Career Opportunities

1. Apply Online
2. Application Review
3. Candidate Assessment
4. Background Checks
5. Employment Offer
6. Onboarding

Apply Online

Applicants need to apply online to posted jobs.

We have created guides to help both internal and external candidates with the application process. If you encounter any difficulty, please contact Human Resources. 

• External Applicants Guide (PDF)
• Internal Applicants Guide (PDF)

Résumés and Cover Letters

The City typically requests a résumé as part of an application process and may also request a cover letter.

Tips:

• Many of our job postings are unionized and the minimum qualifications are listed on the job posting. Candidates must clearly demonstrate how they meet the minimum qualifications. We recommend you indicate how you meet these minimum qualifications in your resume. 
• There are great examples online for how to create résumés and cover letters. Be concise and clearly showcase your information in the format you choose (e.g. chronological, combination or functional résumé ).
• If you worked outside Canada, search for information online on how to highlight international or foreign experience in résumés and cover letters. Include the city and country where you worked, and explain how your experience relates to the job you are seeking. Coquitlam values diverse experiences and skillsets. 

Application Review

Once we receive your online application, it is reviewed by people. This typically includes the hiring manager and Human Resources. Candidates are assessed based on their qualifications in relation to the job opportunity, and the competitiveness of their application.

Candidates are selected to move forward based on how they meet the minimum qualifications for the position and the competitiveness of their application in the recruitment process and those shortlisted for consideration are contacted by Human Resources.

Human Resources most often contacts short-listed candidates through email. We recommend you check your email inbox and spam folder to ensure you do not miss notifications from the City. 

Assessment Stage

Coquitlam’s recruitment process typically include two stages of assessment.

Testing

Depending on the position you are applying for an assessment can include:

• Knowledge-based tests
• Practical assessments
• Clerical tests (typing, Word, Excel, etc.)
• Presentations
• Written assessments

Behavioural Interviews

The City of Coquitlam uses behavioural competencies to determine if a candidate will be a good fit for the position and our organization. Behavioural questions ask you to describe past situations or challenges you may have faced, and how you handled them. 

Examples of behavioural interview questions:

• Tell us about a time when you had a disagreement with a colleague over details of a project. How did you deal with this difference in perspectives?
• Give an example of when you encountered a problem that didn’t have  a clear resolution. How did you figure out what needed to be done?

Interviews are typically conducted by the hiring manager with support from a Human Resources representative and, on occasion, other staff members familiar with or involved in the work. 

The STAR Method

Job candidates tend to fare better when they use the STAR method to answer behavioural interview questions, and focus specifically on their role and/or impact on the situation. 

• Situation – Briefly describe the situation you were in. It is good to provide some details to help the interviewer(s) understand context of the situation. 
• Task – What was the goal, opportunity or challenge you were trying to achieve in the situation? 
• Action – What were the specific actions you took to accomplish the task you were faced with? Try to avoid using words like “we” or “you” in describing the actions; instead focus on “I” statements. It is best use real life examples rather than hypothetical ones. This helps the interviewer(s) understand what your contributions were in the situation.  
• Result – End your example with the outcome of your actions. This is also your opportunity to tell the interviewers how you made an impact. If it is possible, share data or metrics. 

Other useful tips for interviewing:

• Research the City of Coquitlam and the department you are interviewing for. The City’s website has a lot of very useful information. 
• Review the job posting to anticipate what types of questions you may be asked. 
• Do a mock interview with a friend or family member that you trust will give you honest feedback. 
• During the interview, take time to understand the question being asked. It is okay to ask the interviewer for clarity before proceeding. If you need to, take a few minutes to think about your response prior to answering the question.
• It’s acceptable to bring notes for reference to help recall details of situations. 

