About the role
Regular/Temporary
Temporary
Job Title
Housing Assistant - Casual
Job ID
72479
Location
Central Campus
Open Date
10/29/2025
Job Type
Casual
Close Date
11/11/2025
Employee Group
Interim
Favorite Job
Department
Housing Residences Central Adm
Contract Duration
10 Months
Hours per Week
20
Posting Details
Housing and Conference Services (HCS) plays a vital role in supporting McMaster University’s mission to advance human and societal well-being and its overarching vision of educating for capability. We are committed to delivering a distinctive living and learning environment that prioritizes community building, personal development, academic success, wellness, and inclusion. HCS provides a transformative residential experience for approximately 3,900 students, with a focus on key educational priorities.
HCS concurrently drives a positive McMaster experience for guests, alumni, staff, faculty, and students by providing accommodation and event coordination, which meet the highest standards of service excellence. HCS is a proud and significant ancillary contributor to the financial health of the University and the core academic and research mission of McMaster.
HCS is currently undergoing a period of significant expansion, increasing capacity by 66% over the next several years. Moving from 3,900 to 6,000 bed spaces across 15 buildings. This growth will diversify the housing portfolio beyond its traditional focus on first-year undergraduate students to include upper-year, graduate, and family housing, as well as a constantly evolving internal and external client base.
The department operates with an annual pre-expansion budget of approximately $31 million and employs over 100 full-time and 250 part-time staff. HCS reports directly to both the Divisions of Student Affairs and Operations & Finance.
Job Description
Job Description:
The Housing Assistant will act as an ambassador of Housing and Conference Services. This position provides a visible and accessible front line presence in order to anticipate, understand and act upon all guest, resident and stakeholder needs on McMaster's Main Campus as well as the 10 Bay Street Graduate Residence location**. This role offers casual / on call shifts and must have some day shift, afternoon, and weekend availability.**
The Housing Assistant must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills and be willing to commit their efforts to delivering an outstanding experience for all guests at McMaster University. This position requires an individual who is self-motivated, takes intiative and is capable of functioning both independently and in a team setting. The Housing Assistant is professional, communicates effectively with others, and has a positive attitude. They are organized, detail oriented, and demonstrative creativity and sound problem solving skills.
This role acts as a support to residents, hotel & conference guests as well as our many partners at McMaster. An understanding of privacy and security are a necessity of the position.
Job Summary:
Performs a range of administrative duties and acts as primary contact for Housing and Conference Services. Responds to inquiries and provides information to students, parents and guests, or refers them to appropriate departments.
Purpose and Key Functions:
- Respond to telephone, email and in-person inquiries regarding Housing and Conference Services, the University, and the greater community.
- Receive and resolve student and guest concerns.
- Provide information to students and guests on filling out various forms and sign-in sheets.
- Gather and compile support materials for residence students and guests.
- Assemble and prepare outgoing mailings and packages.
- Write a variety of documents such as correspondence, guides, directions and instructions.
- Gather information and input data regarding requests for maintenance, repairs, and cleaning for residence facilities.
- Issue security access cards and keys to appropriate users based on established safety and security requirements.
- Monitor inventory of access cards and keys and references moving records to confirm accuracy.
- Determine lock changes and changes based on discrepancies and when requested, apply to accounts.
- Deactivate reported lost or stolen cards.
- Monitor alarms and contact security services to report issues.
- Monitor and reconcile cash transactions and prepare daily fund deposits.
- Calculate fees for guests and students attending conferences and staying in residence accommodations.
- Attend and participate in a variety of meetings.
- Inspect student rooms for damages. Track student damage charges.
- Use a voice recorder to transcribe information.
- Maintain filing systems, both electronic and hard copy.
- Conduct web searches for information on travel, entertainment, and other visitor inquiries.
- Update, maintain, and verify information in a variety of databases and spreadsheets.
- Contact security to report issues.
- Sort incoming mail.
- Maintain confidentiality of residence information.
Requirements:
Secondary School diploma. Requires 18 months of relevant experience.
Assets:
- Hamilton tourism and attraction knowledge
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Publisher)
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to embrace new technology and software
- Possess a G class driving license
- Previous hospitality experience preferred
Additional Information:
To deliver exceptional customer service, the Housing Assistant will need to be available for shift work Sunday to Saturday including evenings and holidays.
How To Apply
To apply for this job, please submit your application online.
Employment Equity Statement
McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.
The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.
The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.
As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information.
Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact:
- Human Resources Service Centre at 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247), or
- Faculty of Health Sciences HR Office at ext. 22207, or
- School of Graduate Studies at ext. 23679
to communicate accommodation needs.
Interview Experience
At McMaster University, we believe in a comprehensive and inclusive interview process. Our interview methods encompass a variety of approaches that allow our hiring teams to provide a flexible and accessible experience for engaging with our candidates. Throughout your recruitment process at McMaster, you may be requested to participate in a variety of formats, that may include in-person, virtual or recorded interviews. If you have any questions as you move through the hiring process, please reach out to talent@mcmaster.ca or the HR contact associated with your position of interest.
About McMaster University
McMaster University, one of four Canadian universities listed among the Top 100 universities in the world, is renowned for its innovation in both learning and discovery. It has a student population of 30,000, and more than 185,000 alumni in 137 countries.
