Footman - Footwoman (ANTICIPATORY)

Important messages

We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process, please use the Contact information below to request special accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

Information on accommodation for persons with disabilities

We will accept applications by email at:

Duties

A footman / footwoman provides high-calibre hospitality service at the official residences of the governor general of Canada (Rideau Hall in Ottawa and the Residence of the Governor General at the Citadelle of Québec) in support of the more than 200 official events that take place each year as part of the governor general’s program.

A footman / footwoman provides food and beverage service, room service and valet service to VIP guests and dignitaries, as well as to people from all walks of life. The individual sets up rooms and tables for hospitality events, receives guests and attends to their needs, and maintains precious silverware and glassware related to hospitality service at each of the official residences. The individual also offers hospitality services to the viceregal family. The work is conducted in official residences that are of a heritage nature; events take place both inside the residence and outside on the grounds, in all seasons.

Work environment

The Office of the Secretary to the Governor General (OSGG) supports the governor general in fulfilling his or her constitutional, State and ceremonial responsibilities.

The OSGG is also responsible for planning and implementing the governor general’s program and the many activities undertaken with, and on behalf of, Canadians in communities across the country and abroad. These activities serve to recognize outstanding achievement and the pursuit of excellence by Canadians, and to foster national identity, unity and pride.

The Household Services Division of the OSGG provides high-calibre hospitality and household services at both official residences.

The division provides service 365 days a year. Given the VIP nature of the clientele and the high-calibre nature of the official events, service standards are extremely high and the tolerance for error is extremely low. Mistakes in hospitality could negatively impact the reputation of the office and the country.

Given the hours of service covered by the division, employees are often called upon to work alone or with minimum supervision. In the execution of their normal duties, employees are called upon to alter and adapt plans at a moment’s notice, and to make decisions, on their own, regarding the service to be provided. Regardless of level or position, employees in the division may be called upon to transmit important information to their colleagues and supervisors to ensure consistency and continuity of service between shifts.

Because of the nature and varying hours of their work, all employees are trained in first aid and CPR, and are expected to act as first responders if the situation arises.

Intent of the process

The intent of this process is to staff a position indeterminately or for a specified period, on a full-time or a part-time basis according to the needs of the organization.
A pool of qualified candidates will be created. The pool will be valid for 24 months with a possibility of extension.

Positions to be filled: Number to be determined

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

In order to be considered, your application must clearly explain how you meet the following (essential qualifications)

EDUCATION
Successful completion of a post-secondary hospitality program or an acceptable combination* of education, training and / or experience.

*An acceptable combination of education, training and/or experience must consist of :

-Successful completion of a secondary school diploma;

-Minimum of 3 years experience working in the field of high-calibre hospitality services.

Degree equivalency

EXPERIENCE
Significant* and recent** experience in the provision of high-calibre hospitality services (ie. receiving guests, valet services, dining room and room service, table setting).

Significant* experience in interacting with dignitaries and high-profile figures.

*Significant: minimum 3 years.
**Recent: within last 8 years.

KNOWLEDGE
- Knowledge of the methods of high-calibre food and beverage services and hospitality services provision.

- Knowledge of Canadian food and wine, as well as of bartending.

- Knowledge of health and safety practices.

- Knowledge of the care and maintenance of precious silverware, glassware, china, etc.

ABILITIES
- Ability to provide high-calibre of hospitality services.

- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

- Ability to multi-task and to establish priorities.

- Ability to work effectively under pressure.

PERSONAL SUITABILITIES
- Discretion

- Politeness

- Dependability

- Effective interpersonal relations

- Teamwork

- Customer service-oriented

The following will be applied / assessed at a later date (essential for the job)

Bilingual - Imperative (--B/--B)

Information on language requirements

The following may be applied / assessed at a later date (may be needed for the job)

ASSETS - CERTIFICATIONS
- Red Seal Certification or equivalent certification.

- Successful completion of Smart Serve training, or equivalent training program.

- Possession of a valid driver’s license (Class G / Class 5).

ORGANIZATIONAL NEEDS
The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled, diverse workforce reflective of Canadian society. As a result, it promotes employment equity and encourages candidates to indicate voluntarily on their application if they are a woman, an Aboriginal person, a person with a disability or a member of a visible minority group.

The Public Service of Canada is also committed to developing inclusive, barrier-free selection processes and work environments. If contacted in relation to a job opportunity or testing, you should advise the Public Service Commission or the departmental official in a timely fashion of the accommodation measures which must be taken to enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.

Conditions of employment

Secret security clearance

OTHER CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
- Willingness and ability to work overtime on short notice.

- Willingness and ability to work irregular shifts, as well as on working evenings, weekends and statutory holidays.

- Willingness to wear a uniform and anti-slip shoes.

- Willingness and ability to travel up to three (3) weeks with little advanced notice (ex: the Citadelle of Québec).

- Willingness and ability to complete Certified Food Handler Training.

- Ability to perform physical tasks that may require bending, lifting a weight up to 25 kg, stretching, climbing a step ladder.

Other information

The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the Canadians we serve. We promote employment equity and encourage you to indicate if you belong to one of the targeted groups when you apply.

Information on employment equity

1. Acknowledgement of receipt of applications will not be sent.
2. Persons are entitled to participate in the appointment process in the official language of their choice. Applicants are asked to indicate their preferred language in their application.
3. For this selection process, the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General will communicate with candidates by email. Applicants must include in their application a valid email address that is functional at all times and accepts messages from unknown users as some email systems block certain types of email.
4. Various assessment tools may be used in this selection process, such as an interview, practical tests, references check, etc.
5. TRAVEL RELATED TO THE SELECTION OR APPOINTMENT PROCESS
Please note that candidates (including employees of the Public Service) will not be considered to be in travel status or on government business and that travel costs will not be reimbursed. Consequently, candidates will be responsible for their travel costs.
6. Top-down selection may be applied; a cut-off score may be established after all scores are received. Random selection may be used at any time during the process to identify which applicants will be further assessed.
7. A security check will be administered and proof of citizenship, education, and at least 2 work references with names and applicable phone numbers will be required. Security Check will include a credit check and fingerprinting. Successful candidate(s) must meet and maintain the Conditions of Employment throughout their employment.

Preference

Preference will be given to veterans and to Canadian citizens, in that order.

Information on the preference to veterans

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.