Organization & Role Overview:
EllisDon is one of Canada’s largest employee-owned construction services and building company
specializing in a variety of engineering and infrastructure construction services. They have been a
market leader for over 70 years providing services including construction management, general
contracting, construction sciences, project management and sustainable building solutions and so
much more. The organization works with many industries from healthcare, government, education,
residential and both retail and commercial offices. EllisDon has moved beyond just construction to
offer services that will allow the delivery of every aspect of a project from the initial concept to the
asset management and operations of their projects. The organization operates in a few different
locations around the world including Canada, the Unites States of America, the United Kingdom,
Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. EllisDon has a mission statement that states they build on great
relationships with a goal of being an organization of great people who value trust, openness, mutual
respect and accountability (https://www.ellisdon.com/, 2025).
Within the organization the role of an Assistant Superintendent is crucial towards ensuring for the
timely completion of a variety of construction projects. The role is mainly responsible for the daily
operations of a construction site including job inspections, ensuring for compliance of safety
regulations, scheduling subcontractors, and quality control to meet the scheduled deadlines of a
project. The role is also crucial to ensuring that project cost reports are analyzed continuously to
ensure they are delivered within a specified budget. It is important that anyone who carries out this
role is able to identify, evaluate and provide effective solutions when situations or problems arise to
ensure projects are successful and team members are supported effectively.
Job Analysis Summary:
For this role the job analysis approach is through a structured interview of pre-determined
questions to identify if the job description is accurate and to identify the required KSAO’s of the role.
This approach is a highly effective method as someone who currently performs in the role is being
interviewed to ensure for relevancy and accuracy. The interview provides details about the position
that may not be possible through other job analysis methods and a greater understanding of the
position requirements. Certain questions have helped to identify new aspects of the job that have not
yet been identified in the job description and follow up questions were asked where further
clarification was required. The employee interviewed is also able to able to respond with openness
that you may not gain from a group setting or when they are being observed while actually
performing on the job. The interview was able to identify important information on job tasks,
environmental conditions, physical work required, certifications and licenses needed to perform the
job and adhere to safety regulations. The end result of the interview provided a clear description of
the position and the requirements needed to carry out the responsibilities and tasks.
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Job Title:
Assistant Superintendent
Department:
Civil
Salary Range:
$75,000-100,000
Job Summary
The Assistant Superintendent will work directly with the Superintendent to oversee,
manage and ensure construction projects meet demanding deadlines. This role is
responsible for coordinating trades/labourers required to carry out construction activities
on site while ensuring to supervise work progress & timelines and ensuring all employees
are complying with safety rules and regulations.
Job
Responsibilities &
Duties
Education &
Experience
Direct Supervisor:
Superintendent
Location:
Ontario Place, Toronto
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Assist the Superintendent with the management of the construction project
Provide construction updates on progress at weekly management meetings
Ensure all staff are compliant with safety rules and regulations
Inspect & monitor work quality and completion of task/project timelines
Point of contact to resolve site issues & find resolutions to keep projects on track
Provide site walks & tours for Owners, Consultants as required to showcase
project progress


Construction Engineering Technology Diploma
5 Years Construction Experience
Required:
Skills &
Qualifications
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Unusual Working
Conditions &
Additional
Requirements

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Construction Management
Ability to read drawings
Proficient in Microsoft Office
Programs (Word, Outlook & Excel)
Problem Solving
Time Management
Critical Thinking
Communication
Preferable:

