About the Role
Title: Furniture Maker
Team: Fogo Island Workshops
Location: Fogo Island, NL (on-site)
Who We Are
Shorefast is one of the largest social enterprise organizations in Canada. Our work has garnered significant international interest, including a feature on 60 Minutes and in The New York Times' 52 Places for a Changed World. The mission of Shorefast is to build, learn, and share economic development practices that activate the assets of local places. Through the newly established Shorefast Institute for Place-based Economies, we share our learnings and engage with other enterprising communities to develop resources, tools, and opportunities that bring together the key pillars of society -- business, government, community, and philanthropy -- to advance economic development for more people in more places.
Learn more about us: shorefast.org
The Opportunity
We are looking for a candidate who is driven and passionate, with a desire to do better each day, and who brings sensitivity and respect for the history and culture of rural Newfoundland. The Furniture Maker will focus on fabricating high-grade wooden furniture and objects that uphold our designs, specifications, and workshop culture. Reporting to the Production Manager, this position, will assist the Production Manager and Workshop Team while helping to maintain a safe, organized,and quality-driven shop environment.
What You'll Do
- Set up and operate woodworking machines and hand tools (jointer, planer, lathe, shaper, panel saw, router) to fabricate, cut, shape, and repair high-grade wooden furniture and cabinets per SOPs
- Read and interpret technical drawings and schematics; plan the sequence of cutting and shaping operations
- Maintain a clean, organized work area and storage space, keep equipment in good condition, and follow health and safety procedures at all times
- Follow the production schedule, find efficiencies in the build process, and communicate improvements with the Production Manager
- Select materials carefully -- matching wood colour, grain, and texture -- and apply finishes per SOPs
- Create a warm, welcoming environment for workshop guests and customers, and lead or assist workshops and programs for residents and visitors
- Review finished products with the Production Manager for quality sign-off, and repair/rebuild showroom and Inn furniture as needed
- Build and optimize prototypes to establish baseline costing, manage production software entries accurately, and take part in monthly inventory counts
- Participate in cross-training, mentor co-workers in assistant and student roles, and stay receptive to feedback and new skills
- Perform additional duties as needed, and comply with all SSEI policies, procedures, and health & safety requirements
Qualifications and Experience
- Experience with woodworking machinery and hand tools (jointer, planer, lathe, shaper, panelsaw, router)
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and schematics
- Strong attention to detail and pride in craftsmanship
- Experience with furniture fabrication, finishing, and repair
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced production environment with deadlines
- Strong communication skills for customer-facing workshop interactions
- Passion for social business and a desire to make a difference in the community
- Entrepreneurial spirit, positive attitude, and receptiveness to feedback and cross-training
- Commitment to upholding the vision and goals of Fogo Island Inn, Shorefast Foundation, andaffiliated organizations
- Sensitivity to the history and culture of rural Newfoundland
What We Offer
- Health and dental benefits, along with access to an employee assistance program for mental health support and work/life services
- Team member discounts within our businesses (Fogo Island Inn and Fogo Island Workshops)
- The technology necessary to complete your work, along with a cellphone plan
- An engaged, highly supportive, and collaborative environment that encourages creativity andcuriosity
- The opportunity to work in a thriving social enterprise
- Continued learning and professional development training
To Apply
Please submit a cover letter and resume to careers@shorefast.org, with the subject line"Furniture Maker"; Questions about this position may also be directed here.
Deadline for Applications: Until filled.
We are grateful for all applications, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
At Shorefast, we endeavour to foster an accessible work environment and to ensure all in our care feel safe and valued. Please reach out if there is anything we can do to accommodate a more accessible or inclusive application process.
