Want to get involved?

Graphic by @madebythia

Are you our missing piece? Volunteers are at the heart of the Edmonton Tool Library (ETL), and there are a number of ways to get involved!

We're currently recruiting for board members, including a board chair (or co-chair) and board secretary. Postings for these positions will close on March 20, 2023.

We're also constantly on the look out for other types of volunteers to keep the ETL running.

We hope that you see an option below that allows you to explore your interests, share your talents and grow your skills, while helping expand Edmonton’s sharing economy and increasing community access to home improvement. 

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Job Title: Director of the Board (up to 5 positions available)
Position: Volunteer, 2 Year Term
Location: Edmonton, AB
Time Commitment: 7-10 hours per month

As a Board Member, you will assist the organization with policy creation, financial oversight, fundraising, marketing and overall strategic direction. The ETL is an operating board, so you will also work one monthly shift at the library.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the effective governance of the Edmonton Tool Library, and participates in decisions and deliberations of matters of policy, finance, programs, personnel, and advocacy.
• Develops and maintains positive relations among the Board, committees, volunteers, ETL members, and our larger community.
• Maintains a working knowledge of ETL policy and procedures, and inventory.
• Monitors board policies, and where appropriate, approves policy changes and other recommendations received from the Board or standing committees.  
• Approves the ETL budget, and large expenses throughout the year as needed.
• Supports fundraising activities and promotion of ETL’s purpose. 
• Evaluates effectiveness of the Board’s decision making process and assists in bringing about positive change when areas of improvement are identified.
• Participates in the development and implementation of ETL’s strategic plan, as well as other short or long term goals individually or as a team.
• Trains new volunteers when required.
• Other duties according to ETL bylaws or as needed.

Job Specifications: 

• Passionate about sustainability and making their community a better place by encouraging the sharing of tools, knowledge, and skills, in a welcoming, inclusive, and creative environment.
• Experience in any of the following areas is an asset, but not required: finance and accounting, fundraising, grant writing, human resources, marketing and communications/social media, board governance,library and/or inventory management.
• Experience with the use or maintenance of hand and power tools is an asset, but not required. 
• Commitment to attend monthly Board meetings, work one library shift, and serve on minimum one committee.  
  
  

Hours: Our board meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month at 7pm (usually virtual). Board members are expected to work one shift per month as a tool librarian. Our opening hours are Wednesdays 6-8pm and Saturdays 11am-3pm. Attendance at committee meetings as needed.

For applications and questions:  Applications sent via email are preferred.  Please include a resume and letter of interest saved as one file. Please submit all applications to EdmontonToolLibrary@gmail.com with subject line - Board Application

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Job Title: Board Chair
Position: Volunteer, 2 Year Term
Location: Edmonton, AB
Time Commitment: 4-6 hours per month in addition to board member commitment (see above)
Hours: Flexible, as needed

Responsibilities:

• Provides leadership to the Board of Directors.
• Makes sure the Board adheres to its bylaws and constitution.
• Prepares the Board’s agenda with input from board members and the Secretary.
• Chairs meetings of the Board and any meetings of the President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary.
• Encourages board members to participate in meetings and activities.
• Keeps the Board’s discussion on topic by summarizing issues.
• Keeps the Board’s activities focused on the ETL mission.
• Serves as ex officio member of committees and attends their meetings when needed.
• Prepares a report for the Annual General Meeting.
• Orients the new Chair/Co-Chair.

Job Specifications: 

• Previous board experience would be considered an asset.
• Previous involvement with non-profit organization would be considered an asset.
• Previous management experience would be considered an asset.

