Residence Life and Services Opportunities
Residence Life and Services hires student staff throughout the year to support our wide range of Residence operations, including live-in and live-off positions.
Please contact reslife@queensu.ca for any questions.
Applications are open for 2026–2027 Move-In Assistant, Residence Admissions Assistant, and Jean Royce Hall Peer Ambassador positions.
Apply by Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 9 am ET.
Move-In Assistant - Casual Student Position
Help plan and execute logistics for Residence Move-In Day, including recruiting and coordinating volunteers. This position requires a high level of skill in project management, collaboration with multiple stakeholders, and the management of multiple priorities.
Closing Date
Tuesday, March 3 at 9:00 am.
Application Instructions
Send a current resume (no more than 2 pages) and cover letter (1 page), emailed as a PDF to reslife@queensu.ca.
Hourly Rate
$19.00 per hour (+4% vacation pay).
Hours Per Week
35 hours per week from April 27 (start date negotiable) until mid-September. Full-time working hours are 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Monday – Friday.
Department
Residence Life and Services.
Location
On-site, in Victoria Hall on main campus, in Kingston, ON.
Vacancy Type
Existing position.
Job Summary
Residence Life and Services is looking for an organized and dynamic student for the Residence Move-In Assistant role. This position, reporting to the Assistant Director, Residence Life and Services, will work closely with student groups, volunteers, and staff across the Housing and Ancillary portfolio to enhance and execute the Residence move-in experience for 2026. The incumbent will help to plan and execute logistics for Residence move-in, including the recruitment and coordination of volunteers. The position requires a high level of skill in project management, collaboration, communication, and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the planning, logistics, and on-site execution of move-in.
- Work with the Residence Life and Services Communications Coordinator to develop move-in communication and materials.
- Liaise with Housing and Ancillary staff members and other campus and external partners as necessary.
- Respond to student inquiries regarding move-in.
- Coordinate outreach to student groups and organizations on campus to recruit volunteers for move-in weekend.
- Identify and coordinate early move-in for designated groups.
- Maintain inventory of move-in materials.
- Attend move-in committee meetings and provide updates.
- Assist with the administration and execution of other projects as assigned.
Required Qualifications
The incumbent will:
- Work independently and on a team.
- Work on-site and occasionally remotely.
- Possess excellent communication skills.
- Possess excellent organizational skills.
- Possess excellent interpersonal skills.
- Set work priorities to meet deadlines.
- Exercise good judgment and sound reasoning.
- Be proficient in the use of computers and suitably knowledgeable in software programs such as Word, Excel as well as understand and be comfortable using databases.
- Demonstrate good decision-making and creative problem-solving skills.
- Have good oral and written communication skills.
- Be available to work on-site during Residence move-in (September 5).
Employment Equity and Accessibility Statement
The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Queen's is strongly committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace and encourages applications from Black, racialized persons, Indigenous people, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQI+ persons. In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, priority will be given to those who are legally eligible to work in Canada.
The University provides support in its recruitment processes to all applicants who require accommodation due to a protected ground under the Ontario Human Rights Code, including those with disabilities. Candidates requiring accommodation during the recruitment process are asked to contact Emefa Kemeh at reslife@queensu.ca.
Apply now – applications close March 3, 2026, at 9 am ET.
Residence Admissions Assistant - Casual Student Position
Work closely with the Residence Admissions team to support inquiries and communication with incoming students and their families around the admissions process. This position requires a high level of skill in collaboration, communication and managing multiple priorities.
Closing Date
Tuesday, March 3 at 9:00 am.
Application Instructions
Send a current resume (no more than 2 pages) and cover letter (1 page), emailed as a PDF to reslife@queensu.ca.
Hourly Rate
$17.60 per hour (+4% vacation pay).
Hours Per Week
35 hours per week from April 27 (start date negotiable) until mid-September. Full-time working hours are 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Monday – Friday.
Department
Residence Life and Services.
Location
On-site, in Victoria Hall on main campus, in Kingston, ON.
Vacancy Type
Existing position.
Job Summary
Residence Life and Services is looking for an organized and friendly student for the Residence Admissions Assistant role. This position, reporting to the Assistant Director, Residence Life and Services and receiving direction from the Residence Admissions Coordinator, will work closely with the Residence Admissions team to support inquiries from incoming students and their supporters, and support the self-selection and admissions process. The Residence Admissions team received a large volume of inquiries and the position will need to triage inquiries, provide accurate and timely responses. The position requires a high level of skill in customer service, problem-solving, collaboration, empathy, tact, communication, and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the communications strategy to welcome incoming students to residence by drafting and sending emails, responding to messages on LiveChat, and answering phone calls.
