Lead Carpenter

Role Overview

The Lead Carpenter is a skilled working field leader responsible for the day-to-day execution and success of assigned construction projects and scopes of work. This position combines advanced carpentry skills with field leadership, production accountability, quality control, proactive problem solving, and the development of Assistant Carpenters.

The Lead Carpenter is expected to know the job. This includes understanding the assigned scope of work, drawings, specifications, project requirements, materials, sequencing, established deadlines, and Decades' responsibilities. The Lead Carpenter plans ahead and organizes the work so it can be performed safely, efficiently, correctly, and within the deadlines established by the Project Manager and Field Supervisor.

The Project Manager and Field Supervisor establish and manage the project schedule, milestones, and required completion dates. The Lead Carpenter is responsible for organizing and executing Decades' assigned work to meet those expectations, monitoring daily production, and proactively communicating when a condition may prevent an established deadline from being achieved.

This is a hands-on position. The Lead Carpenter performs and leads work including rough and structural framing, drywall installation and finishing, insulation, ceilings, millwork, finish carpentry, doors, frames and hardware, and other general construction activities within the capabilities of the Decades field team.

The Lead Carpenter also serves as a teacher and mentor to Assistant Carpenters. Success in this position includes not only completing high-quality work, but also developing the skills, productivity, judgment, safety awareness, and independence of the employees working alongside them.

The ideal candidate demonstrates craftsmanship, ownership, planning, accountability, and leadership. They do not simply identify problems—they anticipate them, communicate them early, and help develop practical solutions that keep the work moving forward.

Responsibilities

Project Ownership & Field Leadership

• Understand assigned scope, drawings, specifications, deadlines, and project requirements.
• Plan daily work, anticipate upcoming needs, and identify discrepancies or coordination issues.
• Direct assigned field personnel, maintain professional jobsite relationships, and take ownership of assigned work.
• Escalate issues promptly with recommended solutions when possible.

Carpentry Execution & Craftsmanship

• Perform and lead framing, drywall, ceilings, millwork, cabinetry, doors, windows, finish carpentry, tile, waterproofing, demolition, repairs, and general construction activities, including minor plumbing, electrical, and HVAC work within authorized capabilities.
• Verify field conditions, measurements, installation requirements, and workmanship standards.
• Protect existing and completed work, maintain equipment, and demonstrate proper craftsmanship.

Production & Deadline Execution

• Organize daily activities to meet deadlines established by the Project Manager and Field Supervisor.
• Anticipate labor, material, equipment, access, and coordination needs to maintain productivity.
• Communicate schedule risks, delays, and production obstacles early, recommending corrective actions without compromising safety or quality.

Materials, Tools & Equipment

• Verify deliveries and promptly report missing, damaged, or incorrect materials.
• Maintain organized, protected materials while minimizing waste.
• Ensure proper use, care, security, and maintenance of company tools, vehicles, trailers, and equipment.

Quality Control

• Inspect work throughout construction for accuracy, compliance, and quality.
• Verify dimensions, conditions, materials, and installation requirements before beginning work.
• Correct deficiencies promptly, minimize rework, and proactively address punch-list items.
• Hold Assistant Carpenters accountable for workmanship standards.

Safety & Jobsite Organization

• Follow OSHA requirements and company safety policies, modeling proper PPE and equipment use.
• Stop unsafe work and promptly report hazards, incidents, near misses, and damaged equipment.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas, including daily cleanup.

Assistant Carpenter Development

• Assign daily tasks, demonstrate proper techniques, and provide ongoing coaching and feedback.
• Develop assistants' skills in craftsmanship, drawings, planning, safety, quality, and equipment care.
• Increase responsibilities as skills develop and communicate performance and training needs to the Field Supervisor.

Timekeeping & Cost-Code Accountability

• Accurately record daily hours against the correct projects and cost codes.
• Review and submit complete timesheets every Friday.
• Ensure assigned Assistant Carpenters understand proper timekeeping and cost-code allocation.

About the Company

Decades was founded in 2022 with a simple conviction: when our clients advance their mission, we advance alongside them. From the beginning, we have approached every engagement as a true partnership—bringing focus, discipline, and care to solve complex challenges while staying anchored to the outcomes that matter most.

Our passion is supporting our clients' mission with work that is thoughtful, reliable, and built to earn trust over the long term. We make data-driven decisions, hold ourselves to the standard of doing the right thing—always—and believe the best results come when we think team-first.

We invest in relationships, knowing strong partnerships are the foundation of lasting impact, and we intentionally keep things fun, building a workplace where people are energized, supported, and proud of the work they do.

Together, these fundamentals shape a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement—where high standards and strong relationships go hand in hand.

Requirements

• 5+ years of progressive carpentry or construction experience preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to independently perform rough and finish carpentry.
• Demonstrated ability to lead small crews or Assistant Carpenters.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, details, specifications, and project information.
• Strong understanding of construction sequencing and jobsite coordination.
• Experience with the skill listed in the sections above.
• Ability to calculate dimensions and material quantities accurately.
• Ability to safely operate standard carpentry hand and power tools.
• Ability to organize assigned work to meet established deadlines.
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Valid driver's license required with no provisional restrictions.
• Ability to travel between assigned job sites.
• Ability to perform physical construction work including lifting, carrying, climbing ladders, kneeling, bending, and prolonged standing.
• OSHA 10 required or ability to obtain within the company-established timeframe.
• OSHA 30 preferred.
• First Aid/CPR preferred.
• Ability to utilize company-required timekeeping, field reporting, and communication technology.

Pay: $33.00 - $38.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• What is your desired hourly pay rate?

Experience:

• Carpentry: 5 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)
• OSHA 10 (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Magnolia, NJ 08049 (Required)

Work Location: In person