Construction Assistant

Position Summary:

The Construction Assistant works directly with the Construction Site Supervisor to build and rehabilitate homes for partner families in the greater Charleston area. This position is vital to the construction team, focusing on hands-on construction tasks, volunteer management, and maintaining job site safety. The ideal candidate is an energetic, collaborative team player who can assist in teaching construction skills to volunteers of all experience levels while maintaining a safe, productive, and welcoming work environment.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Volunteer Engagement & Leadership (50%)

• Mentor and Lead: Supervise small groups of volunteers (individuals and groups) on job sites, providing clear task instructions and hands-on training.
• Safety Enforcement: Ensure all volunteers and visitors follow safety policies (OSHA compliance) and properly use personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Positive Culture: Foster a welcoming, respectful, and encouraging atmosphere that ensures volunteers have a meaningful experience, leading to high retention.

2. Construction & Site Management (40%)

• Hands-on Building: Assist with all phases of residential construction, including site preparation, framing, siding, insulation, drywall, finish carpentry, and landscaping.
• Tool/Material Management: Load, unload, organize, and secure building materials. Safely operate and maintain hand and power tools.
• Site Prep/Clean-up: Set up tools at the start of the day and ensure the site is clean, organized, and safe at the end of the day.

3. Project Coordination (10%)

• Communication: Communicate regularly with the Construction Site Supervisor regarding site progress, volunteer needs, and material shortages.
• Collaboration: Work with subcontractors and partner families (homeowners) on-site with professionalism.

Qualifications:

• Experience: 1+ years of hands-on construction, carpentry, or related labor experience preferred.
• Skills: Basic understanding of residential construction processes and ability to safely operate power tools. Basic computer skills recommended.
• Leadership: Ability to teach, mentor, and work with volunteers from diverse backgrounds.
• Values: A strong commitment to the mission of Habitat for Humanity and affordable housing.
• Reliability: Strong work ethic, punctuality, and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Physical: Ability to lift at least 50 lbs. regularly, work on ladders/rooftops, and stand for extended periods on uneven terrain.
• Requirements: Valid driver’s license and ability to pass a background check.

Work Environment:

• This position works primarily outdoors, including exposure to high temperatures, humidity, rain, dust, and noise.
• Schedule requires availability on Saturdays to accommodate volunteer build days. Typical work week: Tuesday-Saturday.

Submit your resume if you’re ready to be part of a team that values hard work, safety excellence, and continuous learning in a purposeful, inclusive and collaborative work environment.

Pay: From $18.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person