Work and volunteer at Congress
Work at Congress @ York University
The Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences is recruiting over 180 short-term contract workers to support the delivery of the 2023 Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences at York University in Toronto from May 27 to June 2, 2023. Eighty of the positions will be remote, supporting the virtual aspect of Congress.
Who is the ideal candidate?
- An individual with flexible availability (from May 25 to June 2, 2023)
- Personable, motivated, adaptable and able to follow directions
- Must be legally allowed to work in Canada
- Good written and oral communication skills in English are required for all positions
- Written and oral communication skills in French are an asset
What can you expect?
- Hourly rate of $19.00, paid by the Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences.
- An average of 20-30 work hours over a span of 10 days, with the most concentration from May 27 to June 2.
- Shifts range from 3 to 10 hours long and may include split shifts.
- Most contract workers will be required to work on-site at both of the York university campuses. Some remote positions are available.
- 75 event technicians will be asked to use their own computer equipment.
- Remote contractors will be asked to use their own computer equipment (Surface Pros, Tablets, iPads and mobile phones are not acceptable) Remote contractors must also have a strong, stable internet connection.
- Some Remote positions require equipment (laptop, camera). Contractors are asked to provide and use their own equipment. Please see the positions below for details.
- When not on duty, workers can attend open events, browse Expo, and network with influential professors and researchers.
Application timeline
- Applications will be accepted until February 24, 2023
- Formal contract offers will be issued as successful candidates are recruited
- Successful candidates are required to participate in a paid orientation session on May 25, 2023
The Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment process and work environment. We are seeking applications from employment equity groups, including but not limited to: persons with disabilities, and Black, Indigenous and/or persons of colour.
For any questions or to request accommodations, please email us at workatcongress@federationhss.ca.
Please view the Code of Conduct for working at Congress 2023.
Positions are available in the following areas
Customer Service Representatives (100 positions) - On-site
Customer Service Representatives work with session organizers, participants, exhibitors, Federation staff, attendees, and the public to process registrations and transactions, respond to inquiries, and assist with virtual wayfinding.
Communications Assistants (5 positions) - On-site
Communications Assistants work out of the Congress Media Room to assist the Federation’s communications staff with writing about the research being presented at Congress. They are assigned to blogging and social media content production.
Event Technicians (75 positions) - Remote
Event Technicians are responsible for providing technical support to all participants and for hosting the Zoom meetings for each conference session that is taking place within the virtual event platform.
To see the full list of available positions and to apply, please visit Job opportunities and tenders.
Volunteer at Congress @ York University
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with us at Congress 2023! As many as 500 volunteers are needed in a variety of capacities to support Congress. Volunteers will greet guests and give directions, support AV and catering staff, assist with guests’ accessibility needs, coordinate equipment and signage logistics, and more. Some of the volunteer roles that may be available include:
- Info Kiosk Attendant
- Wayfinding Assistant
- AV Assistant
- Accessibility Shuttle Stop Attendant
- Event Assistant
- Event Usher
- Catering Assistant
- Hospitality Ambassador
- Sustainability Crew
- Volunteer HQ Assistant
- Set-up Crew
Who Should Volunteer?
This volunteer opportunity is open to members of the York University community including students, staff, faculty, retirees, and alumni. All volunteers must be 18 years of age or older. Volunteers should be familiar with York’s campuses and must be available for the mandatory training session held on Thursday, May 25, 2023 from 12 to 3 p.m. Additional skills and experience may be required for some roles.
Why Volunteer?
We recognize that members of the York community have busy lives and that volunteering can be a big commitment. In addition to the satisfaction of supporting York in hosting Canada’s largest academic gathering and gaining valuable experience, volunteers can look forward to snacks and drinks in the Volunteer Lounge and daily door prize draws. Volunteers will also have the opportunity to earn incentive gifts by taking on more shifts and a volunteer appreciation event will be held after Congress for those who were able to contribute a minimum number of hours.
The volunteer application form will be available here beginning Jan 25, 2023.
Congress, an experience of a lifetime
The Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences is committed to an equitable and inclusive hiring practice and welcomes candidates with a diverse mix of expertise, backgrounds, and experiences.
For more information or if you require accommodation at any point through the hiring process, contact workatcongress@federationhss.ca.