Background Checks

As a public body, the City of Coquitlam needs to ensure that its employees and job candidates represent themselves with the highest level of integrity. As one of the last steps in the recruitment process we may conduct background checks for employment purposes. Depending on the role, job candidates may be asked for the following:

• Reference checks: We require a minimum of two references with past, direct managers/supervisors. The reference check is to verify the information you shared during the recruitment process. For many candidates, conducting a reference with a current manager can be sensitive and we will work with you on this process.
• Security Check: For specified roles we may ask you to complete a Police Information Check. If you are applying for a role with the Coquitlam RCMP, an Enhanced Security Check will be required. Both types of security checks are processed at the Coquitlam RCMP Detachment at no cost to the candidate. 
• Driving Record: For jobs that involve operating a City vehicle we may ask for a driver’s abstract. Candidates can  obtain their abstract for free from the ICBC website.

Employment Offer

Congratulations on being offered a role at the City of Coquitlam! If you are the successful candidate, a representative from Human Resources will contact you do discuss the details and next steps. For more information on our benefits, go to the “Investing in Our People” tab on this webpage. 

Onboarding

Should you accept our offer of employment Human Resources will email you an offer letter that sets out the terms of your employment with the City, along with other information and forms for you to complete prior to your first day. The City also provides new employees access to an Onboarding resource portal, orientation sessions and other training to support your success in your new role.

Regrets

As one of B.C.’s Top Employers, Coquitlam often attracts multiple highly-competent candidates to job opportunities with the City  and, as a result, the recruitment process can take time. We understand that it is important that you are notified on a hiring decision. Every candidate deserves to be treated with respect and we will made every effort to notify you of a hiring decision. Unsuccessful candidates are notified if they are not moving forward in the process or once the position is filled. If you would like to follow up on the status of your application, please feel free to use the contact information provided in this webpage. You can also monitor your application by going to the “Track My Applications” by logging into your online application account.

Firefighter Recruitment

For more information on Firefighter recruitment, please visit our Fire & Rescue webpage.

Requests for Accommodation

The City of Coquitlam is committed to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and we celebrate the diversity of our workforce. If at any time during the application or recruitment process you require additional assistance or an accommodation, please contact our team by emailing confidentialHR@coquitlam.ca for confidential support. Staff can also provide in-person support if required. 

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is a top business priority for Coquitlam and a focus of ongoing work highlighted at coquitlam.ca/edi. Based on this commitment, the City is incorporating an EDI perspective in all aspects of the organization and its work – including policies and practices, the language used, how neighbourhoods are planned, and how and what services the City provides.

Equal Opportunity Employer 

Coquitlam uses equitable hiring practices and strives to employ a diverse workforce, as set out in the City’s Recruitment and Retention Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan. Through this work, the City is reviewing how to reduce barriers within its staff recruitment and retention practices. Work currently underway includes:

• Reviewing human resources policies and guidelines and making changes to support current and future employee inclusion
• Updating recruitment webpages and promotional materials with the view to reducing barriers for equity-deserving groups
• Reviewing and updating job advertising and expanding job-promotion channels
• Enhancing relationships with local organizations and associations to partner on EDI initiatives
• Reviewing employee benefits from an EDI perspective
• Addressing any gaps in existing Human Resources policies, such as the development of Trans Inclusion Guidelines or a Transition Policy

Job Search Advice for Newcomers to B.C. or Canada

We encourage and welcome applications from newcomers to B.C. and Canada. Please note that we do not provide Canadian Visa sponsorship.

Job Search Resources

• Government websites: Service Canada; Human Resources and Skills Development Canada; and Working in Canada
• Newspaper classified sections and Internet job sites like Civic Jobs.
• Recruitment agencies and immigrant-serving organizations: ISSofBC and S.U.C.C.E.S.S.

Credentials and Qualifications

If you would  like to continue in an occupation you have been trained for, you may need to have your credentials and qualifications reviewed and assessed for transfer to Canada. Find out more at the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials.

Coquitlam considers its employees as partners in delivering quality services to the community.