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Knowledge of scheduling
Leadership Experience
Project Management
Ability to multitask
Quality Control
Organization
Evenings & weekends as required
Ability to stand & walk for extended periods of time while being able to endure
all weather conditions (company vehicle is provided on site for travel between
projects)
Steel toe safety boots to be purchased by employee
Required Job Specifications:
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● Knowledge:
- technical construction practices: required background of methods, procedures and
techniques crucial to the construction project process ensuring for quality results
- safety regulations: due to the high risk of this type of work & these regulations
ensure workers are protected
● Skills & Abilities:
- construction management: project oversight including project management,
construction methods & contract administration
- ability to read drawings: ensures for project accuracy & coordination, layout of
different elements, managing project timeline and complying with building codes
- teamwork & collaboration: to effectively work towards the organizations goals
- communication: essential to explain expectations with different stakeholders
- conflict resolution: identifying solutions to project delays or issues
- time management: managing many project tasks that require strong organizational
skills to keep items on track and meet deadlines
- critical thinking: analyze, evaluate & make effective judgements & decisions
- proficient in Microsoft Office Programs: Outlook, Excel, Word
● Education:
- Construction Engineering Technology Certificate: program to provide foundations
& technical aspects of construction, project management, engineering and key
specifics of executing a construction project
● Experience:
- 5 Years Construction Experience
● Licenses & Certifications:
- Working at Heights – training to ensure for the prevention of injuries or falls when
working at heights
- WHMIS (workplace hazardous materials information system) – provides employer
with safety requirements of handling chemicals found in many construction materials
- Four Steps Awareness – systematic approach of improving safety awareness in
situations of potential hazards and risks
- Basics of Supervision – basics of overseeing & supporting a team
 Conditions:
- extended hours including evenings, and weekends as required
- ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods of time while being able to endure all
weather conditions
Job Advertisement:
To successfully recruit for the best qualified candidates for this position the job advertisement
should be:
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Posted on the organizations internal & external website
Posted within the monthly newsletter sent via email to staff within the organization
Posted on a variety of social media platforms such as LinkedIn and Facebook
Posted on job search engines such as Indeed & Government of Canada’s Job Bank
Sent to the appropriate team members within the organization encouraging them to post
the position on their social media accounts & to also encourage them to refer potential
candidates
Organizations Job Advertisement:
Assistant Superintendent
Job Category: Field Management Posting Details: Full-Time
Location: Toronto, ON
Connect with us LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter
Thinking about a change? We recognize that the construction industry is changing at a rapid pace and we continually
strive to be at the forefront. Our core values empower people to deliver great careers to one another and develop creative
solutions for complex problems on some of the most exciting projects. It doesn’t matter what your expertise and craft is –
there are no boundaries. We are a group of professionals with a variety of expertise within pre-construction, construction,
and post-construction. To learn more, check out our Cradle to Grave services and hear from our team directly about what
a career at EllisDon could look like for you. As you can see, we are a diverse bunch.
Above all, we are a group of individuals with unique experiences and at EllisDon, we choose to celebrate the strength in
our differences, every day. EllisDon’s commitment to Inclusive Diversity is to work together to create an environment
where every employee feels safe to be their true and authentic self. Ultimately, EllisDon’s purpose is to provide people
with similar values the opportunity to achieve to their full potential; to deliver that opportunity for great careers to one
another; and to contribute meaningfully to the community we share with others. In case you’re curious, here’s what the
industry thinks of us and some of the impacts we've made to the communities we work in.
Nature and Scope: Inspections, quality control, and job site safety. Schedules subcontractors in a critical path to ensure
timely completion of the project.
Duties:
 Assist the Superintendent in managing work on site to ensure the compliance of construction with the drawings
and specifications
 Support the Superintendent in planning and implementing schedules, determining manpower levels, material
quantities, inspections, equipment and requirements are maintained
 Monitor work performance to ensure project rules, procedures, and safety requirements are being followed
 Advise Superintendent and Project Manager of potential problems, work interferences and schedule difficulties
within budget and assist with resolving these problems
 Meet with Owners, Consultants and Architects in a professional manner and have the ability to communicate
effectively both the concerns and best interests of the company
Requirements:
 Bachelor of Engineering or Construction Engineering Technology Diploma
 Minimum of 3-5 years of construction experience
 Experience working as a construction superintendent or assistant superintendent
 Working knowledge of scheduling, project management and contract software
 Ability to correctly identify problem situations, evaluate alternative causes and produce workable solutions in a
team environment
 Ability to lift between 20 – 50 pounds
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Working Conditions:
 Exposure to moderately adverse and undesirable environmental conditions. Some health and safety risks. May
require safety equipment and precautions
EllisDon is proud to provide this unique career opportunity that provides continuous learning, opportunity for growth,
and a competitive compensation package within an environment that is committed to inclusion and respects diversity. Go
ahead and be yourself. We'll pay you for it! We are an equal opportunity employer. We welcome people of any age,
culture, subculture, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, nationality, ethnicity, race, size, mental or physical
status, veteran status, religion, language, political opinion, working-style preference, family status, education, and socioeconomic status. The EllisDon core values of Integrity and Mutual Respect welcomes everyone, at work and in the
community, and our value of Mutual Accountability, means that we all have a role to play. As an EllisDon employee, this
will ultimately be your commitment to Inclusive Diversity. Accommodation for Applicants with disabilities will be made
during the recruitment process when requested. We are committed to providing a positive candidate experience and
ensuring timely updates are provided to all candidates. If you haven’t already, be sure to create a profile on our Careers
page here to remain up to date on the status of your application and learn about new career opportunities as they arise.
Job Advertisement Critique:
The job advertisement begins with a clear relevant position title however it would be more
valuable if it included a short intro that would provide the potential job applicant with a valuable
snapshot of the organizations values, culture and mission, giving them an overview of why the
organization may be an ideal place for people to work rather than multiple links for them to look into.
It can be ideal to include awards that the employer has received such as Canada’s Top 100 Employers
which will attract more qualified candidates as they are provided with something that represents the
company’s reputation. The advertisement doesn’t include a salary range which may deter people
from applying. This key detail provides the potential job applicant with the information to identify if
the role is capturing a comparative salary range of other roles on the job market and if it is in line
with their expectations.
A short job summary of the key responsibilities and expectations of the role should be
provided just after the company’s snapshot as it is the overview of what the role intends to
accomplish. It is important that the job ad includes specific details about the hours required especially
if work is required outside of typical business hours. The ad should also include the specific job
location instead of just mentioning the city and specify the travel requirements required (ex. if travel
to multiple construction sites was required and if a company vehicle was provided). It should also list
details about what the organization offers including benefits, company perks, work life balance, and
growth opportunities. It is important to include in this ad that full PPE equipment is provided by the
employer except for safety boots. The job ad does capture equity, diversity and inclusion well
however it is important that the employer include a contact should an applicant require
accommodations. Finally, the ad should clearly identify the deadline to apply.
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Appendix:
Organizations Original Job Description:
Job Title:
Superintendent, Assistant
Department:
Civil
Immediate Supervisor:
Superintendent
Nature and Scope
 Inspections, quality control, and job site safety. Schedule subcontractors in a critical path to ensure
timely completion of the project.
Major Responsibilities
 Assist the Superintendent in managing work on site to ensure the compliance of
construction with the drawings and specifications
 Support the Superintendent in planning and implementing schedules, determining
Page 6




