Job Summary

The AM Team Member role at Tim Hortons in Ottawa is a high-energy, early-morning position ideal for “Early Birds” who thrive in a fast-paced environment. Starting at 5:00 am, you are the engine that jumpstarts the day for the local community. This role requires the “wit” to multi-task during the morning rush and the “grit” to maintain high standards of hospitality while the rest of the city is just waking up.

Job Details

Employer: Tim Hortons.
Location: Ottawa, ON.
Start Time: 5:00 am.
Pay Rate: $17.60 per hour (Note: The posting lists $17.20, but the Ontario general minimum wage increased to $17.60 on October 1, 2025).
Position Type: Full-time.

Key Responsibilities: The Morning Rush Lifecycle

You are responsible for delivering the “Tim Hortons Experience” during the most critical hours of the day.

Hospitality First: Greet and welcome guests with a positive attitude. As the 5:00 am lead, you are often the very first person a guest interacts with to start their day.
Order Execution: Accurately prepare a high volume of guest orders, including iconic coffees, Iced Capps, and specialty beverages.
Food Preparation: Create breakfast sandwiches, wraps, and ensure the bakery display is stocked with fresh donuts and muffins.
Standards Compliance: Follow strict brand guidelines for product quality, food safety, and equipment operation.
Operational Efficiency: Maintain a clean and organized workspace to navigate the high-speed drive-thru and counter demands.

Candidate Profile & Qualifications

The “Reliable Morning Pro”: Someone who is consistently punctual for a 5:00 am start—reliability is the most valued trait for this shift.
Service Wit: The ability to remember complex orders and handle guest requests with speed and accuracy.
Physical Grit: Comfort standing for long periods and working in a “heat-and-speed” environment (ovens, coffee brewers, and fast-moving lines).
Team Player: A positive, collaborative attitude that helps the team stay motivated during peak hours.

Technical Insights: The 5:00 AM Shift Dynamics

Working the “Opening/Early Morning” shift involves specific operational duties that differ from mid-day roles.

The “Set-Up” Phase: You may be involved in calibrating coffee brewers and preparing the first batches of food to ensure the store is “Guest Ready” the moment doors open.
Drive-Thru Optimization: Morning shifts are heavily focused on “Timer Performance”—the goal is to get guests through the drive-thru in the shortest time possible without sacrificing quality.
Bakery Management: You will ensure that the “Always Fresh” promise is kept by monitoring shelf-life timers for all baked goods.

Diversity and Statistics in the Food Service Sector

Tim Hortons is one of Canada’s largest employers and a major entry point for workers from all backgrounds.

Economic Impact: Approximately 23% of all minimum wage workers in Ontario work in the accommodation and food services sector.
The Wage Floor: Since it is now March 2026, the general minimum wage in Ontario is $17.60 per hour. Employers are legally required to pay this rate, and a further increase is typically announced every April 1st to take effect in October.
Scholarship Opportunities: Tim Hortons offers a well-known Scholarship Program for team members and their children, supporting over $3.5 million in resident education to date.
Growth Potential: Many Tim Hortons owners and managers started as Team Members. The “Fast-Track” to Shift Supervisor or Assistant Manager often begins with mastering the 5:00 am opening shift.

Job Description

Do you believe that a great cup of coffee can change someone’s entire morning? Tim Hortons is looking for an AM Team Member in Ottawa. We aren’t just looking for someone to “pour coffee”; we are looking for a morning hero who has the “grit” to handle the 7:00 am rush with a smile and the “wit” to get every double-double exactly right. If you want to be part of a Canadian icon and start your work day while the sun is coming up, you belong here.

In this role, you are a “Day-Maker.” You understand that for many of our guests, you are the first point of human contact in their day. Your goal is to provide “Excellence in Hospitality,” ensuring every guest leaves faster and happier than they arrived. We look for “Positivity-first” individuals who are energetic, hardworking, and ready to grow within our team.

Joining Tim Hortons means joining a fast-paced community with flexible scheduling and real opportunities for advancement. We offer a competitive starting wage of $17.60/hour and a supportive environment where you can truly have fun while you work. If you are a morning person with a commitment to “Exceptional Guest Experiences,” we invite you to apply and help us start the day right.

Tim Hortons: A Cultural Icon of Canadian Community

Tim Hortons (affectionately known as “Tims”) is defined by a culture of community, reliability, and national pride. Its mission is to deliver superior quality products and services while being a “quality leader in everything they do.” The environment is characterized by fast-paced, high-volume service where the goal is to be a “home away from home” for guests. The culture emphasizes that “it’s the people that make Tims, Tims,” fostering a sense of neighborhood connection where team members often serve their own friends and neighbors.

In Ottawa, Tim Hortons is a foundational element of the city’s daily routine, from the tech offices of Kanata to the historic streets of the ByWard Market:

Massive Urban Presence: With over 70 locations across the National Capital Region—including high-traffic spots like 1260 Merivale Rd, 100 Metcalfe St (Downtown), and specialized kiosks at Carleton University and the Ottawa International Airport—Tims is the most accessible coffee and bake shop in the city.
The “Sens” Connection: The Ottawa Senators frequently partner with local Tims for major community events. For example, the 2025 Camp Day at the Tanger Outlets location featured Senators alumni like Chris Neil and mascot Spartacat serving coffee to raise funds for the Tim Hortons Foundation.
Tims For Good (Ottawa Impact):
- Camp Day: 100% of proceeds from hot and iced coffee sales on this day go toward sending kids from disadvantaged backgrounds to specialized Tim Hortons Foundation Camps.
- Smile Cookie Campaign: Local Ottawa owners select community recipients (such as local hospitals or the Ottawa Senators Community Foundation) to receive 100% of the proceeds from every Smile Cookie sold.
2026 Olympic Momentum: As an official partner of the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Committees, Ottawa Tims locations in early 2026 are hubs of national celebration, featuring Team Canada commemorative cups and digital rewards triggered by Canadian gold medal wins at the Milano Cortina Games.

Working or visiting a Tim Hortons in Ottawa means engaging with a brand that is “part of the fabric of Canada.” Whether it’s the 24-hour service at the Queensway Carleton Hospital or a quick stop during a snowy commute on Carling Avenue, Tims operates as a vital community pillar, balancing high-speed commercial efficiency with deep-rooted charitable initiatives.

To apply for this job please visit careers.timhortons.com.