To apply:  Applications sent via email are preferred.  Please include a resume and letter of interest saved as one file. Please submit all applications to EdmontonToolLibrary@gmail.com with subject line - Board Chair Application

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Job Title: Board Secretary
Position: Volunteer, 2 Year Term
Location: Edmonton, AB
Time Commitment: 4-6 hours per month in addition to board member commitment (see above)
Hours: Flexible, as needed

Responsibilities: 

• Keeps copies of the ETL’s bylaws and the policy manual.
• Keeps lists of officers, board members, committees and general membership.
• Notifies Directors of meetings and maintains general policies, and keeps a record of Board attendance.
• Makes sure that there is a quorum at Board meetings.
• Keeps accurate minutes of meetings and supporting materials, as well as records all motions and decisions of meetings.
• Distributes copies of minutes to board members promptly after meetings.
• Monitors the ETL Gmail account in conjunction with staff
• Files the annual return, amendments to the bylaws and other incorporating documents with the Corporate Registry.
• Notifies membership of General Meetings.
• Orients the new Secretary.
• Keeps a list of individuals representing the ETL on external committees.

Job Specifications: 

• Previous board experience would be considered an asset.
• Previous involvement with non-profit organization would be considered an asset.
• Experience using Gmail, Google Workspace, Google Suite would be considered an asset.

To apply:  Applications sent via email are preferred.  Please include a resume and letter of interest saved as one file. Please submit all applications to EdmontonToolLibrary@gmail.com with subject line - Board Secretary Application

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Job Title: Operations, Governance, Fund Development or Marketing Committee Member
Position: Volunteer, 1 Year Term
Location: Edmonton, AB
Time Commitment: 2+ hours per month

Responsibilities: 

• Attend scheduled committee meetings, usually one every 1-2 months, but may be more often for a specific project or event.
• Generate ideas and participate in discussion to support the operations, funding, promotion and effective governance of the Edmonton Tool Library.
• Understand and follow committee Terms of Reference.
• Assist to review and update committee Terms of Reference on an annual basis.

Job Specifications: 

• Experience with the Edmonton Tool Library, as a member or volunteer, is considered an asset.
• Passionate about sustainability and making their community a better place by encouraging the sharing of tools, knowledge, and skills, in a welcoming, inclusive, and creative environment.
• Experience in any of the following areas is an asset, but not required: 
  Fund development - finance and accounting, fundraising, grant writing
  Governance - board governance, human resources
  Marketing - marketing and communications, social media, events 
  Operations - library and/or inventory management, use or maintenance of hand and power tools

Hours: Committee meeting every one to two months, additional hours as required when working on projects and events

To apply:  Applications sent via email are preferred.  Please include a resume and letter of interest saved as one file. Please submit all applications to EdmontonToolLibrary@gmail.com with subject line - Committee Member application. Please specify which committee(s) you are interstested in.

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The following volunteer positions are ongoing and can be applied for by completing the web form at the bottom of this page:

Tool Librarian
Our Librarians interact with members: lending tools, managing memberships, and organizing our inventory. They also foster the sense of community at the ETL, explaining the library to visitors, sharing upcoming events, and building relationships with members. Shifts are 2-4 hours, during Tool Library hours.

Tool Doctor
We’re fortunate to receive many donated tools, but they’re not always in good condition (or even working!). Tool Doctors are responsible for keeping our inventory in safe, working condition, but they also strip tools for parts and sometimes repair or even rebuild them. They also diagnose and repair any tools that come back broken or ‘not working’, plus conduct regular upkeep like maintaining blades, bits and belts. Shifts are variable, but require significant expertise.

Tool Expert
Sometimes, learning from YouTube videos and blog posts isn’t enough! Our Tool Experts have sufficient general expertise to offer advice regarding the best methods and tools for most home reno and personal DIY projects. They ensure that members leave with not only the right tools, but the knowledge and protective gear to make sure they can do it safely. Shifts are four hours, during Tool Library hours. This role requires significant expertise.

Outreach Volunteer
We host a tables at events and are actively working to get the word out about the Tool Library and increase our reach in Edmonton. This can include postering, promotion, tabling at community events and other functions. This is a great way to meet other enthusiastic ETL volunteers, and also great for getting volunteer hours for school. Shifts are variable, and calls will be sent out throughout the year as needed.