Employer Spotlight: Comox Valley Regional District

What does your company do?

At the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD), we're proud to serve one of the most beautiful and vibrant regions on Vancouver Island in British Columbia. We employ over 300 dedicated staff working across a wide range of facilities, including our Corporate Office in Courtenay, the Comox Valley Sports Centre, the Comox Valley Aquatic Centre, the Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds, the Comox Valley Water Treatment Plant, the Union Bay Water Treatment Plant, the Comox Valley Waste Management Centre in Cumberland, and the Comox Valley Water Pollution Control Centre in Area B. In addition, the CVRD supports nine local fire service areas, including six volunteer fire departments and several service partnerships with local municipalities. 

What is the culture like at your organization, and how do you support the professional growth of your employees and co-op students?

At the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD), we take pride in fostering a workplace culture grounded in our core values of collaboration, service, sustainability, and accountability.

We encourage all employees to stay current with advancements in their professional and technical fields and actively support their ongoing training and development. The CVRD is committed to employee growth and continually seeks opportunities to offer in-house learning experiences: such as workshops, training sessions, and lunch & learns, ensuring that every employee has access to meaningful professional development opportunities.

As part of our commitment to continuous learning and reconciliation, the CVRD also offers an Indigenous Learning Journey Program, which allows staff to self-select opportunities to engage with a variety of Indigenous practitioners on diverse topics. This program provides valuable opportunities for learning, reflection, and relationship-building, supporting a deeper understanding of Indigenous history, culture, and perspectives within our organization.

For co-op students, we offer four-month Student Term Opportunities from May to August across various departments, including (but not limited to) Community Parks, Solid Waste, Water Services, and Wastewater Services. Students receive comprehensive training, are paired with a team lead, and contribute to active projects: gaining valuable hands-on experience in their area of study. Each placement concludes with a student evaluation, supporting continued learning and professional growth.

For more info + a YouTube video – click here: Student Opportunities | Comox Valley Regional District

What qualities or skills do you look for when hiring a co-op student?

We seek candidates who embody our core values:

• Accountability – taking responsibility for their work, actions, and growth.
• Service – showing dedication to supporting others and contributing positively to the community.
• Collaboration – working effectively as part of a team, sharing ideas, and learning from diverse perspectives.
• Sustainability – demonstrating awareness of how their work can promote long-term positive impacts for people and the environment.

At the CVRD, we value students who show initiative, reliability, and a genuine desire to contribute meaningfully to their team and community.

What are the typical hiring periods for co-ops + how to apply?

We typically hire once a year, usually between January and March, but we have had a few Fall placements too. Students are encouraged to regularly check our website and submit their applications as soon as the job posting becomes available.

To be considered for a role, all applications must be submitted through our Current Opportunities page. For Co-op students, we recommend submitting a thoughtful and well-crafted cover letter and resume that highlight your personality, interests, and experiences. Share what makes you unique: whether it’s through your hobbies, volunteer work, extracurricular activities, or past employment.

We also encourage applicants to write their own materials rather than relying on AI-generated content, as authenticity and genuine self-expression help us get to know the real you.

In order to be considered for a Student Work Term at the CVRD, you must be returning to post-secondary studies at the conclusion of the work term.

How do co-op students contribute to your organization?

Co-op students play a vital role in the success of the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD). They bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and up-to-date academic knowledge that enrich our workplace and help advance our projects and initiatives. Their enthusiasm and curiosity inspire creativity within teams and often lead to new approaches for solving real-world challenges. In turn, their contributions directly support the CVRD’s commitment to service excellence, sustainability, and community well-being.

Student Testimonials - What We've Heard:

I want to thank the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) and Comox Strathcona Waste Management for welcoming me for my co-op term this summer! Working with the CVRD has given me an opportunity to explore policy in a much different way than I had anticipated. Hired to utilize some of my project management and architecture experience, they allowed me to explore areas of planning and policy that related to my education, providing an interesting intersection between the disciplines and work that they do.

Mara Ignacio, Project Management Coordinator Student - Solid Waste 

What advice do you have for students interested in working at your organization?

At the CVRD, we are committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued. We celebrate diversity and welcome applications from all qualified candidates. If you connected with our core values and are passionate about serving the community, we encourage you to apply for a position with us. 

We also recommend researching the CVRD’s initiatives and services to better understand the meaningful work we do in our communities. Approach your application with curiosity, authenticity, and enthusiasm! We’re excited to meet students who want to learn, contribute, and grow with us.