Summer Students — Innovation Project

The role

Working under the direction of the organization’s Chief Data, Technology and Analytics Officer, these three students will form a cross-functional project team responsible for contributing to an AI-assisted compliance review system currently in active development at RECO. This system is designed to help identify potential advertising violations by registered real estate professionals at scale, using machine learning and natural language processing to flag content that may breach Ontario’s real estate advertising standards, enabling faster and more consistent regulatory review.

Students will work hands-on within this project from day one, collaborating directly with each other and with RECO’s Compliance and IT teams throughout the program. Each student will contribute within their area of focus while participating fully in shared sprint ceremonies, stakeholder engagement, and final deliverables. Depending on project progress and team capacity, the group may also support additional technology initiatives aligned with RECO’s broader modernization agenda.

Position responsibilities

All three students will share in project sprints, cross-departmental collaboration, and final program deliverables. In addition, each role carries the following focus-specific responsibilities:

Software Developer

• Contribute to the development of a web-based compliance tool, including frontend and/or backend components using frameworks such as React, Node.js, or Python
• Build and refine AI components integrated into the system, including LLM API integrations, text classification logic, or NLP-based processing pipelines
• Integrate APIs or internal RECO data sources in accordance with RECO’s technology governance and data handling policies
• Write clean, well-documented, version-controlled code and contribute to the project repository (GitHub)
• Support testing, debugging, and iteration cycles, and prepare technical documentation for project handoff

UX/UI Designer

• Lead user research activities including stakeholder interviews, journey mapping, and persona development
• Design low- and high-fidelity wireframes and interactive prototypes using Figma or equivalent tools
• Develop a foundational design system (components, typography, colour) for use across the application
• Collaborate with the Software Developer to ensure designs are technically feasible and implementable within scope
• Conduct usability testing with sample users and incorporate findings into iterative design improvements

Business/Innovation Analyst

• Facilitate the team’s Innovation Sprint, leading concept validation, problem definition, and scope refinement
• Conduct landscape research, competitive scans, and user pain point analysis relevant to the Ontario real estate sector
• Draft functional requirements, user stories, and product specifications to guide the development team
• Lead agile planning activities including backlog management, sprint coordination, and progress tracking
• Prepare and deliver the team’s final business case and presentation to RECO’s senior leadership

Qualifications and experience

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at an Ontario university or college
• Demonstrated experience with artificial intelligence tools or concepts through coursework, a personal project, a hackathon, or independent learning. All applicants must be prepared to describe or show an example of AI applied in a practical context
• Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment alongside technical and non-technical colleagues
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present work to a non-specialist audience
• Comfortable working in an agile, project-driven environment where requirements may evolve

Role-specific requirements

• Software Developer: Working knowledge of at least one modern programming language or framework (e.g., Python, JavaScript, React, or Node.js); familiarity with Git and GitHub
• UX/UI Designer: Proficiency with Figma or a comparable design tool; portfolio or work samples demonstrating UX process, wireframes, or prototypes (required with application)
• Business/Innovation Analyst: Strong research and analytical writing skills; demonstrated ability to produce clear, professional documents and presentations

Assets

• Hands-on experience with AI/ML libraries or APIs such as OpenAI, Hugging Face, LangChain, Gemini, or scikit-learn
• Exposure to natural language processing, text classification, or data pipeline concepts
• Familiarity with agile or project management tools such as Jira, Trello, or Azure DevOps
• Prior co-op, internship, or team-based project experience in a professional setting
• Interest in regulatory technology, compliance systems, or public-sector technology

Core competencies

• Analytical thinking and problem resolution
• Collaboration and cross-functional communication
• Adaptability and initiative in an agile environment

Why work for RECO?

Working at RECO means contributing to an organization that supports a fair, transparent, and consumer-focused real estate marketplace.

What you can expect

• Purpose-driven work: Your contributions help protect consumers and strengthen one of Ontario’s largest and most important sectors.
• A modern, evolving regulator: We are innovating how we regulate and engage with the real estate sector, and your ideas and expertise will help shape the future.
• Professional growth: We invest in employee development, ongoing learning, and cross-functional exposure.
• Hybrid flexibility: Our hybrid model supports balance, flexibility, and wellbeing.
• Inclusive culture: You’ll work with people who care deeply about doing what’s right and delivering high-quality public service.

Join us

If you’re passionate about meaningful work, eager to grow, and want to make a tangible impact on an industry that touches every Ontarian, RECO is the place to do it.

Apply today and help shape the future of real estate in Ontario.

Posting date: April 7, 2026 
Closing date: April 16, 2026
Grade: 1 
Range: $40,800 to $51,000 

Qualified applicants are invited to submit a detailed resume specifically addressing RECO’s needs along with salary expectations to Human Resources at careers@reco.on.ca.

RECO is committed to treating all people in a way that allows them to maintain their dignity and independence. We believe in integration and equal opportunity. We are committed to meeting the needs of persons with disabilities in a timely manner, and will do so by preventing and removing barriers to accessibility.  

We thank all applicants in advance for their interest.