Nan Hai Pu Tuo Temple of Australia Inc. is seeking 2 experienced Carpenters specialised in traditional temple construction to assist in the completion of a significant Buddhist temple project located in South Australia.
These roles involve highly specialised carpentry and timber erection work for the construction of the temple’s main hall and associated structures, using traditional Chinese timber building techniques, including mortise-and-tenon joinery and dougong bracket assembly, without the use of nails.
Hourly Rate
- A$45.55 per hour plus 12% superannuation
Employment Term
- Full-time for at least 3 months
Duties and Responsibilities
- Perform specialised carpentry works associated with traditional Buddhist temple architecture, including timber joinery, ornamental timber structures, roof framing and handcrafted timber detailing.
- Read and interpret architectural drawings, engineering plans, technical specifications and traditional temple construction requirements.
- Measure, mark, cut, shape, assemble and install timber frameworks, beams, columns, rafters, roof structures, doors, windows, partition walls and decorative timber features for the temple.
- Construct and assemble traditional timber structural components using mortise-and-tenon joinery, including beams, columns, rafters, brackets, arches and other ancient wooden components.
- Cut mortises and prepare precision timber components required for traditional temple construction, including dougong/bucket arch bracket structures and roof support systems.
- Construct, install and repair timber structures and architectural components for the Buddhist temple building, including custom-made timber fittings, altars, ceremonial platforms, timber screens and related religious architectural elements.
- Carry out fine finishing carpentry work to preserve the aesthetic and cultural integrity of Buddhist temple architecture.
- Maintain a safe, clean and organised worksite and comply with workplace health and safety requirements.
Skills and Experience Required
- At least 5 years’ relevant experience in Buddhist temple construction, traditional Asian timber architecture, or other comparable religious building projects.
- Demonstrated experience in constructing complex timber framework systems, including traditional mortise-and-tenon joinery and dougong bracket structures.
- Strong knowledge of traditional timber joinery techniques and ornamental wood craftsmanship.
- Ability to perform detailed, precise and culturally sensitive carpentry work for significant religious structures.
- Ability to read and understand blueprints, drawings and technical specifications.
- Skilled in the use of traditional woodworking methods and tools, as well as relevant power tools for timber construction.
- Familiarity with the general construction process and structural requirements of traditional wooden temple buildings.
- Ability to work effectively under direction and respectfully within a religious and multicultural environment.
Desirable Experience
- Experience in traditional Chinese temple construction, particularly Tang-style timber architecture.
- Experience in the assembly of major structural timber components for large-scale temple buildings.
- Experience working on projects involving traditional roof support systems, structural symmetry and architectural authenticity in Buddhist temple construction.
Pay: $45.55 per hour
Work Location: In person
