Mini U recruitment information package

Education

Must be enrolled in or a graduating student of a college or university.

Experience

• Leading employees and volunteers.
• Leading children and youth in individual or group settings.
• Experience in physical activity settings as a leader.
• Minimum one year of experience with Mini U and Junior Bisons Programming.

Skills and abilities

• Ability to model expectations and inspire action and confidently utilize public speaking skills.
• Demonstrated experience in relevant content areas (e.g., sports, aquatics, diverse needs, first aid) with the ability to lead active play and physical activity.
• Strong skills in scheduling, tracking and organization, with effective personal time management.
• Ability to provide clear, honest oral and written feedback for peers and parents.
• Managing interpersonal conflict among staff and participants; coaching team performance.
• A commitment to creating meaningful experiences for families and responding to children and families with patience and care.
• Ability to consistently consider and ensure participant safety.
• All employees of Mini U and Junior Bisons must be comfortable working independently, in a busy, boisterous and sometimes stressful environment.

These duties apply to all supervisor positions listed below.

• Plan and execute staff training sessions.
• Schedule and supervise employees.
• Implement program operation plans.
• Manage interpersonal conflict and staff performance.
• Oversee participant behaviour modification and leadership development.
• Ensure all programs are inclusive, safe and engaging.

Wage: $20.14/hr (including vacation pay) 
Length of employment: May 4 – Sept 8
Positions available: 3 (2 coach supervisors, 1 classroom supervisor)

Content Supervisors lead our team of head coaches and classroom leaders who create and lead lessons and practice plans. They support program content delivery, assist and execute training sessions and lead the performance of those delivering the lesson plans.

Wage: $20.14/hr (including vacation pay) 
Length of employment: May 4 – Sept 8
Positions available: 1

The Inclusion Supervisor leads our team of Inclusion Leaders who provide one-on-one assistance to participants with diverse needs. They support individual participant experiences, assist and execute training sessions and actively adapt programming and activities to best include participants.

Wage: $20.14/hr (including vacation pay)
Length of employment: May 4 – Sept 8
Positions available: 5 (1 special interest, 1-2 sport experience, 2 recreation)

Experience Supervisors lead our team of assistant coaches, assistant classroom leaders, group leaders and recreation leaders. They support recreational program content delivery, assist and support the overall
group experience.

Note: During camp operations, your shift is determined by your specific role.

Designated weekend shifts:

• Sport Experience: You will be scheduled to work Saturday, Aug. 15 and Sunday, Aug. 16 (8 a.m. – 4 p.m.) with Monday, Aug. 17 and Tuesday, Aug. 18 off in lieu. Schedule to be created with at minimum one month’s notice.
• Recreation: You will be scheduled to work Saturday. Aug 15. and Sunday, Aug. 16 (3 p.m. – 10 p.m.) with Mon/Tue off. Schedule to be created with at minimum one month’s notice.

Wage: $20.14/hr (Inc. Vac Pay) 
Length of employment: May 4 – Sept 8 
Positions available: 1

The Customer Experience Supervisor supports all programs and services by providing an exemplary customer experience. From their position in the Mini U Programs and Junior Bisons main office, they act as the first point of contact our teammates who need support, handle phone calls and respond to incoming emails from customers. They assist with making requested accommodations, assist and execute training sessions, and collect, organize and share the personal information of participants with leaders and supervisors in accordance with university privacy policies. They will contribute greatly to the administration and customer service of the programs. They will assist the greeting and goodbye leader each day with late drop-offs until 10:30 a.m.

Additional responsibilities:

• Grouplist preparation and troubleshooting.
• Plan and lead the daily "Greeting and Goodbye" process (camper drop off and pick-up), ensuring a safe and efficient flow for families.

Note: This position requires Sunday availability starting in July.

Wage: $20.14/hr (Inc. Vac Pay)
Length of employment: May 4 – Sept 8
Positions available: 1

This position requires someone with a current Standard First Aid and CPR-C certification. The Risk Management Supervisor leads the First Aid Leader. They assist the First Aid leader in leading all emergency medical responses.

Additional responsibilities:

• Oversee camp-wide risk management, manage first aid supplies and inventory and ensure proper documentation of all medical incidents.
• Lead parking operations and staff.
• Participate in, plan and execute training sessions (specifically First Aid and Safety).

