Wondering what's in it for you?
Check out what some board members have to say about volunteering for a board.
Bring your experience, share your passion and shape Edmonton’s future.
Board members provide direction and make decisions that impact Edmontonians and help shape our city. The boards are diverse, independent and impartial - made up of dedicated Edmontonians from across the city, with varied skills, backgrounds and experience. Anyone interested in municipal government and shaping Edmonton’s future is encouraged to apply.
Update for Candidates
Thank you for applying for the January 2020 Volunteer Board/Committee Member posting(s) and for your patience as the selection process was postponed due to the Coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic.
The following are the new shortlisting and interview dates for all Boards. If you are selected for an interview, you will be notified shortly after the shortlisting date. Interviews will be conducted by telephone.
| Board | Selection Committee | Shortlisting Date | Interview Date |
| Accessibility Advisory Committee | Community & Public Services Committee | May 5/20 | May 20/20 |
| Assessment Review Boards | Executive Committee | Feb 24/20 | May 19/20 |
| Capital Region Housing Corporation Board | Executive Committee | May 5/20 | May 19/20 |
| Community Services Advisory Board | Community & Public Services Committee | May 5/20 | May 20/20 |
| Edmonton Combative Sports Commission | Community & Public Services Committee | May 5/20 | May 20/20 |
| Edmonton Historical Board | Community & Public Services Committee | May 5/20 | May 20/20 |
| Edmonton Public Library Board | Community & Public Services Committee | May 5/20 | May 20/20 |
| Edmonton Transit Service Advisory Board | Urban Planning Committee | May 4/20 | May 22/20 |
| Energy Transition Climate Resilience Committee | Executive Committee | May 5/20 | May 19/20 |
| Greater Edmonton Foundation Board | Executive Committee | May 5/20 | May 19/20 |
| Naming Committee | Urban Planning Committee | May 4/20 | May 22/20 |
| Women's Advocacy Voice of Edmonton Committee | WAVE Selection Committee | Mar 31/20 | Apr 14/20 |
Commonly Asked Questions
What is new that I need to know about Candidate Interviews?
Recent changes to the Municipal Government Act require that, where a council or council committee closes all or part of a meeting to the public, the meeting minutes must record the names of those persons in attendance during that portion of the meeting and the reasons for allowing them to attend. For candidates attending an interview, their name will appear in the minutes as follows: First Initial. Last Name (Interview Participant).
Why should I be a board member?
Being a board member is an opportunity to provide your voice to decisions and services that shape our community. It is also an opportunity to sharpen leadership, business skills and gain a broader understanding of municipal government processes.
How much time does it take?
The time commitment varies depending on the board. Most boards have monthly meetings plus subcommittee meetings, and may have additional board-related activities throughout the year.
Will I be paid?
A few boards offer remuneration to their members, but for the most part board members serve in a voluntary capacity.
While most out-of-pocket, meeting related expenses (with receipts) are reimbursed for all members, those members who do not receive remuneration will also be reimbursed for any childcare expenses related to attendance at board meetings.
How do I apply?
Recruitment for new board members takes place every January. All volunteer positions are filled using an application process. Not all boards require a new member each year.
Most board opportunities are volunteer; however, a few do offer remuneration because of their responsibilities and required time commitment. Preference is given to residents of Edmonton.
Short listed applicants will be asked to provide a brief biography and, if they are appointed as a Board Member, this information will be included in the City Council minutes as an introduction to City Council, the Board, and the citizens of Edmonton.
Most appointments are for one year, renewable for up to 6 consecutive years. Prior to reappointment, board members are evaluated. The evaluation criteria are outlined in Schedule 2 - re-appointment form (Summary of Evaluations for Members Eligible for Re-appointment) to City Policy C575C - Agencies, Boards, Committees and Commissions.
You can apply for a position on up to 3 boards but can only serve on 1 board at a time. Applicants use the Taleo Online Application System when positions are available. Applicants must attach a resume plus 3 written letters of reference (a letter of interest is optional).
Please be advised that individual recruitment campaigns may have their own, unique requirements.