IISD Experimental Lakes Area (IISD-ELA) is one of the world’s most influential freshwater research facilities. It features a collection of 58 small lakes and their watersheds in northwestern Ontario, Canada. For over 50 years, scientists at IISD-ELA have conducted whole-ecosystem experiments and made significant scientific discoveries related to issues such as acid rain, mercury from air pollution, algal blooms, and pharmaceutical chemicals in water. The facility is operated by the International Institute for Sustainable Development—an independent think tank headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on Treaty 1 territory, the traditional land of Anishinaabeg, Cree, Ojibwe-Cree, Dakota, and Dene Peoples, and homeland of the Métis Nation.
IISD-ELA acknowledges that its research facility is located on Treaty 3 lands, and the care of these lands during experimentation and restoration to their original state is implicit in its mission. Many regional schools come to the facility to learn more about the science of aquatic ecosystems.
Overview
The Maintenance Assistant works under the direction of the Facilities Manager to assist with the maintenance of facility infrastructure, landscape, and trail network at IISD-ELA. This role supports various operational aspects, including infrastructure upkeep, mechanical and electrical maintenance, groundskeeping, and field operations.
This is a seasonal position beginning April 14, 2025, and ending November 7, 2025. Transportation to the research camp is provided from Winnipeg, Manitoba, when available. Room and board are provided, including Internet and laundry facilities.
Responsibilities
- Assist with preventative maintenance and repair of the infrastructure and mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and security systems and equipment of the IISD-ELA facility.
- Perform regular maintenance and monitoring of the fuel and propane storage facility; record and report on fuel usage.
- Assist in trash removal, recycling, grounds maintenance, and cleaning of the workshop (woodshop, machine shop, administrative office, and bathroom).
- Assist with general field operations, including mechanical maintenance of outboard motors, boats, ATVs, snowmobiles, and off-site facilities (trails, boat landings, and docks).
- Assist with maintenance of the access roads, including washout repair, brushing, and culvert replacement.
- Perform general landscaping work, such as weed whacking around buildings, brushing the firebreak, and grass cutting, as required.
- Perform janitorial duties, including sweeping, mopping, cleaning bathrooms, and laundry services.
- Assist with record keeping for reporting and compliance purposes, including maintenance of UV lamps for water treatment, volume of water pumped to the facility, hours of operation of sewage lift station pumps, HWIN manifests, aggregate pit usage, and other reporting streams as required.
- Assist with the collection of data from the IISD-ELA Meteorological Facility and other research projects as required.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements
Qualifications
- Certification or apprenticeship in a related skilled trade is an asset.
- Experience working in a facility similar to the IISD-ELA field station is an asset.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- General maintenance skills are necessary for this position. Any of the following skills would be considered an asset:
- Mechanical maintenance
- Electrical maintenance
- Plumbing and pipefitting
- Small engine repair
- Welding
- Heavy equipment operator
- Landscaping and groundskeeping
- Capable of working both independently and collaboratively within a team.
- Ability to work outdoors and perform physical tasks.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Willingness to adapt to new responsibilities.
- Candidates must possess or be willing to obtain valid certifications for the following prior to the start of their term. Candidates should also highlight any other training certificates relevant to Occupational Health and Safety, i.e., chainsaw certification, WHMIS, TDG, etc.
- First Aid/CPR with AED
- Pleasure Craft Operator’s card
- Driver’s licence
- Additional interest in the overall research plan of IISD-ELA is an asset. Experience working and living in a remote facility is also beneficial to this position.
- IISD-ELA will require the completion of criminal record and child abuse registry checks.
Working Conditions and Physical Demands
Working Conditions
- Based at the IISD-ELA research station. IISD-ELA provides on-site living accommodations and food.
- Potential for periods of high workload, requiring efficient time management and adaptability.
Physical Demands
- Time at the IISD-ELA research station involves lifting and carrying heavy objects, equipment, and tools, potentially exceeding 20 kgs, as part of maintenance and repair tasks.
- Outdoor work in various weather conditions, involving exposure to sun, rain, snow, and cold temperatures.
- Frequently bend, stoop, and kneel while performing maintenance tasks, especially in confined or low-clearance spaces.
- Climbing ladders, stairs, or other structures as necessary.
- Endurance, mental alertness, and sensory awareness to perform physically demanding tasks for extended periods, especially during the maintenance of access roads, grounds, and equipment.
Term: The contract is a full-time term position starting April 14, 2025, and ending November 7, 2025
Salary: CAD 20.00–CAD 23.00 per hour (based on qualification and experience).
Closing date: Open until filled.
Application Procedure
All submissions must be in English. Accommodations for job applicants with disabilities are available on request.
Candidates must hold appropriate work authorization for Canada.
Applications will only be accepted through Bamboo HR. Please include the following:
Only those candidates we wish to interview will be contacted. Resumes will be kept on file for 1 year.
IISD is committed to fostering a more equitable and sustainable world and welcomes candidates who uphold our values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. In addition, to correct the conditions of social injustice and disadvantage in employment around the world, we encourage candidates from historically marginalized groups, including women, Indigenous Peoples, people with disabilities, people from different racial and ethnic backgrounds, and those who identify themselves as 2SLGBTQIA+, to apply for this position. We offer reasonable accommodations in our recruitment process and seek applicants' advice on how best to accommodate their needs. Please self-identify and answer our employment equity questionnaire on our applicant tracking system when you apply.
IISD does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, caste, ethnicity, religion, colour, disability, marital status, pregnancy, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.
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