About the role
Regular/Temporary
Temporary
Job Title
Housing Assistant - Casual
Job ID
72479
Location
Central Campus
Open Date
10/29/2025
Job Type
Casual
Close Date
11/11/2025
Employee Group
Interim
Favorite Job
Department
Housing Residences Central Adm
Contract Duration
10 Months
Hours per Week
20
Posting Details
Housing and Conference Services (HCS) plays a vital role in supporting McMaster University’s mission to advance human and societal well-being and its overarching vision of educating for capability. We are committed to delivering a distinctive living and learning environment that prioritizes community building, personal development, academic success, wellness, and inclusion. HCS provides a transformative residential experience for approximately 3,900 students, with a focus on key educational priorities.
HCS concurrently drives a positive McMaster experience for guests, alumni, staff, faculty, and students by providing accommodation and event coordination, which meet the highest standards of service excellence. HCS is a proud and significant ancillary contributor to the financial health of the University and the core academic and research mission of McMaster.
HCS is currently undergoing a period of significant expansion, increasing capacity by 66% over the next several years. Moving from 3,900 to 6,000 bed spaces across 15 buildings. This growth will diversify the housing portfolio beyond its traditional focus on first-year undergraduate students to include upper-year, graduate, and family housing, as well as a constantly evolving internal and external client base.
The department operates with an annual pre-expansion budget of approximately $31 million and employs over 100 full-time and 250 part-time staff. HCS reports directly to both the Divisions of Student Affairs and Operations & Finance.
Job Description
Job Description:
The Housing Assistant will act as an ambassador of Housing and Conference Services. This position provides a visible and accessible front line presence in order to anticipate, understand and act upon all guest, resident and stakeholder needs on McMaster's Main Campus as well as the 10 Bay Street Graduate Residence location**. This role offers casual / on call shifts and must have some day shift, afternoon, and weekend availability.**
The Housing Assistant must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills and be willing to commit their efforts to delivering an outstanding experience for all guests at McMaster University. This position requires an individual who is self-motivated, takes intiative and is capable of functioning both independently and in a team setting. The Housing Assistant is professional, communicates effectively with others, and has a positive attitude. They are organized, detail oriented, and demonstrative creativity and sound problem solving skills.
This role acts as a support to residents, hotel & conference guests as well as our many partners at McMaster. An understanding of privacy and security are a necessity of the position.
Job Summary:
Performs a range of administrative duties and acts as primary contact for Housing and Conference Services. Responds to inquiries and provides information to students, parents and guests, or refers them to appropriate departments.
Purpose and Key Functions:
- Respond to telephone, email and in-person inquiries regarding Housing and Conference Services, the University, and the greater community.
- Receive and resolve student and guest concerns.
- Provide information to students and guests on filling out various forms and sign-in sheets.
- Gather and compile support materials for residence students and guests.
- Assemble and prepare outgoing mailings and packages.
- Write a variety of documents such as correspondence, guides, directions and instructions.
- Gather information and input data regarding requests for maintenance, repairs, and cleaning for residence facilities.
- Issue security access cards and keys to appropriate users based on established safety and security requirements.
- Monitor inventory of access cards and keys and references moving records to confirm accuracy.
- Determine lock changes and changes based on discrepancies and when requested, apply to accounts.
- Deactivate reported lost or stolen cards.
- Monitor alarms and contact security services to report issues.
- Monitor and reconcile cash transactions and prepare daily fund deposits.
- Calculate fees for guests and students attending conferences and staying in residence accommodations.
- Attend and participate in a variety of meetings.
- Inspect student rooms for damages. Track student damage charges.
- Use a voice recorder to transcribe information.
- Maintain filing systems, both electronic and hard copy.
- Conduct web searches for information on travel, entertainment, and other visitor inquiries.
- Update, maintain, and verify information in a variety of databases and spreadsheets.
- Contact security to report issues.
- Sort incoming mail.
- Maintain confidentiality of residence information.
Requirements:
Secondary School diploma. Requires 18 months of relevant experience.
Assets:
- Hamilton tourism and attraction knowledge
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Publisher)
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to embrace new technology and software
- Possess a G class driving license
- Previous hospitality experience preferred
Additional Information:
To deliver exceptional customer service, the Housing Assistant will need to be available for shift work Sunday to Saturday including evenings and holidays.
How To Apply
To apply for this job, please submit your application online.
Employment Equity Statement
McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.
The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.
The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.
As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information.
Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact:
- Human Resources Service Centre at 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247), or
- Faculty of Health Sciences HR Office at ext. 22207, or
- School of Graduate Studies at ext. 23679
to communicate accommodation needs.
Interview Experience
At McMaster University, we believe in a comprehensive and inclusive interview process. Our interview methods encompass a variety of approaches that allow our hiring teams to provide a flexible and accessible experience for engaging with our candidates. Throughout your recruitment process at McMaster, you may be requested to participate in a variety of formats, that may include in-person, virtual or recorded interviews. If you have any questions as you move through the hiring process, please reach out to talent@mcmaster.ca or the HR contact associated with your position of interest.
About McMaster University
McMaster University, one of four Canadian universities listed among the Top 100 universities in the world, is renowned for its innovation in both learning and discovery. It has a student population of 30,000, and more than 185,000 alumni in 137 countries.