Deadline: Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

A. New supervisor applicants

1. Expression of interest: Complete the online application form (link below)
2. Leadership essay: Submit a 1-page (single-spaced) essay on the topic below to Ashley.Gagnon@umanitoba.ca.
   1. Topic: Describe a specific moment when you provided leadership to a group of staff, volunteers or peers. What about your approach made you successful? What did you learn from this experience that would benefit you in future leadership situations?
3. Group interview: Selected candidates will participate in a group interview including other candidates and members of our full-time leadership team. The group interview has two components including facilitating a 15-minute activity related to a leadership topic assigned before the interview and a supervisory skill assessment facilitated by program coordinators and associate director, which may include question and answers, role-playing and problem solving scenarios. 

Interview dates:

1. Thursday, January 22, 2026: 2:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.; 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
2. Friday, January 23, 2026: 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 

B. Returning supervisor applicants

1. Expression of interest: Complete the online application form (link below).
2. Individual interview: Attend a meeting with the associate director and a program coordinator to be scheduled based on candidate availability.

Apply to a supervisor position now!

The University of Manitoba is committed to the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion and to promoting opportunities in hiring, promotion and tenure (where applicable) for systemically marginalized groups who have been excluded from full participation at the university and the larger community including Indigenous Peoples, women, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, questioning, intersex, asexual and other diverse sexual identities).

Preference will be given to underrepresented candidates. All candidates must be legally entitled to work in Canada, and are encouraged to declare on the application form if they identify as a member of an underrepresented group, such as, but not limited to, the ones mentioned above.

Applicants who would benefit from support or reasonable accommodations to the application process are invited to connect with Ashley Gagnon via email to discuss their request.

Education

• Be a student of a college or university.
  • Due to the constraints of the timing of training during high school graduation and exam season, strong preference will be given to candidates currently attending a university or college.
• See each position description below for details regarding specific qualifications. 

Experience

• Leading children and youth in an individual or group setting.
• In physical activity settings as a participant or leadership role.
• Experience using positive behaviour management strategies to support children and youth.

Skills and abilities

• Ability to work with others in a variety of collaborative settings.
• Strong ability to empathize with children, youth and their families.
• Demonstrate ability to create games and activities designed to engage participants in play, physical activity and leadership.
• Expertise or experience with program content such as sports, special interests, leadership, diverse needs and first aid.
• Ability to resolve interpersonal conflict amongst participants.
• Ability to communicate effectively with children, families, peers and supervisors.
• Ability to ensure the safety of participants at all times including the management and administering of participant medication.
• Demonstrated ability to follow and execute complex scheduling and attendance reporting.
• Effective oral and written communication skills, with the ability to provide honest and professional feedback regarding program performance, procedures and policies.
• Comfortable in 3-5ft water (with or without a PFD). In-water participation in swimming activities is required (pending pool reopening).
• Comfort and experience working in a busy, boisterous and sometimes stressful environment.
• Ability to engage in physical activity in an outdoor setting for the majority of the day.
• Capacity to adjust to unexpected change such as adjustments to activity schedules, positions, group sizes.

These duties apply to ALL leader positions listed below:

• Participate in all mandatory training sessions, including Leaderweek (June 18-26) and role-specific planning dates.
• Fully participate in all program activities, including pool times (pending pool reopening, 3-5ft water) and recreational activities as assigned. If the pool remains closed, in-water participation will be waived; alternative programming will be scheduled.
• Create and maintain an inclusive, welcoming, and engaging environment for all participants.
• Ensure the safety of participants at all times and manage participant behaviour effectively.

The leadership team of the Mini U and Junior Bisons consists of the associate director, coordinators, supervisors, lifeguards, leaders and coaches. Our team facilitates the coordination, supervision, and execution
of programs, leadership and supervision of participants, as well as the administration and customer service of the units. Together we serve children and young athletes, parents and guardians, employees, community partners and collaborate with University of Manitoba employees.

Specifically, leaders and coaches support:

• Lesson plan and activity development.
• Creating leadership opportunities for participants.
• Engaging participants in program activities.
• Leadership of participant behaviour.
• Participating in all program activities and lessons and sharing program information with families, children and staff.

