The Watch - Volunteer

(EXTERNAL)

2025

THE WATCH - VOLUNTEER

One or more positions

**Please note only applications submitted through the Bamboo HR link below will be accepted. Applications submitted through City of Lethbridge website or other third-party sites, will not be considered**

The City of Lethbridge (www.lethbridge.ca) proudly acknowledges that we are located at the heart of Siksikaitsitapi (Blackfoot) Territory, home of Kainai, Piikani, Siksika and Amskapi Piikani (Montana, USA) First Nations. Lethbridge is also located within the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region III. Lethbridge is southwestern Alberta’s largest community, close to the Rocky Mountains and strategically located two hours south of Calgary. We are home to just over 101,000 residents and two major post-secondary institutions -- the University of Lethbridge and Lethbridge College. The City of Lethbridge recognizes the diversity of our community and is working to ensure programs, services, facilities, and employment opportunities are inclusive to all people.

Under the supervision of an employee Team Lead, volunteers of The Watch patrol the downtown area on foot providing directions, first aid, tourist information and whatever assistance they can that is required by whomever is in need. The Watch acts as the eyes and ears of social and community services agencies and our emergency service providers.

The Watch Program is a volunteer-based initiative of Lethbridge Police Service with the objective of enhancing the community as a safe and friendly place for everyone to live, work, shop and enjoy, through social outreach, connection and intervention. Members of The Watch manage a range of issues and events that historically involved police intervention, but in reality, are not part of core police functions and most do not require police intervention.

Volunteer Hours / Schedule: A minimum of one 4-hour shift per month

As a Watch Volunteer you will:

• Be available to volunteer for a minimum of one four-hour shift per month.
• Be able to walk outdoors for an average of up to 10 kilometers during a four-hour volunteer shift.
• Patrol on foot under the direct supervision of a Team Lead providing directions, general assistance, and referrals in the downtown area to business owners and their employees, residents and visitors, as well as the homeless and addicted populations of downtown.
• Provide a layer of non-enforcement safety with a highly visible presence and deterrent to negative behaviors in the downtown.
• Provide for compassionate and empathetic support and community engagement for the marginalized community in assisting them to connect with any needed services and supports.
• Build relationships with everyone you encounter and regularly visit businesses in the work area.
• Offer services and check on the wellbeing of people whom they encounter who appear to be unresponsive and in need of assistance.
• Work to assist all people in the community without involving the police when they are not required.
• Follow direction and assignments from Team Leads and Watch Manager.
• Keep a daily record of all activities witnessed, notify authorities of all criminal or suspicious activities, and submit written reports when requested.
• Complete the entire 24-hour basic training program, which takes place in one week over four successive evenings and a Saturday prior to volunteering with The Watch.
• Participate in all training activities

The successful candidate will:

• Be 18 years of age or older
• Be able to follow written and verbal instructions
• Attend the shifts they commit to
• Provide excellent customer service
• Be enthusiastic, friendly and outgoing with a positive attitude
• Be a good team player who contributes positively to their team
• Be physically fit and able to walk multiple kilometers a day
• Have strong communication skills both oral and written, as well as great interpersonal skills
• Have an awareness and understanding of Indigenous culture and history
• Have an awareness of diverse demographics and cultures within the City of Lethbridge
• Be familiar and knowledgeable of the City of Lethbridge

The following are considered assets:

• Familiarity in dealing with matters related to mental health and addictions
• Valid CPR and First Aid Certification

STEPS OF HIRING PROCESS

Qualified candidates are asked to complete and submit the following documentation:

1. Volunteer Application Form
2. Two (2) valid pieces of government-issued identification. One (1) of these pieces of identification must include a photo. This is required to process your Police Information Check.
   1. If you were not born in Canada, then one of the government issued identification you upload must be your Canada Permanent Residency Card or proof of Canadian Citizenship.
      
   2. If you have resided outside of Canada for a period of six (6) months or longer within the past 10 years, a Police Certificate from each country an applicant has resided in during that time must be provided by the applicant at the time of application.
      
3. Provide reference information and additional volunteer info requested via the BambooHR hyperlink below:
4. Completion of a LPS Fingerprinting Check (Will be arranged by the Lethbridge Police Service)

Qualified candidates are invited to submit their Volunteer application and government issued ID online via the BambooHR link below:

https://lethbridgepolice.bamboohr.com/careers/334

**The successful candidate is required to consent to a Canadian Police information and vulnerable sector checks and reference checks. These checks will be completed internally by the Lethbridge Police Service - No payment to the Lethbridge Police Service will be required).**

Application submissions will be accepted until 4:00PM MST on Tuesday August 5, 2025

For further information on this opportunity, please contact: Shane Kisinger, Watch Manager at 403-330-5220 or Shane.Kisinger@lethbridgepolice.ca

**Please note only applications submitted through the Bamboo HR link above will be accepted. Applications submitted through City of Lethbridge website or other third-party sites, will not be considered**

Facility Dogs

As a prospective employee it is important for you to know that LPS has two facility dogs in the workplace. LPS facility dogs are here to support our employees in positive, constructive manner. Further, LPS facility dogs support the emotional needs of victim’s and or witnesses through the Criminal Justice Process. A Facility Dog is directed by a professional with specialized expertise. Facility dogs frequent many areas of our building. In addition, we have police service dogs. Our police service dogs have minimal interaction with employees on site under the supervision of a trained handler.

Landed Immigrant/Citizenship Status Canada

The Lethbridge Police Service welcomes applications from those who are currently Canadian Citizens or Canadian Permanent Residents. We require a significant background screening process to obtain a successful security clearance as a condition of employment with our agency. As an employer, we are unable to sponsor Canadian Work Permits/Visas or Permanent Residence applications at this time.

Work Location

LPS employees are required to carry-out their assigned duties in-person at a Lethbridge Police Service facility. Our Lethbridge Police Service Headquarters are located at 135 1st Avenue South Lethbridge, AB T1J 0A1**

“THE CITY OF LETHBRIDGE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER”

We thank all applicants in advance for their interest.

We will only contact individuals selected for interviews.