Lead Carpenter

Job Title: Lead Carpenter

Location: San Diego, CA

Pay Range: $30 to $40 per hour DOE

Experience Level: 7+ Years

Position Summary:

We are a leading San Diego general contractor seeking a Lead Carpenter to manage framing and carpentry for our projects. This role requires advanced skill in framing systems – metal stud framing, wood framing, and interior assemblies – and strong field leadership. As a key team leader, you will oversee a crew of 2–4 individuals and be responsible for executing framing scopes from layout through drywall-ready finishes, while coordinating closely with project managers, subcontractors, customers, and inspectors. This is an opportunity to join a tight-knit, safety-first team with a reputation for quality work and long-standing client relationships. Successful Lead Carpenter in this role can expect opportunities for advancement into Superintendent positions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supervise day-to-day framing and general construction activities on site, including daily tailgate meetings and toolbox talks.
• Lead and manage crews of 2–4 carpenters/laborers.
• Train new team members in tools, tasks, and site expectations.
• Interpret and apply architectural, structural, and MEP drawings to guide fieldwork.
• Lead the accurate layout and installation of:
  • Cold-formed steel (CFS) framing for walls, ceilings, and soffits
  • Wood partitions and ceiling systems
  • Blocking, backing, and bracing for fixtures and equipment
  • Openings for doors, windows, and MEP penetrations.

• Ensure framing scopes meet fire ratings, deflection tolerances, and seismic requirements.
• Manage MEP coordination, ensuring carpentry and framing crews successfully accommodate rough-ins and penetrations.
• Manage material deliveries, onsite staging, and inventory.
• Support project management in development of material takeoffs for project budgets.
• Monitor and report on crew productivity while managing task delegation.
• Inspect completed work for adherence to tolerances and applicable building codes (IBC/CBC).
• Maintain project schedules in coordination with project managers.
• Plan and track look-ahead schedules with project management.
• Maintain a clean and orderly job site and tool storage area
• Enforce safety compliance in accordance with OSHA and company protocols.
• Ensure that crew members are adequately trained in tool usage and maintenance.
• Identify and resolve field conflicts proactively.
• Maintain accurate field documentation and markups.
• Perform quality control checks at key milestones.

Technical Qualifications:

• Advanced ability to interpret construction documents (plans, elevations, sections, details).
• Expert in layout using total station, lasers, plumb bobs, levels, and stringlines.
• Expert in cold-formed steel framing (interior/exterior, load/non-load bearing).
• Expert in structural wood framing techniques, including engineered lumber and hangers.
• Familiarity with California Building Code (CBC), seismic anchoring requirements, and fire rated assemblies.
• Working knowledge of fire-rated assemblies, including head-of-wall and penetration details.
• Ability to review shop drawings and submittals for framing and hardware scopes.
• Proficient in reading and applying markups from Bluebeam or field-issued redlines.
• Competency in staging materials and planning efficient install sequences.
• Experience with training crews in the use of battery and pneumatic tools, including screw guns, impact drivers, and powder-actuated tools (Hilti/DeWalt).
• Experienced in leading AHJ inspection preparation and working directly with AHJ inspectors

Minimum Requirements:

• 7+ years of commercial framing and carpentry experience.
• 2+ years of leadership or foreman-level supervision.
• Valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and dependable transportation.
• Comfortable using smartphones and tablets for timesheets, project software, and photos.
• High school diploma or GED (trade school or apprenticeship preferred).
• Physically capable of lifting 50+ lbs, standing for extended periods, and working outdoors.
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification preferred.
• Procore or field management app experience a plus.

    Benefits:

• Competitive hourly compensation
• Consistent, full-time work on rewarding custom residential projects
• We offer consistent schedule (Monday to Friday 7:30am-3:30pm)
• Supportive team environment that values quality and camaraderie
• Opportunity to grow within a highly respected builder
• 401(k) employee investment program
• Health Insurance