Public Art Assistant (Hybrid / GTA-Based)

STEPS Public Art is seeking emerging artists and mural assistants to support the production of murals and other public art projects across the Greater Toronto Area during the summer and early fall 2026 season.

This is a Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ)-funded opportunity. Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements of the funder, including being:

• Under the age of 30 at the start of employment
• A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
• Legally entitled to work in Canada

Production activities are anticipated to begin in July 2026, with some onboarding, training, and preparation activities taking place in advance.

About the Role

The Public Art Assistant will work alongside lead artists and STEPS staff to support the safe and successful production of murals and public art projects in outdoor environments throughout the GTA.

This is a hands-on role ideal for someone who enjoys collaborative artmaking, public art production, and working outdoors. Responsibilities will include supporting artists with materials preparation, maintaining safe and organized workspaces, assisting with site logistics, and helping ensure projects are completed smoothly and professionally. There may also be limited opportunities for selected assistants to implement their own small-scale creative or community-focused projects with STEPS support throughout the season.

Key Responsibilities

Mural & Public Art Production Support

• Assist lead artists during mural and public art production activities
• Prepare, organize, transport, and maintain materials and supplies
• Support wall preparation, paint setup, cleanup, and general production logistics
• Help maintain safe, clean, and organized project sites
• Monitor and support site safety, including identifying and addressing potential hazards
• Assist with protecting surrounding areas and ensuring respectful use of public/shared spaces
• Support installation, setup, teardown, and documentation activities as needed

Site Operations & Logistics

• Assist with coordinating materials, tools, ladders, and equipment on-site
• Help maintain inventory and organization of production supplies
• Support photo documentation and evaluation activities throughout the summer and early fall
• Participate in project check-ins, training sessions, and team meetings as required

Health & Safety

• Complete required safety training, including WHMIS and other project-specific protocols
• Follow STEPS’ health and safety procedures while working on-site
• Work collaboratively to maintain a safe environment for artists, staff, volunteers, and the public

Skills & Qualifications

Must-Haves

• Canada Summer Jobs eligible
• Experience painting and/or supporting visual art production activities
• Comfortable working outdoors in varying summer weather conditions
• Able to lift and move materials and work in active production environments
• Strong teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Organized, dependable, and able to adapt to changing production needs
• Flexible schedule, including availability for daytime production activities

Nice-to-Haves

• Previous mural, public art, scenic painting, or large-scale painting experience
• Experience working on ladders, lifts, or construction-style sites
• Experience supporting festivals, installations, exhibitions, or community arts events
• Valid driver’s license
• First Aid/CPR certification

Compensation & Working Conditions

• Canada Summer Jobs funded position, generally $18 - $20 per hour for 30 - 40 hours per week for up to 8 weeks (details to be determined at time of offer)
• Seasonal contract anticipated between July–September 2026
• Combination of training, production, documentation, and evaluation activities
• Work will primarily take place outdoors at mural and public art sites across the GTA
• Hours and contract length will vary depending on project scheduling and funding