Carpenter - remote location

About this position

Contract Carpenter Position – Remote Location

All applicants are required to complete a pre-screening form; you do not need a google account to complete this form. The link can be found at the bottom of this page.

Ka’a’gee Tu First Nation (KTFN) is a small community located in Kakisa, Northwest Territories, two hours north of the Alberta Border. KTFN has a population of 40 people and offers no commercial services. It is a one hour drive to the nearest grocery store, gas station, or restaurant. Yellowknife is a 4 hour drive north. Accepting this position will undoubtedly prove to be an adventure.

KTFN is establishing a small team of skilled carpenters to complete housing repairs between April and October 2025. Carpenters will be hired on a contractual basis.

Working in northern communities presents unique challenges, including:

• Minimal access to building materials and licensed contractors;
• Inclement weather;
• Limited access to essential services such as groceries, healthcare, and hardware stores;
• Insects;
• Modest accommodations.

The community is exceptionally welcoming and sits of the shores of beautiful Kakisa Lake. Fishing and hiking opportunities abound. Kakisa has excellent cell and internet service. The community also boasts a large community garden with greenhouses.  

Work weeks will range from 35 to 50 hours. Contractors will be responsible for their own transportation, tools, and food. The successful applicant will spend the majority of the spring/summer/fall in the community; however, scheduled leaves of absence are permitted. Work will commence in April, 2025; contracts may be extended into winter/spring/summer of 2026.  

Responsibilities:

• Repair and maintain residential houses, including:
  • Replace doors, locks, flooring, windows, siding, and decking.
  • Foundation work including leveling; all houses sit on wooden cribs or cement pilings.
  • Bathroom remodeling;
  • Kitchen upgrades including cabinetry and millwork;
  • Interior finishing and drywalling;
  • Instal insulation and vapour barrier;
  • Other duties as assigned – these may or may not fall outside your designated trade.
• Mentor and train community members in general carpentry techniques;
• Coordinate sub-contractors and labourers;
• Project management (schedule staff, order materials, etc.);  
• Complete daily timesheets and submit detailed invoices and receipts;
• Ensure workplace safety.  

Qualifications, Expectations, and Experience:

• Journeyperson designation in Carpentry with a minimum of 5 years’ experience, specifically in residential construction;
• Class 5 driver’s license
• Access to your own vehicle and tools;
• Good mechanical skills and understanding of building science, specifically in cold climate environments;
• Experience working/living in remote locations; ability to improvise and problem solve given limited access to a hardware store, equipment rentals, or licensed contractors;
• Reliable with a strong work ethic and an ability to work as part of a diverse team;
• Willingness to adapt to changing client expectations;
• Management/mentor experience of both skilled and unskilled labourers;
• Respect for local culture and traditions; experience working in a cross-cultural environment;
• A focus on communication and building positive homeowner relations;
• Ensure that homeowners expectations are met and job site is left clean;
• Work site is kept organized and safe.

This is not a camp job. You will be living in an isolated community that is proud of their culture and rooted in traditions that date back hundreds of years. KTFN homeowners take great pride in their homes and contractors are expected to do the same. Individuals with a genuine desire to learn about northern culture will be prioritised. Kakisa is not a ‘dry community’ but sobriety is valued.

Compensation:

Compensation will be based on experience and qualifications and range from $80 to $120 per hour. 

Two accommodation options are available:

• a private room in a three-bedroom staff house. Meals will not be provided but a full-kitchen is available. The staff house is located in Kakisa.

Or

• A fully serviced campground located 8km from site. Contractors will be responsible for providing their own camping equipment (camper, etc). Contractors who chose this option will be compensated $100/night. 

We are open to creative solutions to filling these positions. Applying with co-workers or family members is encouraged. Spouses with skills in health, education, child-care, agriculture, the trades, business management, or cooking, are encouraged to apply. Please clearly state your intentions in your application.

All applicants are required to complete a pre-screening form; you do not need a google account to complete this form.

Click here for pre-screening tool.

We would like to thank everyone for their application; however, only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.

Questions?  Please email:   workinthenorth@gmail.com