Our team is responsible for creating positive experiences in an engaging, welcoming, and safe environment. Leaders are selected for their understanding of what it means to lead as a part of a team. We are looking for honest, forward-thinking, competent and inspiring leaders who are able to perform at a high level in fast-paced environments. We value continual development and select individuals who demonstrate the ability to positively contribute to the growth and improvement of our organization and the individuals on our team.

Strong interpersonal, organizational, communication, problem-solving and leadership skills are required.

Leaderweek training and availability

Attendance at Leaderweek training is mandatory and critical for your success. Additional role-specific dates and hours are listed in each position below.

Leaderweek training (June 18 – 29): Hours vary (approx. Mon–Fri, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.) and specific times will be outlined in your Letter of Offer.

Wage: $18.02/hr  (including 1.06% vacation pay) 
Length of employment: June 9 – Sept 4 
Role-specific schedule: 

• Planning: June 9–18, 42 hours total
• Leaderweek: June 18 - 29
• Leadership: July 2–Sept 4, approximately 38 hrs/wk

This position gives strong preference to a leader who is a current
Bison Athlete. Following program curricula that have been developed with support from Bison varsity coaches, sport specialists will be expected to deliver high-quality practices that engage participants in their selected sport and challenge and progress the skills of young athletes. Coaches also create opportunities for athletes to develop leadership skills. During
programs, Coaches lead athletes through practice plans and assess
leadership learning outcomes.

Additional responsibilities:

• Purchase and prepare equipment and supplies
• Set up inclusive learning spaces
• Create lesson plans

Wage: $17.49/hr (including 1.06% vacation pay) 
Length of employment: June 18 – Sept 4 
Role-specific schedule: 

• Leaderweek: June 18 - 29
• Leadership: July 2 – Sept 4

Assistant Coaches help to lead groups of up to 17 participants through their daily activities. They assist in leading sport-specific settings, create and lead activities, take regular attendance and participate in all activities. They create an inclusive and engaging environment that provides participants the opportunity to be leaders.

If you are assigned to a sport development camp (volleyball, basketball, soccer, or hockey), you will remain as an assistant coach in that specific sport for the duration of employment, all others will cycle through various sport camps.

Additional responsibilities:

• Lead inclusive and engaging activities
   

Wage: $18.02/hr (including 1.06% vacation pay) 
Length of employment: June 9 – Sept 4
Role-specific schedule: 

• Planning: June 9–18, 42 hours total
• Leaderweek: June 18 - 29
• Leadership: July 2–Sept 4, approximately 38 hrs/wk

Coaches will be required to create practice plans that engage participants in their selected sport and challenge and progress the skills of young athletes. Coaches also create opportunities for athletes to develop leadership skills. During programs, coaches lead assistant coaches and participants through practice. These positions require a leader with
extensive playing or coaching experience.

Additional responsibilities:

• Purchase and prepare equipment and supplies
• Set up inclusive learning spaces
• Create lesson plans

Wage: $17.49/hr  (including 1.06% vacation pay) 
Length of employment: June 18 – Sept 4
Role-Specific Schedule: 

• Leaderweek: June 18 - 29
• Leadership: July 2 – Sept 4

Group Leaders help to lead groups of up to 17 participants through their daily activities. They assist in leading sport-specific settings, create and lead activities, take regular attendance and participate in all activities. They create an inclusive and engaging environment that provides participants the opportunity to be leaders.

Group leader (sport) experience

You will be assigned to a sport program that aligns with your skills. You will start the summer there to build confidence and master the basics. After this, you will rotate into a variety of different sport programs. This rotation allows you to meet new people, experience the full camp environment, and learn to be a specialist in new areas.

• 2026 Sport group leader offerings: cheerleading, flag football, rhythmic gymnastics, wall climbing, gymnastics, sport sampler, dodgeball, floor hockey, archery, fencing & racquetball, dance and glow in the dark.

Additional responsibilities:

• Lead inclusive and engaging activities
   

Wage: $17.49/hr  (including 1.06% vacation pay) 
Length of employment: June 18 – Sept 4 
Role-specific schedule: 

• Leaderweek: June 18 - 29
• Leadership: July 2 – Sept 4

Recreation leaders lead various sports, recreational activities, and games for participants. They create an inclusive and engaging environment that provides participants the opportunity to be leaders and be physically active.