- Accurately convey departmental policies and procedures.
- Identify and escalate issues as necessary.
- Support administrative tasks and logistics.
- Support the self-selection and admissions processes.
- Liaise with Residence Life and Services staff members and colleagues within Housing and Ancillary Services.
- Provide administrative support to the Assistant Director, Residence Admissions Coordinator, and RL&S department.
- Complete other tasks and projects as assigned.
Required Qualifications
The incumbent will:
- Work independently and on a team.
- Possess excellent communication skills.
- Possess excellent organizational skills.
- Possess excellent interpersonal skills.
- Set work priorities to meet deadlines.
- Exercise good judgment and sound reasoning.
- Demonstrate de-escalation and conflict resolution skills.
- Be proficient in the use of computers and suitably knowledgeable in software programs such as Word, Excel, as well as understand and be comfortable using databases.
- Demonstrate good decision-making and creative problem-solving skills.
- Be available to work on-site during Residence move-in (September 5).
Employment Equity and Accessibility Statement
The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Queen's is strongly committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace and encourages applications from Black, racialized persons, Indigenous people, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQI+ persons. In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, priority will be given to those who are legally eligible to work in Canada.
The University provides support in its recruitment processes to all applicants who require accommodation due to a protected ground under the Ontario Human Rights Code, including those with disabilities. Candidates requiring accommodation during the recruitment process are asked to contact Emefa Kemeh at reslife@queensu.ca.
Apply now – applications close March 3, 2026, at 9 am ET.
View the Residence Admissions Assistant Job Description (PDF, 149 KB)
Jean Royce Hall Peer Ambassador - Casual Student Position
Support prospective and current Jean Royce Hall students in their transition to Queen's, including admissions support, room change conversations, proactive engagement materials, and event planning.
Closing Date
Tuesday, March 3 at 9:00 am.
Application Instructions
Send a current resume (no more than 2 pages) and cover letter (1 page), emailed as a PDF to reslife@queensu.ca.
Hourly Rate
$17.60 per hour (+4% vacation pay).
Hours Per Week
Maximum of 10 hours per week from August 1 (start date negotiable) to November 30. Hours are flexible.
Department
Residence Life and Services.
Location
Remote. Must be available for Move-in and Orientation 2026 to host in-person events.
Vacancy Type
Existing position.
Job Summary
Residence Life and Services is seeking enthusiastic individuals who recently lived in Jean Royce Hall as first-year students to speak to incoming students about their experience. We aim to address the stigma that can be associated with living at Jean Royce Hall, and provide students with accurate, applicable, and relevant information based on lived experience. Reporting to the Assistant Director, Residence Life and Services, and taking direction from Residence Admissions Coordinator, JRH Ambassadors will also create materials to set students up for success in the JRH community. JRH Ambassadors will candidly speak about the community at Jean Royce, overcoming challenges of living on west campus, and work to create a building community and legacy year over year. They will also identify students of concern for follow-up by professional staff.
Key Responsibilities
- Directly communicate with students who have been placed in Jean Royce Hall to offer context from lived experience, support with the transition, and answer questions.
- Accurately convey departmental policies and procedures.
- Create content (social media, information packages, resources, etc.) that outlines specific elements of Jean Royce Hall and helpful ways to navigate the experience.
- Meet with students during Orientation week to provide support and guidance.
- Create and host an in-person social program for JRH students to attend.
- Offer perspective and implement strategies to positively communicate and market the Jean Royce Hall experience to incoming students.
- Meet virtually with students who apply for room changes throughout September and November to offer mitigating strategies and support.
Required Qualifications
The incumbent will:
- Be a current Queen’s student.
- Have lived in Jean Royce Hall as a first-year student and ideally within the last 1-2 years.
- Meet weekly with supervisor (in person or electronically) to provide updates.
- Work independently and on a team.
- Possess excellent communication skills.
- Possess excellent organizational skills.
- Possess excellent interpersonal skills.
- Set work priorities to meet deadlines.
- Exercise good judgment and sound reasoning.
- Be available to work on-site during Residence move-in (September 5).
