Durham Region conducts an annual Business Count to collect essential information on local businesses and employment. This data supports policy development, infrastructure forecasting, transit service planning, and economic development initiatives. Surveyors visit bricks and mortar establishments and follow up by phone or email to gather standardized information using a tablet based application.
Reporting to the Manager, GIS and Visualization within the Community Growth and Economic Development Department, the successful student will:
- Conduct in person interviews at businesses across Durham Region and accurately record required fields in the Business Count tablet app.
- Perform follow up interviews via phone or email for businesses not reached in person; update contact information as needed.
- Provide professional customer service, acting as a courteous Regional ambassador and presenting ID/uniform when canvassing.
- Work independently and in small teams, adhering to field safety protocols.
- Contribute to weekly progress reports, highlighting completions, outstanding follow ups, and route coverage.
- Perform data clean up and quality assurance on collected information to ensure accuracy and integrity.
- Offer peer guidance and leadership during field operations, data cleaning, and in-office work as required.
- Meet assigned daily quotas by maintaining steady productivity throughout the day.
- Gather input on existing processes and propose workflow adjustments to improve completion outcomes.
The successful student will possess:
- Current enrollment in a full time post secondary program in Geography, Urban Planning, Business, Environmental Studies, Marketing, Commerce, or a related discipline.
- Returning to school full time in Fall 2026.
- Demonstrated customer service experience with strong interpersonal skills.
- A self motivated approach to working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to engage with business owners and staff.
- Computer literacy, including proficiency in MS Office applications.
- Comfort working with technology, such as tablets, custom software, mapping tools, and databases.
- Strong time management skills and attention to detail.
- Knowledge of data integrity and quality assurance practices.
- A valid Class G or G2 driver's licence, clean driver's abstract, and reliable vehicle for corporate business use.
Additional Notes
- Fieldwork will involve extensive walking and outdoor activity in varying weather conditions.
- Most positions are available from the beginning of May through to the end of August.
- If interested, please apply on-line. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
- Please note, if you are completing your education in 2026, you are not eligible for a student position; however, we encourage you to apply to other opportunities (current or future).