Compensation

The City of Coquitlam offers a competitive compensation package, including benefits for those in our CUPE, IAFF and Exempt employee groups. The City promotes health and wellbeing, by offering benefits that enable employees to be engaged and active, both at home and at work and to sustain wellbeing throughout their career and beyond. This includes:

• Comprehensive extended health coverage
• Health and Wellness programs offered to employees
• Funding for training and development
• Eligible employees are enrolled in the Municipal Pension Plan

Training, Growth and Advancement

In addition to job-specific training, Coquitlam supports employees in achieving their professional goals with opportunities such as: 

• A supportive onboarding process for all employees
• Online learning for all employees
• An award-winning Leadership Development Program
• Opportunities for subsidies for external education programs and professional memberships
• Management training including executive coaching and team-building sessions

Employee Engagement

Coquitlam promotes a team environment through social and recognition events, book clubs, charitable work, pop-up wellness activities, mentorship opportunities, interdepartmental collaboration and more. 

Employee Health and Wellness

Resources and support include:

• Employee and Family Assistance Program -  comprehensive online Employee Wellness Portal including sections on physical and mental wellness, and training to help leaders and staff build resilience and navigate change and adversity
• Employee Fitness Pass – All staff are encouraged to use civic amenities outside of scheduled working hours or in their spare time
• Mental Wellness Champion Program – engages employees as trained resources for their peers, and encourages employees to put their health first
• Workplace Health and Safety – Coquitlam is a recognized leader in workplace health and safety practices, having won the BC Municipal Safety Award from the BC Municipal Safety Association (BCMSA) for multiple consecutive years; the City also conducts annual safety audits through the BCMSA’s Certificate of Recognition program

All new employees are required to complete an online Respectful Workplace course to help support a respectful and inclusive workplace.

Work/Life Balance

Coquitlam recognizes that engaged, happy employees have a life outside of work.

Hybrid-Work Program

Coquitlam was among the first B.C. local governments to develop an ongoing, formal voluntary hybrid work program for those not required to be on-site daily. Program and employee supports include:

• Tools and technology, including virtual meetings and shared/bookable office spaces
• Policies and guidelines, including safety assessments of home work spaces
• Hybrid work training and resources for managers, supervisors and staff

Earned Days Off

Regular full time employees have the option of accruing extra work time toward additional paid days off throughout the year. 

Family-Friendly Policies

Coquitlam accommodates personal leave requirements with provisions for family sick days, sick leave for a spouse’s serious illness, flexible work hours and compassionate leave.

Culture of Innovation

Coquitlam employees are encouraged to develop creative approaches to improve efficiency and service-delivery, and to respond effectively to emerging opportunities and challenges. Much of this work is supported by the City’s interdepartmental Business Improvement Committee.

Some of the innovative programs and work that has earned Coquitlam recognition:

• A Child Care Partnership Strategy (PDF) that was awarded a Silver Medal for Excellence in Policy Planning by the Planning Institute of British Columbia.
• The Community Support and Recovery Plan, a multi-phased pandemic recovery strategy supporting all facets of the community that earned a Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Presidents Committee Choice Award in 2021.
• Leveraging the City’s Technology Roadmap to rapidly provide online services and allow for remote work at the onset of the pandemic was recognized as a BC Ideas Exchange success story.
• Innovative use of technology to deliver services and improve efficiency, earning Coquitlam recognition as a Smart21 Community from the Intelligent Communities Forum and a Tech Trailblazer Award in the Granicus Digital Government Awards.
• Workplace health and safety practices that have earned multiple BC Municipal Safety Awards from the BC Municipal Safety Association.
• An asset management funding framework awarded by the Canadian Network of Asset Managers.
• Repeated awards from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Canadian Award for Financial Reporting, Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award and Distinguished Budget Presentation Award.
• Community engagement, support and beautification programs bringing numerous awards from the Communities in Bloom program.