Amazon to hire over 700 full-time employees in Scarborough

Amazon is hiring more than 700 full-time employees at their Scarborough fulfillment centre.

According to the tech mogul, the Scarborough fulfillment centre is the first new site to open in Ontario amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

It will also be the first site on the east end of Toronto.

The hiring process is set to take place over the next eight weeks.

“Employees will play integral roles within Amazon’s customer fulfillment operations,” Amazon said. “Associates at this robotics facility will pick, pack and ship small items to customers ranging from toys and baby products to small electronics.”

The company has also taken steps to move much of the hiring process from physical to virtual.

Candidates will be required to have their temperatures checked and wear a mask, provided by Amazon, during the in-person portion of interviewing.

Amazon has asked that candidates do not attend in-person appointments if any of the following applies to them:

• They are living with someone who has been confirmed COVID-19 positive, and have medical advice to self-quarantine.
• They have a temperature of 38°C or higher.
• They are in a 14-day period of self-isolation directed by a healthcare provider or health official.
• They have travelled to another country in the last 14 days.
• They currently have a cough, or shortness of breath.

An $800 million dollar investment will be made on safety measures, across global operations in the first half of this year, according to the company.

The money will go towards temperature checks, masks, enhanced cleaning, gloves, sanitation stations and on-site testing.

“In these unprecedented times, Amazon remains committed to the health and safety of our employees, partners, and the customers we serve,” Amazon said.

“We know many people have been economically impacted as jobs in areas like hospitality, restaurants, and travel are lost or furloughed as part of this crisis, and we welcome anyone out of work to join us at Amazon until their past employer can bring them back.”

Workers will receive Amazon’s minimum wage of $17 an hour and full time benefits including medical, vision, and dental coverage.

The tech giant has said employees will also receive a group RRSP plan, stock awards, and performance-based bonuses, “starting from day one.”

Candidates must be 18 years or older and have a high school diploma or equivalent to be considered.

Those interested can apply on Amazon’s website.