Note: A portion of our recreation leader positions have been designed with increased flexibility in mind. These positions do not include employment during:

• Camp play days: July 2 - 3
• Week 1: July 5 - 10
• Week 5: Aug. 4 - 7
• Week 9: Aug. 31 – Sept. 4

Additional responsibilities:

• Lead inclusive and engaging activities.

Wage: $18.02/hr  (including 1.06% vacation pay) 
Length of employment: May 28 – Sept 4
Role-specific schedule: 

• Planning: May 28 – June 18, 90 hours total
• Leaderweek: June 18 - 29
• Leadership: July 2–Sept 4, approximately 38 hrs/wk

Prior to programs beginning, Classroom Leaders are expected to create hands-on lesson plans that engage participants in their selected subject and leadership development. During programs, classroom leaders lead assistant classroom leaders and participants through lessons.

Additional responsibilities:

• Purchase and prepare equipment and supplies.
• Manage program-specific budget.
• Set up inclusive classroom and learning spaces.
• Create lesson plans.

Wage: $17.49/hr (including 1.06% vacation pay) 
Length of employment: June 18 – Sept 4
Role-specific schedule: 

• Leaderweek: June 18 - 29
• Leadership: July 2 –Sept 4

Assistant Classroom leaders help to lead groups of up to 17 participants through their daily activities. They assist in leading classroom settings, create and lead activities, take regular attendance and participate in all activities. They create an inclusive and engaging environment that provides participants the opportunity to be leaders.

Assistant classroom and group leader experience 

You will be assigned to a camp as an Assistant Classroom Leader based
on your skills. You will start the summer in that program to build confidence and master the basics. After this, you will rotate into a variety of different specialty programs. This rotation allows you to meet new people, experience the full camp environment and build skills in multiple program areas.

• Note: You will remain within the specialty classroom content area.
• 2026 assistant classroom offerings: science, coding, animals, dinosaurs, arts and crafts, video gaming, outdoor recreation, cooking and leadership.

Additional responsibilities:

Lead inclusive and engaging activities

Wage: $19.61/hr (including 1.06% vacation pay) 
Length of employment: May 11 – Sept 4

This role is strictly focused on communication with families and capturing the camp experience. It requires a creative individual who can tell the story of camp while bridging the gap between parents or guardians and their children.

Additional responsibilities:

• Capture photos of camps using university equipment, ensuring that only participants with guardian-approved photo consent are included.
• Posting to social media.
• Running MailChimp campaigns (using established templates).
• Facilitate a conversation between parents or guardians and their children about their day at camp.

Wage: $17.49/hr (including 1.06% vacation pay) 
Length of employment: June 18 – Sept 4
Role-specific schedule:

• Leaderweek: June 18 - 29
• Leadership: July 2 – Sept 4

Oversees the management of all activity supplies and equipment. They ensure that equipment is maintained and activity packages are fully stocked.

Additional responsibilities:

• Complete equipment inventory.
• Perform minor equipment maintenance.
• And collaborate with the leadership team to help manage inclement weather-based schedule changes.

Wage: $18.81/hr (including 1.06% vacation pay)
Length of employment: June 18 – Sept 4
Role-specific schedule: 

• Leaderweek: June 18 - 29
• Leadership: July 2 – Sept 4

This position requires a leader who is currently completing their second year of the Athletic Therapy program (at minimum) and who holds a valid Sport First Responder Certification. Our First Aid Leader supports participants who have experienced an injury or are feeling ill. They care for participants by assessing and treating injuries, empathizing with participants and communicating with families.

Additional responsibilities:

• Lead the first aid room.
• Ensure first aid supplies are readily available.
• Analyze trending injuries within program activities.
• Assist with early pickup and drop off.
• And collaborate with the leadership team to avoid injuries.

Wage: $18.02/hr (including 1.06% vacation pay) 
Length of employment: June 18 – Sept 4
Role-specific schedule: 

• Leaderweek: June 18 - 29
• Leadership: July 2 – Sept 4

Greeting and goodbye leaders serve as the primary point of contact for families arriving outside of standard drop-off times. They facilitate late arrivals and early pickups, ensuring children are safely escorted to their specific program location. This position requires working outdoors and managing logistical transitions while providing high-quality customer service to families.

