Job Type

Continuing

Close Date

01/15/2026

Employee Group

Unifor Unit 5, O&M

Favorite Job

Department

Maintenance Services

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Salary Grade/Band

Classification 9

Salary Range

$39.58 - $39.58 (hourly)

Existing Vacancy

Yes - Backfilling as Existing

Hours per Week

40

Target Number of Openings

1

Job Code

000938

Posting Details

Schedule

Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Education Level

Grade 12 Diploma or equivalent.

A current and valid Ontario General Carpenter Certificate of Qualification (403A) is required.

Must possess a valid Class G driver’s license to travel between University offsite locations as required.

Additional certifications are an asset.

Career Level

3 years of related experience.

At McMaster University, our people are our most valuable asset. We strive to attract, develop, and retain talented faculty and staff, and to foster inclusive excellence which values the strengths, perspectives, and contributions of each individual. McMaster’s profile and stature have evolved to one of the Top 100 Universities in the World and we are recognized as Canada’s Most Research-Intensive University. McMaster is also recognized as one of the top employers in the Hamilton/Niagara region and has been recognized as one of Canada’s Top Diversity employers for the past 6 years.

The Facility Services department supports the academic mission of McMaster, its cutting-edge research, and world-class teaching and learning. Our team does this by developing innovative spaces to study, research, and work and by keeping our campus safe, clean, well-maintained, and beautiful. Our team of approximately 400 professionals is the primary caretaker of the university's physical environment and is one of the largest teams on campus. Our 400 dedicated professionals take pride in delivering quality and reliable services that support the University’s world-renowned teaching and research. The team is responsible for the operation and maintenance of 69 buildings, encompassing approximately 8.5 million square feet of space and about 377 acres of land. Facility Services operates 24/7, oversees more than 50 active construction projects at any given time, and manages over 12,000 service requests each year.

Job Description

THE ACCOUNTABILITIES DESCRIBED ARE REPRESENTATIVE IN NATURE AND ARE NOT INCLUSIVE OF ALL JOB DUTIES. PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A SAFETY SENSITIVE JOB.

Job Summary
Working in collaboration with a diverse team of trades professionals, the Carpenter is responsible for performing skilled carpentry work related to the maintenance, repair, alteration and small renovation construction of building structures and components. This position performs skilled trades work for maintenance, repair, and small renovation projects across all University campuses and buildings. The Carpenter is expected to maintain an active and valid Ontario General Carpenter Certificate of Qualification (403A) in good standing, ensuring all work is completed safely and in compliance with applicable codes, legislative requirements and University standards.

Representative Accountabilities

Primary Accountabilities

• Perform duties of a Licensed General Carpenter in Ontario with valid proof of Certification of Qualification (403A) and licensing in good standing, in compliance with current codes and regulations as required by the Certificate of Qualification and the Occupational Health & Safety Act (OHSA).
• Perform skilled trade for maintenance, repair and small renovations.
• Diagnose and resolve building structural system issues; and provide technical advice for repairs.
• Perform carpentry work for small renovation construction and maintenance projects including but not limited to, laying walls, erecting stud work, installing drywall and finishing, and installing acoustic tiles for ceilings.
• Install interior and exterior sheathing, trim, acoustic insulation, and building hardware.
• Perform minor roofing and siding repairs, including building envelope caulking and sealing.
• Perform flooring repairs and installation, including baseboards.
• Install suspended ceilings, metal and glass office partitions, and other partition components.
• Construct or repair cabinetry, millwork, cupboards, shelving, countertops and other items.
• Repair and install desks, ergonomic equipment, and furniture; hang items on walls or other surfaces using appropriate fastening methods.
• Install dispensers, keyboard trays, audiovisual equipment, bulletin boards, whiteboards, glass boards, and smart boards.
• Build, maintain, and repair non-electric doors and door closers.
• Install and repair windows, blinds, and other window hardware.
• Perform minor concrete work, including the building of forms.
• Install, maintain, troubleshoot and repair building structure related components necessary for the daily operation of the campus.
• Review and interpret construction documents including blueprints, manufacturer’s installation manuals and specifications to determine work requirements and the sequence of repairs or installations.
• Utilize technical documents to complete assigned projects and update drawings to reflect any changes from work performed.
• Organize materials, tools and support staff in the shop and at the job site.
• Perform preventative maintenance work and assist with creating these schedules.
• Provide input to estimates for hours and materials as required by work order.
• Guide consultants, property managers and project managers to University buildings as assigned.
• Ensure work areas are left clean, safe and secure upon completion of tasks.
• Provide advice to clients and explain technical terms in non-technical language
• Manages assigned work orders from initiation to completion, documenting all required information in databases and ensuring proper closeout in accordance with departmental procedures.
• Operate a motor vehicle or golf cart for transportation on campus
• Performs pre- and post-work tasks such as preparing and securing the job site, transporting tools and equipment, and restoring the area upon completion.