manpower levels, material quantities, inspections, equipment and requirements are
maintained
Monitor work performance to ensure project rules, procedures, and safety requirements are being
followed
Advise Superintendent and Project Manager of potential problems, work interferences and
schedule difficulties and assist in resolving these problems
Maintain and analyze up-to-date cost reports and submit necessary changes to ensure the
project is delivered within budget
Meet with Owners, Consultants and Architects in a professional manner and have the
ability to communicate effectively both the concerns and best interests of the
company
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
 Minimum 4 (four) years of construction experience or an equivalent combination of technical
training and experience
 You have a working knowledge of scheduling, project management and contract software
 Ability to correctly identify problem situations, evaluate alternative causes and produce
workable solutions in a team environment
Education:
 Bachelor of Engineering
 Construction Engineering Technology Diploma
Effort:
 Work requires heavy physical exertion, effort and strain. Forces exerted are equivalent to lifting
between 10 to 25 kilograms/ 20 – 50 pounds
Working Conditions:

Exposure to moderately adverse and undesirable environmental conditions. Some health and
safety risks. May require safety equipment and precautions
Analysis of Organizations Original Job Description:
Job Title:
Superintendent, Assistant
Department:
Civil
Immediate Supervisor:
Superintendent
Need to include salary range &
specify that role is full time non
union position
Nature and Scope
 Inspections, quality control, and job site safety. Schedule subcontractors in a critical path to ensure
timely completion of the project.
Job Summary should be provided here
and capture key expectations of the role
Major Responsibilities
 Assist the Superintendent in managing work on site to ensure the compliance of
construction with the drawings and specifications
 Support the Superintendent in planning and implementing schedules, determining
Key responsibilities
manpower levels, material quantities, inspections, equipment and requirements are
summed up well
maintained
here
Page 7




Monitor work performance to ensure project rules, procedures, and safety requirements are being
followed
Advise Superintendent and Project Manager of potential problems, work interferences and
schedule difficulties and assist in resolving these problems
Maintain and analyze up-to-date cost reports and submit necessary changes to ensure the
project is delivered within budget
Meet with Owners, Consultants and Architects in a professional manner and have the
ability to communicate effectively both the concerns and best interests of the
company
Experience is accurate
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
 Minimum 4 (four) years of construction experience or an equivalent combination of technical
These are
training and experience
benefits
 You have a working knowledge of scheduling, project management and contract software
to the
 Ability to correctly identify problem situations, evaluate alternative causes and produce
role but
workable solutions in a team environment
not
required
Education:
 Bachelor of Engineering
 Construction Engineering Technology Diploma
Important skill for the role to
be performed successfully
Education specified is accurate
Effort:
 Work requires heavy physical exertion, effort and strain. Forces exerted are equivalent to lifting
between 10 to 25 kilograms/ 20 – 50 pounds
Not a requirement of the role
Working Conditions:

