The Powell Street Festival Society (PSFS) is seeking three dedicated and proactive Production Assistants for the commemorative 50th Annual Powell Street Festival. This temporary position is full-time (35 hr/week) and will start on May 19 and end August 21, 2026. 

Reporting to the Festival Producer and working closely with PSFS staff and Core Volunteers (“Coordinators”), this role is responsible for supporting festival events and special commemorative initiatives. It is a unique opportunity to gain meaningful hands-on experience in event production and community-based cultural work within a collaborative, dynamic environment.

Since 1977, PSFS has served as a cornerstone for Japanese Canadian arts, heritage, and community engagement, evolving into one of Canada’s longest-running community arts organizations. PSFS produces the annual Powell Street Festival, a free, two-day public celebration attracting over 23,000 attendees and engaging more than 450 volunteers and 600 artists. Held in Vancouver’s historic Japanese Canadian neighbourhood, on the unceded territories of the Squamish, Musqueam, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, the festival features a dynamic mix of music, dance, visual arts, film, martial arts demonstrations, culinary experiences, and participatory cultural programming. It serves as a platform for both emerging and established artists, creating opportunities for recognition, mentorship, and community dialogue. 

If you’re passionate about contributing to this historic milestone celebrating 50 years of Japanese Canadian creativity, resilience, and community engagement, this may be the right role for you. 

ANTICIPATED SKILL/KNOWLEDGE ACQUISITION AND LEARNING

You’ll learn how to: 

• Coordinate and support the full production cycle of a major community cultural festival Work effectively within a multidisciplinary team in a dynamic event environment 
• Manage logistics, materials, and communications across multiple areas of a large-scale event 
• Develop practical skills in event administration, community outreach, and vendor relations 
• Apply creative tools and organizational systems in a real-world festival production context

ORIENTATION, TRAINING, SUPPORT

You will: 

• Complete an orientation process that familiarizes you with PSFS’s organizational structure, staff roles, festival history, and community values 
• Participate in Cultural Workers Training, a team-based session designed to build cultural competency and cultivate strong coworking relationships across the production team 
• Receive harm reduction and de-escalation training led by local community members, equipping you with practical tools for working in a large public-facing festival environment 
• Become familiar with administrative systems, internal processes, and the tools used across festival production 
• Work with your supervisor to establish clear goals, deadlines, and regular check-ins throughout your contract 
• Receive ongoing feedback, guidance, and support from your supervisor and colleagues throughout the production period 

MENTORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

You will:

• Build meaningful relationships with experienced event producers, community organizers, and cultural workers in Vancouver’s arts sector 
• Develop hands-on professional skills in festival production, logistics, and community-based event coordination
• Learn to take ownership of tasks and responsibilities within a collaborative team and professional work environment 
• Apply and expand your skills in a real-world context, gaining experience that bridges academic learning and community cultural work

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENS TO EXPAND NETWORK

You will:

• Work alongside PSFS staff, festival coordinators, and volunteers who are deeply embedded in Vancouver’s Japanese Canadian community and broader arts ecosystem
• Engage with vendors, artists, community partners, and neighbourhood organizations connected to the Powell Street Festival 
• Collaborate with fellow Production Assistants and Coordinators across all areas of festival operations 
• Connect with local cultural workers, community leaders, and artists involved in one of Canada’s longest-running community arts festivals

UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE FESTIVAL PRODUCER, YOU WILL:

• Provide general administrative support to core festival staff across all areas of production 
• Assist with organization and preparation of materials, kits, and supplies in support of festival coordinators 
• Carry out detail-oriented tasks including errands, supply runs, and item procurement as needed 
• Support the creation, updating, and reorganization of signage and other physical festival materials 
• Maintain and revamp active spreadsheets, timelines, and planning documents using strong working knowledge of Excel 
• Assist with outreach and communications, including correspondence with vendors and community members 
• Complete inventory management tasks such as tracking, cleaning, and replenishing supplies for future events 
• Create simple digital assets such as maps and graphics using Canva
• Assist with the coordination and facilitation of internal meetings 
• Provide flexible, hands-on support across all areas of the 50th Annual Powell Street Festival production

SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS & ELIGIBILITY

• You are highly organized with strong attention to detail 
• You are a capable multitasker who can manage shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment 
• You are proficient with computers and standard productivity software, particularly Excel 
• You are a collaborative team player who takes initiative and supports those around you 
• You are adaptable and willing to take on a wide variety of tasks, both administrative and hands-on 
• A valid driver’s licence and access to a vehicle is considered an asset, though not required

Eligibility (Canada Summer Jobs) 
Applicants must:

• Be 15–30 years old at the start of employment 
• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person 
• Have a valid Social Insurance Number 
• Be legally eligible to work in Canada

OTHER DETAILS:

Work Location: Vancouver, Hybrid 

Salary: $21-23/hr (commensurate with experience)

Hours: 35-40 hrs/week

Start & End Date: May 19^th-Aug 21^st, 2026 

Deadline for applications: May 10^th,2026

Supervisor: Festival Producer

Applications accepted on a rolling basis.

The deadline for applications is 11:59 p.m., May 10, 2026.

Powell Street Festival Society thanks all applicants in advance for their interest; however, only short-listed candidates will be contacted. 

Applications will be accepted by email only. Please submit a resume and cover letter to jobs@powellstreetfestival.com, and include  in the subject line. No phone calls please.