Lead Carpenter

Job Overview

Lead Carpenter / Working Foreman

Reports To Project Manager / Owner

Position Summary

The Lead Carpenter / Working Foreman is a hands-on working supervisor responsible for leading the day-to-day activities of a construction crew while actively performing skilled carpentry and general construction work. This position serves as the primary on-site leader and is responsible for ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, professionally, and according to company standards, project specifications, and the established schedule.

The Lead Carpenter / Working Foreman is expected to work alongside the crew, demonstrate proper construction techniques, maintain productivity, and provide direction and training to less-experienced employees and subcontractors.

The ideal candidate is an experienced carpenter who can lead by example, solve problems in the field, communicate effectively, maintain a professional job site, and take ownership of the quality and progress of the work.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Field Leadership & Supervision

• Lead and direct carpenters, laborers, and other crew members on assigned projects.
• Work alongside the crew performing carpentry, demolition, framing, drywall, trim, repairs, renovations, and other construction activities.
• Assign daily tasks and communicate priorities clearly to crew members.
• Monitor employee productivity and ensure crew members remain on task.
• Lead by example through strong work ethic, professionalism, dependability, and attention to detail.
• Provide hands-on training and instruction to less-experienced employees.
• Coordinate the activities of subcontractors working on the project.
• Communicate project needs, problems, delays, and progress to the Project Manager or Owner.

Carpentry & Construction

• Perform skilled carpentry and general construction work.
• Read and interpret plans, drawings, specifications, and scopes of work.
• Perform and oversee framing, trim work, drywall, doors, windows, cabinetry, flooring, siding, decking, and other construction activities as applicable to the project.
• Perform demolition and prepare areas for reconstruction.
• Complete repair, renovation, remodeling, and restoration work.
• Measure, cut, install, and finish construction materials accurately.
• Use hand tools, power tools, ladders, and construction equipment safely and properly.
• Identify construction issues and determine practical solutions in the field.
• Maintain a high standard of workmanship throughout the project.

Job Site Management

• Maintain an organized, clean, and professional job site.
• Ensure materials, tools, and equipment are properly stored and protected.
• Verify that necessary materials and equipment are available before work begins.
• Notify the Project Manager of material shortages, damaged materials, or additional materials needed.
• Help coordinate deliveries and material handling.
• Protect the customer's property and finished surfaces.
• Maintain appropriate security of the job site at the end of each workday.
• Ensure debris and construction waste are removed and disposed of properly.

Quality Control

• Inspect completed work to ensure it meets company quality standards.
• Identify deficiencies and ensure they are corrected promptly.
• Verify that work is being completed according to plans, specifications, manufacturer requirements, and the project scope.
• Prevent rework by addressing quality issues as they arise.
• Conduct a final job-site inspection before considering assigned work complete.
• Bring potential change orders or work outside the original scope to the Project Manager's attention before proceeding whenever practical.

Safety

• Follow all company safety policies and applicable OSHA requirements.
• Conduct or participate in daily job-site safety discussions as required.
• Ensure employees use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Properly use and maintain tools, equipment, ladders, and machinery.
• Correct unsafe working conditions immediately when possible.
• Report accidents, injuries, property damage, and safety concerns to management promptly.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment for employees, subcontractors, customers, and visitors.
• Never knowingly allow unsafe work practices to continue.

Customer Service

• Maintain a professional and respectful relationship with customers.
• Represent the company positively while working in or around customer properties.
• Communicate respectfully with homeowners, property managers, subcontractors, and other project representatives.
• Protect customer property and maintain cleanliness throughout the project.
• Direct customer questions regarding pricing, scope changes, or contractual matters to the Project Manager or Owner.
• Do not make unauthorized promises, commitments, or changes to the customer's contract.

Documentation & Communication

• Provide daily updates regarding project progress, issues, and material needs.
• Communicate job-site conditions that may affect schedule, cost, or quality.
• Report additional work or potential change-order items before performing unauthorized work.
• Take photographs of project progress and significant job-site conditions when requested.
• Maintain accurate information regarding hours worked and work completed.
• Notify management promptly of delays, conflicts, damage, or other issues affecting the project.

Authority and Accountability

The Lead Carpenter / Working Foreman is authorized to direct the daily activities of assigned field employees and coordinate routine job-site activities.

The Lead Carpenter / Working Foreman is not authorized to independently change contract pricing, approve change orders, make contractual commitments, hire or terminate employees, or commit company funds without approval from the Project Manager or Owner.

The Lead Carpenter / Working Foreman is accountable for:

• Crew productivity
• Quality of workmanship
• Proper use of materials
• Job-site organization
• Safety compliance
• Daily progress
• Professional conduct
• Protection of customer property
• Timely communication with management
• Completing assigned work according to company standards

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of construction or carpentry experience, preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in residential and/or commercial construction.
• Strong knowledge of carpentry and general construction practices.
• Ability to read and understand construction plans and specifications.
• Ability to operate common construction tools and equipment.
• Ability to lead and communicate effectively with a construction crew.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work independently while following project direction.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
• Ability to pass company-required background, drug, or other employment screening, where applicable.

Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to:

• Stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, and work for extended periods.
• Lift and carry construction materials and equipment.
• Frequently lift materials weighing approximately 50 pounds.
• Work from ladders, scaffolding, lifts, and elevated surfaces when properly trained and authorized.
• Work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Perform physically demanding construction activities throughout the workday.
• Wear required PPE and follow job-site safety requirements.

Work Schedule

The Lead Carpenter / Working Foreman is expected to maintain a reliable work schedule consistent with project requirements. Occasional early mornings, extended hours, or schedule adjustments may be necessary to meet project deadlines or address job-site needs.

Performance Expectations

Successful performance in this position requires the Lead Carpenter / Working Foreman to:

• Lead by Example — Demonstrate the work ethic, attitude, craftsmanship, and professionalism expected from the crew.
• Own the Job — Take responsibility for the quality, organization, safety, and progress of the assigned work.
• Communicate — Keep management informed of progress, problems, material needs, and changes.
• Build Quality — Complete work correctly the first time and address deficiencies promptly.
• Protect the Customer — Treat every customer's property with care and respect.
• Develop the Crew — Teach, coach, and help employees improve their construction skills.
• Work Safely — Never sacrifice safety for speed or productivity.
• Stay Productive — Balance supervisory responsibilities with hands-on production to keep the project moving forward.
• Represent the Company — Maintain the company's reputation through professional conduct and quality workmanship.

Core Values

The Lead Carpenter / Working Foreman is expected to consistently demonstrate the company's core values:

• Integrity — Honest and ethical at all times.
• Ownership — Accountable for outcomes, even beyond expectation.
• Humility — Embracing service over self.
• Respect — Treating every interaction with professionalism and dignity.
• Innovation — Seeking better, safer, and more efficient ways to serve customers and complete our work.

Pay: $30.00 - $36.00 per hour

Application Question(s):

• How many years of construction experience do you have

Experience:

• Leadership: 5 years (Required)

Work Location: In person