General Accountabilities

• Operate within established security and safety regulations, University policies and procedures, and applicable legislation.
• Request, order, or pick up required materials from approved suppliers to complete work orders, following procurement practices.
• Remain knowledgeable and current with trade requirements through participation in courses, instructional seminars and trade shows as required and/or sponsored by the University.
• Communicate with fellow workers, faculty, students, staff and visitors in an appropriate and effective manner to establish effective working relationships and respond to needs.
• Support the preparation of documentation required for control, audit or reporting purposes and safety inspections.
• Demonstrate behaviour consistent with organizational values while delivering high-quality work in a safe, collaborative and customer-focused manner.

Qualifications

Education:

• Grade 12 Diploma or equivalent.
  A current and valid Ontario General Carpenter Certificate of Qualification (403A) is required
• Must possess a valid Class G driver’s license to travel between University offsite locations as required.
• Additional certifications are an asset.

Experience: 3 years of related experience.

Effort

Physical Effort:

• A typical work day consists of 1 to 2 hours of low physical effort for activities such as:
  • Intermittent periods of keyboarding to enter routine information in databases and forms.
• A typical work day consists of more than 3.5 hours of moderate physical effort for activities such as:
  • Standing and working on feet for prolonged periods of time.
  • Working in awkward positions or with hands above head.
• A typical work day consists of 1 to 2 hours of high physical effort for activities such as:
  • Lifting and carrying equipment, tools and materials (up to 50 lbs).

Mental Effort:

• A typical work day consists of 1 to 2 hours of routine mental effort for activities such as:
  • Intermittent periods of keyboarding to document work orders
• A typical work day consists of more than 2 up to 3.5 hours of moderate mental effort for activities such as:
  • Reading and interpreting complex technical documentation.
• A typical work day consists of 1 to 2 hours of high mental effort for activities such as:
  • Concentrating for prolonged periods when interpreting technical drawings, diagnosing structural issues, or ensuring precision during complex carpentry tasks.
  • Diagnose and resolve building structural system issues.

Working Conditions

Physical Environment:

• Frequent exposure to dust and dirt
• Frequent exposure to loud noise.
• Frequent exposure to vibration from machinery and tools.
• Occasional exposure to unpleasant odours.
• Occasional exposure to inclement weather.
• Occasionally required to work in confined spaces.
• Continuously required to wear personal protective equipment.

Psychological Environment:

• Frequently required to work alone and/or in isolated work environments.
• Occasionally interacts with individuals who may be rude or upset.

Health & Safety:

• Possible slip or fall hazards.
• Occasionally climbs on ladders.
• Lifting heavy tools, objects cables or equipment.
• Potential for repetitive strain injuries from use of hand and power tools.
• Risk of cuts, burns, or abrasions while operating a variety of equipment and instruments.

Supervision

• Provides functional guidance to others on an ongoing basis

How To Apply

To apply for this job, please submit your application online.

Employment Equity Statement

McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.

The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.

The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information.

Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact:

• Human Resources Service Centre at 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247), or
• Faculty of Health Sciences HR Office at ext. 22207, or
• School of Graduate Studies at ext. 23679

to communicate accommodation needs.

Interview Experience

At McMaster University, we believe in a comprehensive and inclusive interview process. Our interview methods encompass a variety of approaches that allow our hiring teams to provide a flexible and accessible experience for engaging with our candidates. Throughout your recruitment process at McMaster, you may be requested to participate in a variety of formats, that may include in-person, virtual or recorded interviews. If you have any questions as you move through the hiring process, please reach out to talent@mcmaster.ca or the HR contact associated with your position of interest.

AI Statement

McMaster and its third-party partners may use AI tools to screen, assess, or select applicants during the hiring process. Please note that currently our recruitment platform does not use AI nor is it part of our current recommended recruitment process.