Employment Equity and Accessibility Statement
The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Queen's is strongly committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace and encourages applications from Black, racialized persons, Indigenous people, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQI+ persons. In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, priority will be given to those who are legally eligible to work in Canada.
The University provides support in its recruitment processes to all applicants who require accommodation due to a protected ground under the Ontario Human Rights Code, including those with disabilities. Candidates requiring accommodation during the recruitment process are asked to contact Emefa Kemeh at reslife@queensu.ca.
Apply now – applications close March 3, 2026, at 9 am ET.
This position will work closely with the Residence Life and Services team to support inquiries from incoming students and their families, support the move-in process, and assist with communications to incoming students, their families, and campus stakeholders.
Check back in February to apply.
Conference Front Desk Representative - Casual Student Position
Provide front-line customer service during summer conference season. Candidates should have experience with customer service, problem-solving, and organization. Summer Position (April 27, 2026 – August 31, 2026).
Location
Endaayaan – Tkanónsote Residence, occasional satellite desk locations.
Hours of Work
Various shifts (24 hr operation), approx. 8 hrs per shift (half/split shifts also available based on operational need). Nights and weekends included.
Training Week
Paid training will take place from April 27, 2026 to May 1, 2026.
Department
Residence Life and Services.
Job Summary
From May-August, Queen’s Residences operates some of our buildings to host conference groups and transient overnight stays during Kingston’s busy tourist season. Reporting to the Assistant Manager, Front Desks and taking work direction from Senior Desk Representatives, Casual Front Desk Representatives provide front-line customer service during the summer conference season. Candidates should have experience with customer service, problem solving and organization. Excellent communication skills are required as our Front Desk staff correspond with staff and guests through email, phone and in person. Candidates should be comfortable working in a fast-paced team environment, possess good time management skills, and have the ability to deal with difficult customer service situations. Hospitality, tourism and/or Front Desk experience is an asset.
Services and tasks at the Front Desk include:
- Providing front-line customer service via phone, email, and in person.
- Checking guests and groups in and out.
- Bagging, organizing and auditing keys.
- Booking reservations.
- Working in collaboration with departmental partners, including Custodial and Event Services staff.
- Processing financial transactions, including deposits, cash, credit and debit transactions, counting floats, etc.
- Troubleshooting guest issues to ensure a smooth stay.
- Completing administrative tasks as assigned.
- Providing information about Kingston and Queen’s Campus.
- All Guest Services Representatives are required to work all shifts including nights, days, evenings and weekends. Shifts vary in length from 3 hours to 8 hours.
- Provide support during Queen’s move-in week (must be available last week of August.
Eligibility & Terms of Employment
- Any academic requirements (including practicums, internships, etc.) must not interfere with ability to complete desk shifts.
- Other campus work (including internships) paired with the Casual Front Desk Representative role must not exceed employment standards regulations.
- Orientation leader training or other job trainings must not interfere with training for this role.
- Staff must be legally entitled to work in Canada, or possess a valid student visa.
- Staff must be able to work shift work, including midnight shifts (11 pm – 7 am).
- Staff must be committed to work; time-off requests will be reviewed on an individual basis and are not guaranteed.
- Staff must submit a satisfactory Canadian Police Information Check (CPIC) and Vulnerable Sector Check prior to your start date. It is the employee’s responsibility to maintain a clean CPIC and Vulnerable Sector Check for the duration of your employment in this role with Queen’s. Any lapse may have implications for your continued employment status. The University can require that you produce a new Letter of Clearance at any time. In addition, you are also required to immediately disclose to the University any occurrence and/or circumstances(s) that might impact your ability to receive a clear CPIC or Vulnerable Sector Check.
- Shifts will be scheduled throughout the entire duration of the contract dates; staff must be available for mandatory training at the beginning of their contract (full days), as well as during long weekends, Homecoming and Reading Weeks.
- Front Desk Representatives must abide by the policies and procedures as outlined by Housing & Ancillary Services, the Employee Handbook and the University Code of Conduct.
Hiring Process
The University will provide support in its recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant’s accessibility needs. If you require accommodation during the interview process, please contact the Residence Life & Services office at reslife@queensu.ca.
Remuneration
- Compensation is $17.20 per hour plus 4% vacation pay. A shift premium of $0.50/hr is applied for 11 pm – 7 am shifts.
- Employees are entitled to be paid one-and-a-half (1 ½) times their regular rate of pay for each hour worked on a statutory holiday.
- Wages are amended if provincial minimum wage standards change.