Should include
requirement of
evenings &
weekends as
required
Exposure to moderately adverse and undesirable environmental conditions. Some health and
safety risks. May require safety equipment and precautions
Full PPE is required at all times –
note on safety equipment is not
accurate
Page 8
Updated Job Description:
Job Title:
Reports to:
Assistant Superintendent
Department:
Superintendent
Job Group:
Civil
Salary:
Non Union Position
Version Date:
$75,000-$100,000
Salary:
$75,000-$100,000
February 25, 2025
Job Summary:
The Assistant Superintendent will work directly with the Superintendent to oversee, manage and ensure construction projects meet
demanding deadlines. This role is responsible for coordinating trades/labourers required to carry out construction activities on site
while ensuring to supervise work progress & timelines and ensuring all employees are complying with safety rules and regulations.
Responsibilities:
 Assist the Superintendent in managing work on site to ensure the compliance of construction with the drawings
and specifications
 Support the Superintendent in planning and implementing schedules, determining manpower levels, material
quantities, inspections, equipment and requirements are maintained

Monitor work performance to ensure project rules, procedures, and safety requirements are being followed

Advise Superintendent and Project Manager of potential problems, work interferences and schedule difficulties
and assist in resolving these problems

Maintain and analyze up-to-date cost reports and submit necessary changes to ensure the project is delivered
within budget

Meet with Owners, Consultants and Architects in a professional manner and have the ability to
communicate effectively both the concerns and best interests of the company
Skills & Qualifications:
 Strong knowledge of construction management
 Ability to correctly identify problem situations, evaluate alternative causes and produce workable solutions in a team
environment
 Ability to meet prioritize tasks to meet project deadlines & forecast delays/create contingency plans
 Ability to read drawings & proficient in Microsoft Office Programs (Outlook, Word & Excel)
Education:
 Construction Engineering Technology Diploma
 Bachelor of Engineering
Experience:
 Minimum 3-5 years of construction experience or an equivalent combination of technical training and experience
Unusual Working Conditions:
 Evenings & weekends as required
 Ability to stand & walk for extended periods of time while being able to endure all weather conditions

