[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/MSU_logo.jpg” caption=”The MSU is recruiting students to monitor property standards in the local community as part of Project Watchdog.”]Is your neighbour's lawn a jungle? Is there garbage on it? Want to do something about it? The McMaster Students Union, the Off-Campus Resource Centre and the City of Hamilton are looking for McMaster students to take part in Project Watchdog.

This partnership program hires students to monitor the property standards of student houses and rental accommodations in the McMaster and West Hamilton community. Students will receive basic training on property standards from the City of Hamilton. Using their training, they will take note of basic property bylaw infractions in the community and then follow up directly with the landlord.

The joint initiative is aimed at improving community relations by proactively addressing certain property issues before they escalate into problems. Project Watchdog is one of many programs that demonstrate both the students' and the University's commitment to the greater Hamilton community.

Students interested in becoming a “Lawn Ranger” for Project Watchdog must be available a minimum of three days per work week from mid-July until at least early September. A minimum of at least eight hours per week is required and an honorarium of $500 will be remunerated to each student watchdog following completion of the work term.

If you are a full-time, McMaster undergraduate student and are interested in taking part in this project, applications can be found at the following link until midnight on Saturday, July 7.