Employment Equity and Accessibility Statement
The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Queen's is strongly committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace and encourages applications from Black, racialized persons, Indigenous people, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQI+ persons. In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, priority will be given to those who are legally eligible to work in Canada.
The University provides support in its recruitment processes to all applicants who require accommodation due to a protected ground under the Ontario Human Rights Code, including those with disabilities. Candidates requiring accommodation during the recruitment process are asked to contact Emefa Kemeh at reslife@queensu.ca.
Applications now closed for the 2026–2027 academic year.
View the Front Desk Representative Job Descriptions (PDF, 111 KB)
Academic Front Desk Representative - Casual Student Position
Work during the academic year providing customer service at various Residence Front Desk locations. Candidates must be good at multitasking, customer service, and be able to work independently. Academic Year Position (August 17, 2026 – April 30, 2027).
Location
All residence desk locations (Endaayaan – Tkanónsote, Jean Royce Hall, Victoria Hall, Watts Hall). Student staff are to work at various desks depending on operational need.
Hours of Work
Various shifts (24 hr operation), approx. 8 hrs per shift (half/split shifts also available based on availability and operational need). Nights and weekends included. (11 pm to 7 am, 7 am to 3 pm, and 3 pm to 11 pm).
Training Week
Paid training will take place from August 17, 2026 to August 21, 2026.
Department
Residence Life and Services.
Job Summary
Reporting to the Assistant Manager, Front Desks and taking direction from the Senior Desk Representatives, Casual Front Desk Representatives provide front-line customer services at our various desk locations during the academic year. Candidates should have experience with multitasking, customer service, and have great attention to detail. Excellent communication skills are required as our Front Desk staff correspond with students, staff and guests through email, LiveChat, phone and in person. Candidates should be comfortable working independently and in a team, possess good time management skills, and have the ability to deal with difficult customer service situations. Front Desk and/or customer service experience is an asset.
Services and tasks at the Front Desk include:
- Provide support during move-in week and move-in weekend.
- Front line customer service for students, staff, and guests/families via phone, email, LiveChat, and in person.
- Receiving and processing mail and parcels.
- Signing out and auditing keys.
- Checking students in and out of Residence.
- Troubleshooting issues for students, staff and customers.
- Completing administrative tasks as assigned.
- Front Desk staff are assigned to work all shifts, including midnights, days, evenings and weekends.
- We accommodate student academic schedules; it is the responsibility of the staff to ensure their availability is up to date and current.
- Shifts are 8 hours (11 pm to 7 am, 7 am to 3 pm, and 3 pm to 11 pm). Shifts may be split or reduced to 3, 4 or 5-hour blocks based on operational needs.
Eligibility & Terms of Employment
- Any academic requirements (including practicums, internships, etc.) must not interfere with ability to complete desk shifts.
- Other campus work (including internships) paired with the Casual Front Desk Representative role must not exceed employment standards regulations.
- Orientation leader training or other job trainings must not interfere with training for this role.
- Staff must be legally entitled to work in Canada, or possess a valid student visa.
- Staff must be able to work shift work, including midnight shifts (11 pm – 7 am).
- Staff must be committed to work; time-off requests will be reviewed on an individual basis and are not guaranteed.
- Staff must submit a satisfactory Canadian Police Information Check (CPIC) and Vulnerable Sector Check prior to your start date. It is the employee’s responsibility to maintain a clean CPIC and Vulnerable Sector Check for the duration of your employment in this role with Queen’s. Any lapse may have implications for your continued employment status. The University can require that you produce a new Letter of Clearance at any time. In addition, you are also required to immediately disclose to the University any occurrence and/or circumstances(s) that might impact your ability to receive a clear CPIC or Vulnerable Sector Check.
- Shifts will be scheduled throughout the entire duration of the contract dates; staff must be available for mandatory training at the beginning of their contract (full days), as well as during long weekends, Homecoming and Reading Weeks.
- Front Desk Representatives must abide by the policies and procedures as outlined by Housing & Ancillary Services, the Employee Handbook and the University Code of Conduct.
Hiring Process
The University will provide support in its recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant’s accessibility needs. If you require accommodation during the interview process, please contact the Residence Life & Services office at reslife@queensu.ca.
Remuneration
- Compensation is $17.20 per hour plus 4% vacation pay. A shift premium of $0.50/hr is applied for 11 pm – 7 am shifts.
