Thomas–Elgin Public Art Centre (STEPAC) is seeking a friendly, reliable Gallery Attendant to support daily public operations during the summer season. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working with the public, has strong attention to detail, and is interested in art, culture, and community engagement. You’ll help ensure visitors feel welcomed, exhibitions are cared for, and the gallery runs smoothly day to day.

This position is funded through the Canada Summer Jobs program.

Position Details

Position Type: Seasonal, full-time (Canada Summer Jobs)
Term: Approximately 8 weeks (exact dates to be confirmed)
Hours: 30 hours per week (dependent on funding agreement)
Location: In-person at STEPAC, St. Thomas, ON
Schedule: May include occasional weekend shifts (based on gallery hours/programming)

Key Responsibilities

Visitor Experience & Front Desk

Greet visitors, answer questions, and provide a welcoming, professional first point of contact.
Share information about current exhibitions, programs, membership, and donations.
Assist with admissions (if applicable), visitor sign-in, phone/email inquiries, and basic wayfinding.

Gallery & Exhibition Support

Monitor gallery spaces to help ensure artwork safety and a respectful visitor environment.
Complete opening/closing routines and daily gallery checklists.
Assist with basic upkeep of public areas (tidy reception, gallery spaces, signage, brochures, supplies).

Retail & Administrative Support (as applicable)

Support point-of-sale transactions for the gift shop and/or admissions, following STEPAC procedures.
Assist with light administrative tasks such as filing, data entry, inventory counts, preparing mail-outs, and assembling program materials.
Help track visitor numbers and support simple program/event documentation.

Communications & Outreach Support

With guidance, assist with simple content gathering (approved photos, short captions, or event reminders) for social media and newsletters.
Support visitor engagement by promoting upcoming workshops, camps, calls for artists, and community events.

What You Bring

Required

Strong customer service and communication skills; comfortable speaking with the public.
Professional, dependable, and able to work independently during quiet periods.
Attention to detail and ability to follow procedures (including opening/closing and handling payments if assigned).
Interest in arts, culture, community programming, or museum/gallery work.

Assets (Nice to Have)

Experience in retail, reception, tourism/hospitality, or a public-facing role.
Familiarity with basic point-of-sale systems, cash handling, or Microsoft/Google office tools.
Experience taking photos or creating simple content for social media (training and guidelines provided).

Working Conditions

Work takes place in a public gallery environment and includes standing/walking for periods of time and light lifting (brochure boxes, small supplies). Training and orientation will be provided.

Canada Summer Jobs Eligibility (Required)

To be eligible, applicants must:

Be between 15 and 30 years of age (inclusive) at the start of employment;
Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person granted refugee protection under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act; and
Be legally entitled to work in Canada and have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN).

How to Apply

Please email:

Resume, and
A brief cover letter (tell us why you’re interested in the role and any customer service experience you have)

Send to: email
Subject line: Gallery Attendant – Canada Summer Jobs

Application deadline: April 18
Anticipated start date: July

STEPAC is committed to a respectful, inclusive workplace.

We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and encourage those who may contribute to the diversity of our community to apply.

If you share your wage, exact dates, and STEPAC’s summer hours, I can also produce a short job-board version (150–200 words) and a social post to promote the opening.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer Coordinator:

. responsible for overseeing volunteer program

. scheduling for reception, special events and classes and workshops

. procurement of new volunteers (youth, adolescent, adults and older adults)

. work with Executive Director and Program Director to fulfill opportunities for volunteers

Please send cover letter and resume, with subject line "Volunteer Coordinator" to email.

Reception:

. greet visitors and offer guidance

. collect visitor data

. perform administrative duties such as gift shop, payments, registrations

. answer telephone and recording data

. reliable

. able to work independently

Please visit here or our online application.

Youth Volunteers please visit here.