YMCA Calgary

YMCA Calgary Careers

What year did your charity open?

• 6 health and wellness facilities

• 6 licensed child development centres

• 2 outdoor camps

Since our inception in 1902, YMCA Calgary has evolved into a vibrant charity that helps people live happier and healthier lives. We are passionate about enhancing the well-being of the communities we serve by creating spaces where belonging, play, and potential are ignited. 

How many locations do you have in Calgary and across Canada/internationally? What locations are hiring locally in Calgary and area?

The YMCA in Canada is a federation of 37 independent local YMCA Associations. Local associations operate autonomously but collaborate under a shared purpose. Collectively, we reach 2 million Canadians across more than 1,000 locations.

Locally, YMCA Calgary operates:

Multiple community programs supporting newcomers and youth in partnership with schools and community organizations

How many people work for your company/organization? How many locally?

YMCA Calgary employs a dedicated mix of fulltime and part-time staff who support programs across the association year‑ round. With more than 800 part‑time employees, including many high school and post‑secondary students, and over 2,000 volunteers, YMCA Calgary is a vibrant community powered by people who are passionate about making a difference.

Each summer we open 200+ seasonal roles for youth and students. Many of our summer staff return year after year — and many transition into permanent part-time or full-time roles..

What types of positions do you offer? (Ie. Full time, part time, seasonal, contract etc.)

At YMCA Calgary, there’s a place for everyone—no matter where you are in your life or career. We offer a wide range of roles that match different interests, experiences, and skill levels.

Our full-time roles cover a variety of areas, including customer service, accounting, human resources, marketing, digital services, administration, health and fitness, early childhood education, and IT.

Part-time opportunities include roles in Aquatics (lifeguards and swim instructors), strength and conditioning, personal training, group fitness, arts programs, sport instruction, and youth engagement and duty managers.

And throughout the year, we hire seasonal staff for our Summer, Winter, Spring, and Fall Camps—including Teachers’ Convention Camps—creating meaningful opportunities for students and youth to get involved.

What are the benefits of working for your company? Discounts, incentives, scholarships etc.

Working at the YMCA means making a real impact — and enjoying great benefits along the way.

Employee Benefits

• Complementary YMCA Calgary membership for employees and their dependent children

• Comprehensive health & dental benefits (premiums fully paid by the Association)

• Pension or student loan repayment plan with matched contributions

• Anniversary flex day & recognition gifts

• Program discounts across YMCA offerings

• Paid recertification & training, including Standard First Aid & CPRC‑C

• Scholarship opportunities

• Leadership development

We invest in our people. Through the Leadership Institute, developed in partnership with Calgary postsecondary institutions, employees and volunteers gain access to tailored leadership training and growth pathways.

Describe opportunities for career growth and advancement.

At YMCA Calgary, we strive to be a leading employer in developing the leaders of tomorrow — a place where youth feel supported, empowered, and recognized as they grow their skills and build meaningful careers.

Camps: Many YMCA leaders begin their journey in our camp programs. Starting as a Camp Counsellor, youth gain hands‑on experience leading activities, supporting campers, and working as part of a dynamic team. With each season, staff can advance into Assistant Coordinator and Coordinator roles. These positions have been the entry point for many of our current Youth, Sports, Climbing, and Day Camps Supervisors, showing how camp experience can open doors across the association.

Health & Fitness: Volunteers and recent graduates can build a strong foundation by gaining practical hours on the fitness floor and accessing affordable training opportunities, including Group Fitness certifications and Personal Trainer pathways. As staff develop their skills, they can move into roles that blend program delivery with administrative and project responsibilities, eventually progressing into Health and Fitness Coordinator or Supervisor positions.

Aquatics: Aquatics offers one of the earliest entry points for youth, with opportunities beginning at age 15. YMCA Calgary provides affordable Lifeguard and Swim Instructor certification options, allowing young people to gain valuable experience on deck. As they grow, staff can advance into Team Lead roles and continue progressing into Aquatics Coordinator or Supervisor positions, supporting operations across our six branches.

Early Childhood Education: Volunteers, practicum students, and recent graduates can begin in relief or on‑call positions (ECE Level 1), gaining experience in a supportive environment. Educators with Level 2 or 3 qualifications can move into full‑time roles with clear pathways toward Supervisor and Manager positions, offering long‑term career development within our child care programs.

Please list any social responsibility initiatives is your organization currently involved in.

YMCA Calgary is a registered charity with a mission to create spaces and communities that are welcoming and inspiring. In pursuit of our vision of happy and healthy communities, YMCA Calgary facilities and programs create opportunities for children, youth, and adults to belong, grow, thrive, and lead. YMCA Calgary provides over $5.6 million per year in donor supported financial assistance so that all Calgarians, of every age and income bracket, have access to quality health, fitness and community programs.

Our programs are purposefully designed to create a positive impact and address community needs. Highlighted initiatives include:

• Free grade 6 memberships and girls-only basketball programs to increase youth physical activity

• Esport programs to foster social belonging and connection

• Culturally connected Indigenous programs rooted in Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Being

• Youth outreach programs

• Programs for newcomer youth and adults

• YMCA Arts programs and live performances to increase access to the arts

• High school math and science tutoring in partnership with the United Way

• Wellness courses offered in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)

• And many more!

ymcacalgary.myavanti.ca/careers

How would someone find out about opportunities at your company? How can a candidate apply?

All opportunities are posted on our Careers page:

Summer camp roles are typically posted from midJanuary through March, but YMCA Calgary hires for‑January through March, but YMCA Calgary hires for a wide range of positions throughout the year.

Describe your hiring and interview process?

At YMCA Calgary, we strive to make the hiring experience positive and supportive—especially for youth applying for their first job. The process begins with an online application, followed by an interview focused on values and skills alignment.

If selected, candidates complete necessary documentation—such as a Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector screening—before receiving an offer. Once hired, new team members take part in onboarding and training on their first day to help them feel prepared, supported, and confident as they step into their role.

What type of education/training/equipment do you require?

Requirements vary by position, but most roles typically require a Police Information Check (PIC) with Vulnerable Sector screening, as well as Standard First Aid and CPR-C certification.

In addition, YMCA Calgary offers training pathways to support staff in becoming certified in areas like Aquatics, Personal Training, and more—helping them grow and succeed in their roles.

What is the minimum age required to work for your company? Are there different age requirements for different positions?

Minimum age requirements vary by position, with Aquatics roles typically starting at 15–16 years old, while Camp Counsellor and Sport Coach positions require candidates to be at least 16.

Provide a wage range for entry level positions.

Entry‑level wages at YMCA Calgary vary by role and qualifications. Most of our part—time roles range from $15-$22 per hour, and seasonal positions pay $132-$136 per day range from $15-$22 per hour and $132-$136 per day for seasonal positions.

What are the hours of the business and general shift times? Are there a minimum number of hours someone needs to work per week? Is there flexibility regarding school schedules?

YMCA Calgary offers exceptional flexibility for students, with opportunities to work anywhere from 3 to 40 hours per week across multiple locations. Shifts are designed to accommodate school schedules, making it easy for high school and post‑secondary students to balance work and academics. Branch hours can be found at ymcacalgary.org/locations, and many roles allow staff to pick up additional shifts or explore different positions throughout the association

Is a uniform provided or do employees have to pay for it?

Yes — YMCA Calgary provides all the uniform pieces you need to feel confident and successful in your role. From day one, you’re equipped with the right gear so you can focus on what matters most: supporting your community and enjoying your work.