Open communication and the healthy exchange of ideas inspire an innovative workplace culture at the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit. As an award-winning* organization committed to service delivery excellence, we know that people are our most valuable asset.
Are you a dynamic, results oriented individual looking to join an organization committed to service delivery excellence? Then we would like to hear from you. As an employee at the health unit you will be treated fairly and with dignity and respect. The health unit provides a positive work environment where you are engaged, can freely exchange ideas, communicate openly, be innovative and are encouraged to practice work-life balance.
At the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, we are champions of health for all. Our staff works with individuals and families, agencies and communities in Simcoe Muskoka to promote and protect health, and to prevent disease and injury.
The health unit is governed by the Board of Health and is funded municipally and provincially. Guided by our strategic plan and our core values, we work with you toward achieving an important vision – to see the people who live, work and play in Simcoe Muskoka leading healthy, fulfilling and productive lives.
Public health activities are also guided by the Ontario Public Health Standards.
Purpose of Position
The Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 prohibits the sale of tobacco and vapour products to anyone under 19 years of age. The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit hires youth between the ages of 15–17 to assist Tobacco Enforcement Officers with compliance checks at local retailers.
Youth Test Shoppers work alongside enforcement staff to visit stores, attempt to purchase tobacco or vapour products, observe retailer practices, and help support public health enforcement activities in the community.
What’s in it for you?
- Gain valuable work experience;
- Apply learned skills in a professional setting;
- Enhance your interpersonal and teamwork skills with professionals in the field;
- Gain direct experience in the public sector environment;
- Enhance written and oral verbal communication skills.
Hours of Work: Casually As Required (Estimated 15-20 Hours per month)
Responsibilities:
- Visit local retailers/vendors with Tobacco Enforcement Officer(s) to participate in compliance checks;
- Attempt to purchase tobacco or vapour products without providing identification;
- Observe and report information about the store, signage, and interactions with store staff;
- Communicate observations to Tobacco Enforcement Officer and complete written notes or forms to accurately document activities and observations;
- Turn over any purchased products to Tobacco Enforcement Officer;
- Maintain confidentiality and professionalism while representing the Health Unit;
- Work a varied, pre-arranged schedule that may include evenings, weekends, school holidays, PA days, and daytime hours during the summer months; and
- May occasionally be required to participate in court proceedings as a witness.
Specific knowledge, skills, abilities:
- Ability to communicate clearly, respectfully, and effectively, both verbally and in writing;
- Ability to remain calm, professional, and respectful in challenging situations.
- Strong observation skills and attention to detail;
- Ability to follow instructions and work as part of a team;
- Ability to accurately record information and complete written documentation;
- Professional, reliable, and dependable;
- Ability to maintain confidentiality; and
- Comfortable interacting with members of the public in a variety of settings.
Education:
- Currently enrolled in a secondary school in either grade 9 or 10;
- MUST be at least 15 years old by July 6, 2026.
Preferred Assets:
- Interest in public health, law enforcement, or community safety;
- Previous volunteer, leadership, or customer service experience;
- Experience participating in school, sports, or community activities.
Deadline: noon, Tuesday, June 2, 2026
Visit our website at www.simcoemuskokahealth.org for the email address to send in your resume and cover letter.
If interested in applying for this position, forward résumé with cover letter to Human Resources at referencing posting #26-34 in the subject line.
Due to the large volume of applications we receive, and to ensure your application is given due consideration, we kindly request all applications for this position include both an up-to-date resume, and a detailed cover letter including specific examples of how you meet the required qualifications and skills for this position.
The cover letter is to clearly identify:
- How your education meets the educational requirements listed.
- Specific examples of how your experience meets the experience requirements listed.
- Specific examples of how your experience meets each of the minimum requirements of the job listed.
- Specific examples of how your education and/or experience meet each of the preferred assets listed in this competition.
Applicants who fail to satisfactorily provide all of the detailed information requested above in their cover letter will be deemed to not meet the minimum job requirements listed in this job posting. Accordingly, their application will not be considered in this competition.
If selected for an interview, candidates may be assessed through testing and/or by providing a presentation/portfolio highlighting examples of their work that is applicable to the position being applied to.
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is an equal opportunity employer. Accessibility accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process upon request. Due to the number of qualified applications we receive, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All candidates must be legally entitled to work in Canada.
Job Type: Casual
Pay: $18.20-$19.20 per hour
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 2026-06-02
Expected start date: 2026-07-06