Full PPE (except steel toe boots) provided by employer and to be worn at all times
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Interview Questions & Answers:
1. Please explain the general purpose of your role? How long have you been in your
current position? Kindly specify if you role is full time and if it is a unionized role?
Answer: To assist the Super Intendent, right hand person to the Super Intendent.
Supervising trades on site ensuring they are doing their job correctly & safely. Attending
weekly project meetings to ensure the project is on track and preparing the future needs
for the project. Been in current role for 7 years. The position is a full time, non union
role.
2. Please describe what a typical workday is like for you & which tasks or
responsibilities require the most time and attention in this role? Is there any
required software you need to be able to carry out these responsibilities ?
Answer: Typical Day: starts with a foreman’s meeting to go over amount of required
trades needed to take care of current tasks in the day & go over the schedule for the day.
From then a site walk is taken to ensure the job is complying with safety requirements
and observe any concerns that were brought up in the foreman’s meeting. Sit in the
required meetings scheduled for that day (touchpoints with trades, owners/consultants
meeting, staff team meetings). Will be the lead of site walks when owners/consultants
come in to check in on progress of the project. Being the main point of contact for any
issues that arise and ensuring to support the team as needed to rectify issues. Organizing
the labour crew so they understand the daily scope of work required. Assign labourers Ad
hoc tasks as required to set up the construction site so daily tasks are run smoothly and
safely. The main responsibility requiring the most time in this role is ensuring trades are
completing the assigned duties as requested and tasks are being completed in line with
the required deadlines and safety regulations. Regular meetings are held to report back on
progress and timelines. Microsoft programs are used to carry out daily responsibilities
(outlook, word, excel) & Fieldwire to review drawings and project deficiencies (ability to
read drawings is required/software experience is an asset & training will be available).
3. What is your highest level of education & do you require any certifications or
licenses to perform your job? Were any of these licenses/certifications required
before you started the role? How many years of experience were required for you to
acquire this role ?
Answer: Education: Construction Engineering Technology Diploma at George Brown
College. Certificates/Licenses Required: Working at Heights, WHMIS, Basics of
Supervision, Four Steps Awareness (safety regulations/protocols & workers rights). The
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organization will provide the necessary training/courses to acquire the necessary
licenses/certificates even after you start the role but if you have them already it is an
asset. Also have traffic control and crane rescue training certifications as assets to my role
which help with the safety regulations I oversee on site. Able to have site vehicle on this
site since it is extremely large, a G class drivers license is required only if you wish to use
the vehicle. 5 years of construction experience was required.
4. Please tell me about the typical environment/location in which you work in? Do
these factors make your role difficult to achieve outcomes & deadlines?
Answer: Environment/Location: Outdoor work on construction site, working in all
seasons, variety of working conditions including within buildings that are being
renovated, demolished and within underground utility work (gas/hydro/water main). Role
is at Ontario Place construction site in Toronto. Outcomes/Deadlines are difficult to meet
as certain weather conditions (cold, snow, rain, & heat) are hard on the body creating
issues/barriers effecting the scope of work being completed on time as trades/labourers
will not work in all of these conditions. People tend to work better in the summer months
and are overall happier making them more efficient and productive. Machine equipment
at times will not run due to extreme cold affecting construction schedules. Stress is also a
factor as winter can be tough on the body and mind making it harder to be as productive
as you aim to be (days feel very long with limited daylight and require more time being
spent on setting up lighting and heaters).
5. Describe the physical activities that are required in your role?
Answer: Main physical activity would be required during site walks on a large
construction site and while supervising the trades. Trades and labourers are required to
take care of all other physical duties as it isn’t the responsibility of the Assistant
Superintendent. It is also important to note that all labourers/trades are unionized
employees and ensure that any required physical work that cannot be currently being
carried out by current labourers/trades would be grounds to request further
labourers/trades so that workers waiting for a job can be employed.
6. What are the safety regulations required in your role ? Did you need to purchase
any equipment that was not provided by the employer?
Answer: Must be in full PPE while on the job (Hard Hat, Steel Toe Boots, Gloves, Safety
Glasses & High Visibility Vest), all PPE is provided except for steal toe boots. Ensuring
to drive company vehicle safely, within speed limit specified on the site, wearing a seat
belt and circle check of vehicle daily before driving. It is also important to be observant
of barricades, and construction barrels which ensure work being observed of the trades
Page 11
being supervised is done within a safe distance. Ensuring eye contact is made with
machine operators before walking near machines in operation.
7. How much independent work vs. team collaboration is involved in your role?
Answer: Most work is split 50/50 between independent tasks and tasks involved with
other team mates. Most of the day is independent supervising of different tasks being
carried out within different locations across the construction site but will involve multiple
connections with team members as required.
8. Do this role require you supervise or manage staff ? What independence and
authority do you have in this role ?
Answer: No direct reports but have the authority to manage co-op students, field
coordinators, trades and labourers to ensure they are assigned the duties required to carry
out project deadlines and ensuring they are complaint with safety rules and regulations.
The Site superintendent carries out head authority responsibilities. This role would need
to carry out the requests/instructions from the Site Superintendent. Work independently
without the direct supervision of the Site Superintendent to carry out requested tasks and
deadlines. Have the authority to give direction to the trades/labourers & junior staff as
required without the continuous need to check in with the Site Superintendent.
9. Are their opportunities for career/professional development & advancement in this
role?
Answer: Yes, been at organization for 13 years, started off as a co-op student then was
hired on full time at the end of my contract as a Jr. Filed Engineer. Then took on
responsibilities of an Assistant Superintendent during this time to gain experience and
more confidence in the role. Was promoted to an Assistant Super 5 years after being a Jr.
Field Engineer. You can advance from an Assistant Superintendent to a Site
Superintendent (5-7 years experience) and in future also to a Senior Superintendent (1015 years experience) and General Superintendent (15-20 years experience). Current role
prepares you for the progression of becoming a people leader and directly managing staff.
The company also provides opportunities for staff to take courses within the organization
and externally to support their professional development. Organization promotes from
within and has a career development plan where employees will sit with their direct
leader twice a year to establish the necessary steps needed for career advancement and
professional development.
10. Do you feel that your overall benefit and compensation package is fair for the work
that you carry out in this role? What is the salary band for this role ?
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Answer: No, given the working environment, weather, hours, weekend shifts and night
work without compensated overtime. Often shifts will change without little notice and
shifts on average are quite long (average of 10 hour days). The salary band for the role is
$75,000-$100,000. Overall benefits plan is appropriate for the average needs but given
the physical requirements of the role benefits like massage therapy could be improved.
Compensation package does include a pension where employer matches the contribution
you make as an employee which is a great incentive in the future. Company shares are
also offered when employees have a positive performance review on a yearly basis which
can offer a bonus payout upon retirement.
Citations:
1. EllisDon. (2025, February). www.ellisdon.com.
2. EllisDon. (2018, May). Assistant Superintendent Job Description, Provided by Employer.
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3. EllisDon. (2018, May). Assistant Superintendent Internal Job Posting, Provided by
Employer.
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