Deadline: 11-Apr-25
The Canadian Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA) has secured Government of Canada funding via Parks Canada to support “Green Jobs” Program for Youth.
This program will provide direct financial support (via wage subsidies) to local governments (municipalities, Indigenous communities, etc.) and other sector organizations, funding nearly 140 jobs focusing on green career-related activities.
Goals
- The goals of the Green Jobs Initiative are to:
- Create nearly meaningful job experiences for youth
- Provide opportunities and learning experiences, for youth to build skills and become successful in the workplace
- Build a generation of youth that will value nature close to home and potentially pursue an opportunity to build a career in the green jobs sector
- Generate much-needed support to local governments and other sector organizations to hire additional youth to advance their green priorities
Funding Information
- CPRA will administer wage subsidies (up to 50%) to create nearly 140 green jobs for youth in 2025/26. The maximum wage subsidy offered through this program is $5,062.00 for each youth.
Duration
- Successful applicants may engage youth in their job placement as soon as a signed contract with CPRA is established.
- Work terms can be variable, lasting a minimum of four weeks, and a maximum of sixteen weeks in duration. Full-time, part-time or casual hours are eligible.
What positions qualify as ‘green’?
- A green job is any job that positively contributes to environmental sustainability—whether by protecting natural spaces, reducing carbon footprints, or supporting conservation efforts. In the CPRA Green Jobs Initiative, this means jobs that help care for parks, recreation spaces, and natural areas while promoting sustainable practices.
- Green jobs can include:
- Conservation roles – Restoring habitats, planting trees, and protecting biodiversity.
- Sustainable recreation – Supporting eco-friendly tourism, park maintenance, and outdoor education.
- Climate action – Helping communities adapt to climate change through green infrastructure and resource management.
- Waste & energy solutions – Encouraging recycling, energy efficiency, and sustainable resource use.
Eligibility Criteria
- Canadian local governments, Indigenous communities and other sector organizations are eligible to apply to this program. Other sector organizations include:
- Not for Profit Environment Organizations
- Environmental Science Centers
- Conservation Organizations
- Museums
- Education Institutions
- Community NGOs
- Provincial NGOs
- Park Authorities
- Villages/Towns
- Youth Agencies
- Regional Districts
- Community Centres
- Eligible youth who will be engaged in this program must be:
- Between 15 and 30 years of age when employment begins (inclusive)
- A Canadian citizen, or permanent resident or a protected person as defined by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
- Legally entitled to work in Canada
- Legally entitled to work according to the relevant provincial/territorial legislation and regulations
- Funding for this program is provided by Parks Canada as part of the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS). As such, CPRA will prioritize funding for organizations committed to hiring youth who face one or more of the following barriers to employment:
- Indigenous youth
- Youth with disabilities
- Racialized youth
- Black youth
For more information, visit CPRA.
