Why work for the District of Saanich?

Saanich is a globally recognized leader, dedicated to building a vibrant, inclusive, sustainable and resilient community as outlined in the Sustainable Saanich vision. We are located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples in one of the world’s most livable regions, dedicated to Reconciliation.

Consistently recognized as one of BC’s Top Employers, the District of Saanich seeks to attract, empower and retain passionate and talented individuals of all backgrounds, demographics, and life experiences who can help shape and embody our core commitments to sustainability, decolonization, equity and outstanding quality of life for all of our residents.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, we provide a welcoming environment and promote a healthy, dynamic, and safe workplace that enables our employees to perform at their best and grow their skills. Our competitive wages, excellent benefits package, municipal pension plan, various flexible work arrangements, an inclusive work environment and progressive initiatives make the District of Saanich a highly desirable place to invest your talent.

Competitive Wages and Benefits

Collective bargaining and our own market research ensure that our wages remain competitive.

We also offer a comprehensive benefits package. These benefits vary based on your position:

  • Extended Health Care, Dental Plan, Life Insurance and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance provided by Desjardins Insurance
  • Municipal Pension Plan, one of the largest pension plans in Canada, providing secure retirement income to plan members living and working throughout BC
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Long Term Disability
  • Paid vacation and sick time

 Four unions or associations represent our staff:

Training

Learning, training and development are key to ensuring that our employees are equipped to meet the corporate goal of excellence in the provision of programs and services to citizens.

We offer a wide range of training opportunities to help staff achieve their full potential. These include:

  • Health and safety courses to ensure we have a safe and healthy workplace.
  • Tuition reimbursement opportunities to enhance our employees’ skills or advance their career.

A robust learning and development framework is currently being developed that will offer an array of core, position specific and job specific courses for a tailored learning experience.

Saanich Corporate Culture

Our culture holds true to our motto, “Populo Serviendo”. This is Latin for “Serving the People”. We value our employees with:

  • a collaborative, dynamic and progressive work environment
  • the option for flexible work
  • support for family and personal needs
  • a formal banquet each year to celebrate our long-service employees

Our Values

The District of Saanich upholds values of accountability, collaboration, diversity, equity, inclusion, innovation, integrity, reconciliation, respect, responsiveness, stewardship and transparency. These values guide our actions and decisions in the way we work with each other and serve our community and its citizens.

A Range of Career Opportunities

We have about 1,700 employees working in 10 departments across 11 locations in Saanich. These locations include our Engineering Building, four Recreation Centres, Cedar Hill Golf Course, Parks and Public Works Operations Centre, Police and Fire Stations and the Saanich Municipal Hall.

Types of Employment

Casual

On-call and casual work. Hours tend to be irregular with no set schedule. Casuals can also cover vacation and sick relief for permanent employees.    

Permanent

Permanent full-time or part-time work. Usually for set hours every week. 

Students 

We offer co-operative work terms in our Administration, Corporate Services, Engineering, Finance and Parks departments. These terms typically last three to four months. In order to be considered, you must be enrolled in a full-time post secondary education program to apply for student postings.

Temporary  

Typically, these are backfill for a permanent employee who is off work for an extended period of time.

Career Groups

Administrative / Clerical

Staff who provide general office assistance.

Bylaw Enforcement Officers and Bylaw Clerks

Bylaw Services is responsible for the enforcement of the District of Saanich bylaws.

Bylaw Enforcement staff work collaboratively with all of the District of Saanich departments, various other government organizations, community groups and social agencies to ensure public safety, maintain community standards and preserve the quality of life in our community.

Fire Fighters 

Fire fighters respond to emergencies where life, property or the environment is at risk. They also perform non-emergency routine duties.  

Labourers and Skilled Tradespeople  

Employees who maintain our city streets, parks, utilities and infrastructure. This is manual work requiring agility and physical effort. May call for competence at the certified journeyman level. 

Professionals 

Employees who have strong technical, leadership and management skills. They support and guide the programs and services we deliver to residents. 

Police

Police constables perform a wide range of duties. This includes public service, protecting life and property, preventing and investigating crime and enforcing law.

Recreation  

These staff lead camps and deliver public programs. See the Saanich Active Living Guide for examples.