Volunteering
Thank you for keeping our community clean!
There are a variety of positions at the City of Oshawa to suit your interests, skills and schedule.
Current opportunities:
Volunteer opportunities are now available for the following positions:- Centennial Events volunteers
- Oshawa Animal Services volunteers
- Oshawa Youth Council
For advisory committee appointments, please visit: Committees
Centennial Event Volunteers:

Help us celebrate Oshawa's 100th anniversary!
Volunteer applications are now open!
The 2024 Event Season is shaping up to celebrate not only our incredible community, but the 100+ anniversary of the City of Oshawa. In the coming year we’re looking to highlight our cherished City of Oshawa memories, all while making new ones.
We need your help!
Looking for a fun and interactive volunteer experience?
Want to engage with our community in a variety of different ways, in roles that include positions such as:
Event Greeter
Wayfinding / Usher
Survey Ambassador
Activation Ambassador
Rewards Assistants
Administrative Support
New for 2024:
Centennial Ambassador
Opportunities include community facing positions, working in teams and stationary or roaming positions. If you’re interested in any of these opportunities, let’s connect!
City of Oshawa Event Volunteers experience:
Connection - First hand interactive experiences engaging with residents from diverse backgrounds working towards a common goal
Growth – Gain valuable Municipal Government experience, build self-esteem, confidence and leadership skills as you begin your work life, are new to the community or look to increase your community involvement
Development – Learn new skills, exposure to new community initiatives, gain knowledge which may benefit others, while gaining professional experience
Support – Be a part of bringing the community together creating positive City of Oshawa experiences. The City of Oshawa values volunteers and are committed to support their success (including approved high school community hours)
Flexibility - Flexible and/or occasional commitment, no minimum hours required
Teamwork – Meet up and engage with like-minded individuals and residents, build camaraderie – creating new bonds while strengthening the community
Positivity – Giving back provides a valuable impact to the community – the Events department values the support of each and every event volunteer involved
In 2024, the City will look to celebrate and promote the many fascinating initiatives surrounding the Centennial year, which includes celebrating with partners and organizations within our community. Let’s share everything there is to do in Oshawa to celebrate this milestone anniversary. Who wants to help us celebrate?
Event Volunteer locations include:
City of Oshawa activities and events take place in various in-door and outdoor locations throughout Oshawa including (but not limited to) Downtown Oshawa, Memorial Park, Lakeview Park and various City of Oshawa Recreation & Community Centers to name a few.
Volunteer requirements:
Minimum 15 years old, with no age limit! Those 15-17 years of age, a guardian's consent is required
Interested in the community, personable, enjoy interacting with people face to face (some quiet/independent opportunities available) and reliable
Possess critical thinking skills, able to problem-solve with minimal supervision and capable of attending pre-assigned mandatory trainings with a commit of volunteering at a minimum of three (or equivalent of 20 hours per year) events.
An asset: Physically able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
Volunteers are the keystone to successful events within the City of Oshawa. We value and appreciate every envelope stuffed, table and chair set up, wayfinding assistance and activity engagement. Consider a rewarding experience with a volunteer opportunity with the City of Oshawa.
Successful volunteer candidates are required to attend a mandatory in-person orientation. For questions, please email [email protected].
Other Opportunities

Are you in grades 7 to 12? Why not join Oshawa's Youth Council!?

Volunteer on an advisory committee

Why not share your time and talents with our seniors?
Volunteer with Animal Services

Oshawa Animal Services offers many exciting volunteer experiences such as:
- Dog walking
- Feline enrichment
- Pet photography
- Adoption promotion
Volunteering with Oshawa Animal Services is sure to be fun and exciting. You will be contributing to the physical and emotional well being of the animals in our care.
How to get involved
Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age and complete the following below by clicking Apply Now!
After you submit your application:
- We will connect with you for an interview.
- After the interview, you must attend orientation and training with an Animal Services team member.

Our foster program temporarily provides a safe and loving home for cats and dogs in need. They will stay in foster until they can return to our adoption centre to find loving homes. Our program offers a second chance to many animals. All supplies and medical care for animals in foster are covered.
Reasons animals will enter the adoption program:
- Too young for adoption
- Pregnant and nursing cats and dogs
- Sick or injured
- Socialization
Fostering can last a few days or as long as 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the particular animal's needs. If you are interested in fostering, please fill out the foster applications below for dogs or cats.
If you have further questions please call 905-436-3311 or email [email protected] for more information.
Doggy Day Out
Someone let the shelter dogs out! Oshawa Animal Services is proud to announce its new Doggy Day Out program, which pairs members of the community with our long stay shelter dogs for field trips! Outings can include a hike, a trip to the beach, a nap in a home or even a nice lunch! It’s a great way for people to get their pet-fix in and to give our dogs a break from the shelter and learn more about their wonderful personalities! Plus, it’s a great excuse for you to spend time exploring!
Doggy Day Out was designed to make it easy as pie for you to participate! Fill out a short application below and the shelter team will call you to coordinate! Soon you’ll be on your way with your brand new friend! You'll be given everything you need for your adventure by shelter staff.