- Employees are entitled to be paid one-and-a-half (1 ½) times their regular rate of pay for each hour worked on a statutory holiday.
- Wages are amended if provincial minimum wage standards change.
Employment Equity and Accessibility Statement
The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Queen's is strongly committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace and encourages applications from Black, racialized persons, Indigenous people, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQI+ persons. In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, priority will be given to those who are legally eligible to work in Canada.
The University provides support in its recruitment processes to all applicants who require accommodation due to a protected ground under the Ontario Human Rights Code, including those with disabilities. Candidates requiring accommodation during the recruitment process are asked to contact Emefa Kemeh at reslife@queensu.ca.
Applications now closed for the 2026–2027 academic year.
the Front Desk Representative Job Descriptions (PDF, 111 KB)
Residence Program Assistants (RPAs) help coordinate large-scale events to help foster a sense of belonging within the Residence community.
Applications now closed for the 2026–2027 academic year.
The live-in Residence Don position is a leadership opportunity for upper-year students to support and educate residence students. Dons build meaningful individual and community relationships, contribute to the safety and security of our buildings, and are responsible for the front-line implementation and support of the Residence Life mission and the three Residence learning goals.
Applications now closed for the 2026–2027 academic year.
In addition to the duties, responsibilities and expectations outlined in the Don job description, a Living Learning Community (LLC) Don will mentor and facilitate additional educational opportunities for their assigned group of students who live within their specific LLC.
Applications now closed for the 2026–2027 academic year.
In addition to Don duties, Residence Life Assistants (RLAs) are responsible for team leadership, scheduling, event planning, and other duties as required.
Applications now closed for the 2026–2027 academic year.
Residence Information Technology
ResIT hires students in the summer to help with network maintenance. Student staff check residence network connections and repair as required. In the Fall we hire students and individuals from around the Kingston community to assist incoming students when setting up their technology as they arrive on campus.
- Router Technician (Applications Open April 2026)
- Support Technician (Applications Open January 2026)
Facilities
Residence Facilities manage all residence buildings' daily cleaning and upkeep, room preparation for students, and supporting summer accommodation services.
Under the supervision of the Facilities Manager, the Building Mechanic helper supports the Key Clerk and Building Mechanic positions. Functions include identifying and retrieving spare parts and tools as requested, lifting/supporting up to 20kg, using a step ladder, experience using simple hand tools, basic computer skills, counting and sorting keys, and assisting with minor mechanical repairs. Basic tools or handyperson experience and work boots are required. WHMIS, Ladder Training, and on-the-job training will be provided.
Under the supervision of the Assistant Manager, our housekeeping team provides a variety of services: cleaning student residences, conferencing tasks including bed making, cleaning after guests’ stays in a hotel-like environment and event set-ups. WHMIS and on-the-job training will be provided.
Under the supervision of the Assistant Manager, our casual movers are responsible for moving and disposing of furniture in Residence spaces. This position requires some heavy lifting. Casual Movers are also responsible for cleaning and organizing storage rooms and counting inventory. Work boots are required for this position. WHMIS and on-the-job training will be provided.
Under the supervision of the Assistant Manager, our casual painters are responsible for painting surfaces, in addition to covering furnishings, patching, taping, sanding, priming, cleaning, and maintaining supplies. Painting experience and work boots are required for this position. WHMIS and on-the-job training will be provided.
Under the supervision of the Facilities Manager, the summer Gardener role supports the exterior appearance of the Residence buildings. Functions include litter/garbage removal, sweeping pathways, garden/grounds maintenance (weeding, pruning, trimming, mulching, watering). Work boots, experience using manual gardening/yard tools and battery powered string trimmer, and basic gardening and plant knowledge are required for this position. WHMIS and on-the-job training will be provided.
Applications now open for 2026 Casual Positions.
Residence Advisory Committee
The Residence Advisory Committee (RAC) provides a forum to voice opinions and ideas to the Housing & Ancillary Services administration. RAC serves as a consultative group, advising on decisions directly affecting students in residence, helping to ensure student life in residence promotes the well-being of students and is complementary to the attainment of academic excellence. Input and feedback is welcome on various matters pertaining to housing services, programming for students, resources and departmental budget priorities. We are currently seeking first-year residence students to serve as members.
Please email reslife@queensu.ca to express your interest.
More Job Opportunities
Throughout the year, Housing and Ancillary Services provide several other casual employment opportunities on campus in student life, food service operations, summer operations, and year-round events.
View Opportunities