Tourism and Events Ambassadors

Tourism and Events Ambassador

Job Type: Student - Seasonal

Job Posting #: 2026-05

Closing Date: Friday, February 20, 2026

Group: Non-Union

Department: Community Services

Location: Owen Sound, ON

The City of Owen Sound is seeking enthusiastic, customer-focused individuals to join the Art Gallery, Culture & Tourism Division as Tourism & Events Ambassadors. Reporting to the appropriate Supervisor, this front-line role represents the City at the Owen Sound Tourism Centre and the Tom Thomson Art Gallery, delivering high-quality visitor services and supporting tourism, cultural programming, and events throughout the summer season.

This position offers hands-on experience in tourism, hospitality, events, and municipal service delivery and may support co‑op placement requirements for students enrolled in a related field of study. This posting is for summer student positions.

What You’ll Do

Tourism Services & Visitor Engagement

• Provide exceptional front-line customer service to visitors, residents, and tourists in person, by phone, and by email
• Respond to inquiries with accurate, engaging information about local attractions, accommodations, events, amenities, and regional tourism offerings
• Promote Owen Sound as a destination by highlighting cultural, recreational, and natural assets
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of seasonal events, tourism partners, and community offerings
• Assist with the distribution of tourism materials, maps, and digital content
• Support brochure distribution to local restaurants, hotels, and businesses
• Perform retail transactions and merchandising of tourism and City products

Events Support

• Assist with the planning, coordination, and execution of City, River District, and Gallery events, including festivals, community celebrations, and private rentals
• Provide on-site event support, including setup, registration, guest services, and tear‑down
• Liaise with vendors, performers, volunteers, and staff to support smooth event operations

Administrative, Digital & Operational Support

• Maintain accurate visitor statistics and assist with data collection and reporting for tourism and gallery operations
• Support promotional initiatives with local tourism operators and cultural organizations
• Assist with inventory management, displays, and general upkeep of public-facing spaces
• Support tourism promotion through basic marketing, social media, photography, and digital content updates
• Contribute to a positive team environment and provide flexible support across Tourism and Culture functions as required

Tom Thomson Art Gallery Visitor Services

• May, from time to time, support visitor services at the Tom Thomson Art Gallery during peak periods, crossover events, or coverage requirements that involve both Tourism and Gallery operations
• Welcome guests and provide information about current and upcoming exhibitions, programs, and events, as needed
• Assist with processing admissions, memberships, and retail sales using point‑of‑sale systems, where required
• Provide support for tours, programs, and special events as applicable
• Assist with monitoring visitor flow, tracking attendance, and maintaining a professional, welcoming environment
• Support adherence to established procedures and service standards while working collaboratively with Gallery staff

What We’re Looking For

Education & Experience

• High school student or currently enrolled in a College or University program
• Education or experience in Tourism, Hospitality, Customer Service, Event Management, Marketing, Communications, Arts Administration, or a related field is considered an asset
• Experience working in a museum, gallery, visitor information centre, or hospitality environment is an asset

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage diverse audiences
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities in a fast-paced, event-driven environment
• Proficiency with point‑of‑sale systems, Microsoft Office, and basic databases or ticketing systems
• Knowledge of Owen Sound and Grey‑Bruce tourism assets, or the ability to quickly learn regional offerings
• Basic marketing and social media skills to support tourism and event promotion
• Photography and graphic design skills are considered assets
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and sound judgment
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a small team environment

Other Requirements

• Availability to work flexible hours, including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays as required
• Ability to work the full term of employment from May to September 2026
• Valid Ontario Class G Driver’s License and access to a reliable vehicle (or ability to travel locally) is an asset
• Smart Serve certification is considered an asset

Compensation & Benefits

• Wage: $17.60 per hour, 35 hours per week, including daytime, evening, and weekend shifts
• Benefits: OMERS defined benefit pension plan eligibility.

Why Join Us?

• Gain practical experience in tourism, events, arts, and municipal operations
• Develop strong customer service, communication, and event support skills
• Work in a dynamic, public-facing role that directly supports Owen Sound’s visitor economy
• Contribute to cultural programming and community events in a collaborative environment

Why Owen Sound?Owen Sound offers urban amenities with natural beauty — a vibrant arts scene, strong community spirit, and year-round recreational opportunities along the shores of Georgian Bay.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit their applications via the City’s Careers Page by Friday, February 20, 2026, at 4:30 PM. We are committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and encourage applications from all qualified individuals. Accommodations are available upon request.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

The City of Owen Sound values diversity and is committed to providing an inclusive workplace. We will accommodate the needs of applicants in accordance with the Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act throughout the hiring process.

The City of Owen Sound is committed to a fair, transparent, and people-centred recruitment process. While modern tools may assist in administrative tasks, all hiring decisions are made by people, and every application is reviewed by a member of our Human Resources team.

We do not use automated decision-making or artificial intelligence tools to screen out or eliminate applicants. Any technology used in the hiring process is designed solely to support efficiency—not to replace human judgment or evaluate applicant suitability.

Privacy Statement:

We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Personal information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act for the purpose of candidate selection. It will be maintained in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.