Business Count Student - Community Growth and Economic Development

The Region of Durham is committed to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion within our organization and the communities we serve. We welcome and encourage applications from people who are Indigenous, racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, members of LGBTQ2S+ communities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of our workforce, including those who experience systemic barriers.

In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code, accommodation will be provided throughout the recruitment process upon request, based on any Code-protected ground.

Durham Region conducts an annual Business Count to collect essential information on local businesses and employment. This data supports policy development, infrastructure forecasting, transit service planning, and economic development initiatives. Surveyors visit bricks and mortar establishments and follow up by phone or email to gather standardized information using a tablet based application.

Reporting to the Manager, GIS and Visualization within the Community Growth and Economic Development Department, the successful student will:

- Conduct in person interviews at businesses across Durham Region and accurately record required fields in the Business Count tablet app.
- Perform follow up interviews via phone or email for businesses not reached in person; update contact information as needed.
- Provide professional customer service, acting as a courteous Regional ambassador and presenting ID/uniform when canvassing.
- Work independently and in small teams, adhering to field safety protocols.
- Contribute to weekly progress reports, highlighting completions, outstanding follow ups, and route coverage.
- Perform data clean up and quality assurance on collected information to ensure accuracy and integrity.
- Offer peer guidance and leadership during field operations, data cleaning, and in-office work as required.
- Meet assigned daily quotas by maintaining steady productivity throughout the day.
- Gather input on existing processes and propose workflow adjustments to improve completion outcomes.

The successful student will possess:

- Current enrollment in a full time post secondary program in Geography, Urban Planning, Business, Environmental Studies, Marketing, Commerce, or a related discipline.
- Returning to school full time in Fall 2026.
- Demonstrated customer service experience with strong interpersonal skills.
- A self motivated approach to working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to engage with business owners and staff.
- Computer literacy, including proficiency in MS Office applications.
- Comfort working with technology, such as tablets, custom software, mapping tools, and databases.
- Strong time management skills and attention to detail.
- Knowledge of data integrity and quality assurance practices.
- A valid Class G or G2 driver's licence, clean driver's abstract, and reliable vehicle for corporate business use.

Additional Notes

- Fieldwork will involve extensive walking and outdoor activity in varying weather conditions.
- Most positions are available from the beginning of May through to the end of August.
- If interested, please apply on-line. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
- Please note, if you are completing your education in 2026, you are not eligible for a student position; however, we encourage you to apply to other opportunities (current or future).

- Wage: $17.60 to $22.82 per hour

All applicants are expected to comply with the Region of Durham's Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct Policies throughout the recruitment process. Proof of education, qualifications and any other job bona fide requirements will be required prior to start date.

Come find a home where exciting and rewarding careers are balanced with your lifestyle. We thank all applicants; however, only those being considered will be contacted. Please apply online (www.durham.ca) no later than midnight (Eastern Standard Time) on the closing date indicated on the Job Posting.

The Region of Durham is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process. If contacted for an employment opportunity and you require accommodation, or if this information is required in an accessible format, please contact us at: RecruitingHelp@durham.ca and a Recruiter will provide appropriate assistance pursuant to the Region's Accommodation and Accessibility policies. Please note that resumes should not be sent to RecruitingHelp@durham.ca.

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