Construction Assistant

Position: General Construction Assistant
Organization: Toronto Wildlife Centre
Location: Rouge National Urban Park (Scarborough), GTA

Status: Temporary, Full – Time
Start Date: ASAP, Applications will be accepted until the position is filled
Compensation: Starting at $20 per hour, commensurate with experience

About Toronto Wildlife Centre:

Toronto Wildlife Centre (TWC) is a registered charity that provides rescue, medical care and rehabilitation to sick, injured and orphaned native wildlife as well as public education about wildlife issues. TWC is the busiest wildlife centre in Canada, admitting approximately 6,000 patients annually, with more than 300 species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians represented. For more information, please visit our website: https://www.torontowildlifecentre.com/

Job Summary:

The main role of the General Construction Assistant is to assist the Facilities Manager in building the many new enclosures needed to house our wild patients during their recovery, or in the case of our orphans grow up, and become healthy/well-adjusted wild animals ready to fend for themselves back in the wild again. In addition, you will also be assisting with maintaining existing enclosures as well as many other construction and facility-related duties as needed to help us as we transition to our new home.

Accountabilities:

• Assist in the construction and maintenance of a variety of enclosures designed for the very specific needs of a large range of wildlife patients, including assorted furnishing; enrichment
• Perform physical labour such as pouring, moving and raking concrete as well as digging and shovelling materials like gravel, stone and mulch
• Assist with a variety of other construction and repair tasks such as installing plywood, drywall, windows, doors, gates and roof shingles
• Perform lighter renovation and maintenance tasks such as sanding, painting, and staining
• Assist in the maintenance of the facilities
• Snow Removal of the pathways/walkways, and stairs and grounds as needed. (Driveways are maintained by a third party)
• Other duties as required

Job Qualifications:

• Preference will be given to individuals attending a trade or technical school specific to carpentry, construction or similar trades (please see accountabilities listed above)
• Must provide own construction boots
• Must be comfortable working at heights and/or on a ladder
• Valid Ontario driver’s license and use of a vehicle an asset

Experience:

• Experience using various power tools; including but not limited to drills and various saws
• Experience in most aspects of carpentry and building, including measuring and cutting materials, nailing, drilling, fastening and levelling
• Painting and/or renovation experience is an asset

Competencies:

• A strong understanding of construction and carpentry fundamentals is an asset
• Excellent attention to details and overall aesthetics
• Excellent ability to follow instructions and protocols and work without direct supervision
• Able to complete tasks efficiently and to a high quality; often under tight timelines and with multiple competing demands
• Able to work well with a variety of people
• Good communication skills
• Leadership skills is an asset
• Able to perform work safely and to follow all health and safety protocols and practices
• Sensitive to the special needs of wild animals in captivity

Physical Requirements:

• Requires lifting, bending, carrying, shovelling, pushing and/or pulling of heavy objects and materials
• Comfortable and willing to work at heights, including on ladders and tops of enclosures
• Required to walk on uneven ground in a fast-paced, physically demanding role while occasionally carrying and/or hauling large and/or heavy materials
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds regularly and perform other strenuous activities on a regular basis

Working Conditions:

• May require occasional work on evenings, weekends
• Work is performed mostly outdoors; with the majority of the work being performed in a large farmers' field with little to no shade or cover from the elements
• Required to work in various weather conditions
• Must use personal protective equipment as required for each duty

To Apply:

Please email a resume and cover letter to hr@torontowildlifecentre.com , with the subject line “General Construction Assistant”.

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Application Deadline: Open until filled.

We would like to thank you for your interest in this position. Unfortunately, due to the anticipated number of candidates only those who qualify for an interview will be contacted. Thank you for your understanding. No inquiries please.