Additional responsibilities:

• Participate in training sessions including selected dates in May (will be outlined in letter of offer).
• Facilitate safe arrival and dismissal processes.
• Communicate effectively with families regarding pickup and drop-off procedures.
• Communicate effectively with other leaders and leadership team members and the ongoing behaviour modification of participants.

Wage: $19.61/hr (including 1.06% vacation pay)
Length of employment: June 18 – Sept 4
Role-specific schedule:

• Leaderweek: June 18 - 29
• Leadership: July 2 – Sept 4

Inclusion Leaders provide one-on-one attention and support to participants who require assistance throughout their program experience. They support participants in becoming integrated into their group and activities. These positions require a leader who has experience working with individuals with diverse needs.

Additional responsibilities:

• Collaborate with Leaders on the creation of inclusive and engaging activities.
• The ongoing behaviour modification of participants.

Wage: $18.02/hr (including 1.06% vacation pay)
Length of employment: June 9 – Sept 4
Role-specific schedule: 

• Planning: June 9 – 18, 42 hours total
• Leaderweek: June 18 - 29
• Leadership: July 2–Sept 4, approximately 38 hrs/wk

Preference will be given to candidates who identify as Indigenous. Prior to programs beginning, our Indigenous cultural integration leader, with guidance from Indigenous knowledge holders, will develop engaging lesson plans that contribute to the support of Indigenous cultural integration and programming through Indigenous games and activities.

Additional responsibilities:

• Purchase and prepare equipment and supplies.
• Collaborate with Indigenous knowledge holders and community members on traditional teachings of Indigenous games and activities.
• Set up inclusive, safe and welcoming learning spaces.
   

Deadlines:

Returning leader applications are due Jan. 28, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

New leader applications are due Feb .16, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

Leader candidates are considered and assessed in two rounds identified below. We appreciate the interest of all applicants, however only those under consideration will be contacted and invited to participate in the second round of assessment.

For new leaders

Step 1: Expression of interest

Complete the application form by clicking the link at the bottom of this document and filling out all fields within the application and clicking “Submit”.

No resumes please.

Step 2: Interview

Selected individuals will be contacted beginning February 18, 2026. The interview will occur in two parts. Candidates must participate in both parts to be considered.

Part 1: Group information session and activity (Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026)

Via email, selected candidates will be invited to attend an info session from 5:15-6:45 p.m. OR 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. When contacted, candidates will be told which time to attend.

Here candidates will learn about our summer employment, as well as participate in an activity designed to allow the candidate to demonstrate their skills in teamwork, communication, problem-solving etc.

Part 2: Individual meetings (March 5 -11)

Applicants selected from Part 1 will be sent an invite to attend a drop-in session for a 30-minute individual meeting. You will meet with program. coordinators and the associate director to discuss questions regarding your experience with, and philosophy for, working with children.

• Thursday, Mar.5: 3:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
• Friday, Mar. 6: 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
• Monday, Mar.9: 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, Mar. 10: 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, Mar. 11: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

For returning leaders

*A returning leader is an individual who has previously been employed by Mini U and Junior Bisons and has attended either Leaderweek or Aquatics Week.

Step 1: Application form

Complete the application form by clicking the link below and filling out all fields within the application and clicking “Submit”.

Step 2: Group interview

Selected individuals will be scheduled for a group interview. The interview will include other returning leader candidates, supervisors and members of our full-time leadership team.

• Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026: 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026: 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026: 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026: 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Use the online application form to apply now!

Applicants who would benefit from support or reasonable accommodations to the application process are invited to connect with Ashley Gagnon via email to discuss their request.

The University of Manitoba is committed to the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion and to promoting opportunities in hiring, promotion and tenure (where applicable) for systemically marginalized groups who have been excluded from full participation at the University and the larger community including Indigenous Peoples, women, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, questioning, intersex, asexual and other diverse sexual identities).

Preference will be given to underrepresented candidates. All candidates must be legally entitled to work in Canada, and are encouraged to declare on the application form if they identify as a member of an underrepresented group, such as, but not limited to, the ones mentioned above.