Possibly the Coolest Structural Draftsperson Job, Ever!
Hi! We know you don’t want to read another boring job ad, and we really don’t want to write a boring one either! We aren’t a big stuffy corporate firm, and we don’t think you’re looking for that. So, let’s get right to the center of the Cadbury cream egg!
Our firm’s head office is located in downtown St. Catharines, ON. We are completely biased — but we are pretty sure we are the coolest engineering firm to work for, ever. And we really believe that we are changing the industry.
Let’s get the BAD news out of the way first:
This a remote job, which means a lot of independent work and sitting at a computer is required. While we hope you have a comfy chair (but not too comfy that it doubles as a Lazy Boy), you wont have the benefit of leaving it to walk into someone’s office to ask for clarity on their back of the napkin sketch, so you’re going to have to be really good at communicating on Slack.
We are a small structural engineering consulting firm with a tech-savvy team, and so you will occasionally need to learn the ropes on new software, or wear a few hats from time to time; which means you will need to be comfortable with change in environments, projects, and priorities.
We will need you to BYOD (bring/provide your own device such as computers, laptop, printers, monitors etc.) and we will provide all the relevant software, licensing and everything else you need to do your best work.
From time to time you may receive the odd sketch from an engineer that looks like it was done on the back of a napkin (and it may even have coffee stains on it), so we need you to secretly be a ninja who can understand it.
This is NOT an entry level position. We’re looking for someone with at least 5 years of structural drafting / BIM experience in building design.
While we focus heavily on efficient work practises to avoid employee burnout, we may occasionally need you to be flexible with your hours to help the team get a project done. While it is certainly not a regular occurrence, it may happen occasionally. When it does, we provide the pizza 😊.
You will occasionally be asked to assist in performing other non-drafting related work tasks (i.e. writing reports, letters and emails, attending meetings, filling out forms, taking client calls etc.), to assist others from time to time. So, if you’re someone who is looking to just toss some headphones on in the morning and just draft all day, everyday - this likely isn’t your cup of tea.
Now let’s talk about the GOOD stuff:
If this is a job that gets you so excited that you would even do it for free, we would totally accept that offer from you. But if you prefer compensation (and we totally get it…we prefer getting paid as well) this is what we offer: This is a structural draftsperson job, the pay is $32 an hour for 36 hours per week.
Wait what?! Did you read that right? 36 hours?! Yes! We work a 4 day work week. Monday to Thursday. 9 hours a day. That means you get: EVERY. SINGLE. FRIDAY OFF (gives a while new meaning to TGIF). We focus on working efficiency, with high levels of energy, creativity and human ingenuity - while simultaneously trying to tackle a common issue in the engineering industry: employee burn out. And yes, if you’re curious, we can, and do, get just as much done is 4 days, as we used to in 5.
We’re a tech saavy team which means we use modern communications tools (like Slack, Click Up, Dialpad, and GSuite etc) to make sure everyone knows who’s working on what, and whats getting done.
Again, we’re biased, but we think the work is fun, fresh and dynamic. We have a small team (that can be fed with 2-3 pizzas), so you will be working with everyone, on a variety of projects.
We aren’t big on stress. So, while we will expect you to work efficiently and get things done, we focus on open communication and getting things done right the first go around.
We’re a fan of staying healthy, so you’ll get Health Benefits after 3 months. Woo!
Envisioning your retirement on a beach somewhere? Sounds amaaaazing! If so, we can help contribute to your RRSP Plan after 6 months!
Since we are a growing company, you will experience things, do things, and make decisions on things that no big stuffy company would ever allow you to do.
Now, let’s talk about the job and requirements:
Unfortunately this job is not meant for someone inexperienced, or even new to the field. We are looking for an experienced CAD drafting / BIM modeling ninja who has several years under their belt working for architectural or structural engineers detailing buildings. You need to have great understanding of how a building goes together - right down to the nuts and bolts.
We are looking for someone with a diploma in Architectural and/or Civil Engineering Technology.
CAD and Revit experience required.
You’ll need to be fluent with navigating architectural, mechanical and electrical drawings. We’re looking for someone who
You have been doing this for at least 5 years, still LOVE what you do, and are actvely trying to get better at it everyday! In fact, this is a huge requirement for us. We’re a very passionate group, and love to help / knowledge share, we specifically look for people who align with our core values of “Can-Do Attitude” and “Continuous Improvement”. If you’re at that point in your career where you’re satisfied with your level of professional growth, and aren’t actively seeking out ways to grow and improve - thats 100% okay - but this likely isn’t the job for you.
You need to be a person who loves to deliver remarkable experiences to other people. We look for people who are kind, selfless and get a ton of joy out of helping and seeing others succeed.
You need to be detail-orientated and to nail down the details. While we know experienced draftspersons are general fast and efficient, we don’t need to you to race through work and get things done half-assed (we figured that one out ourselves). We need you to slow things down and get them done right the first time.
If you are shy or quiet that is totally cool. We are not looking for the life of the party…. We are looking for a kind, intelligent and fun person, who likes to get shit done. (Oh and we occasionally swear at the office…not much…but sometimes a joke is only funny with an F-bomb).
In short, your job is to help the team and client in any way you can. And to have fun at work (who wants a job that isn’t fun?!?) Our office is casual, but we do expect professionalism and punctuality. We also expect intelligence, positive energy, and a ‘can-do’ attitude.
To learn more about us, check out CanvasEngineering.com.
In addition to being a detailed person, you must follow systems and processes, and evolve with them. In fact, just to prove that you are detail oriented and can follow procedures, when you apply for this position, email info@canvasengineering.com and in the subject line of the email you must include “I'm your Draftsperson!”. Yep, that’s our little trick to sort out the people who blanket send their resume to anyone and everyone, from the folks (that’s you) who are truly interested in this position.
We are looking to bring our new colleague on board as soon as possible, but we will spend the necessary time to find the best fit. One thing that will give you a BIG leg up (but is optional) is to send a quick video in along with your resume. In your video tell us why you think you’re perfect for this job and why you will rock this position. This is purely for us to get a sense of your personality. And if you decide not to send a video (that’s 100% ok), please tell us why you chose not to send in a video.
We can’t wait to meet you!