Lead Carpenter Jobs
Lead Carpenter jobs are open across residential construction, commercial build-out, and remodeling, from journeyman-level to crew supervisor and project lead, with specializations in framing, finish carpentry, and cabinet installation. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Job Overview
At 1st Choice Fire and Water Restoration, we understand that our job is about more than just repairing structures—it's about helping people regain a sense of normalcy after a difficult event. Based in South Bend, Indiana, we are looking for a skilled lead carpenter who takes genuine pride in their trade and enjoys turning a construction site back into a home. You will be the steady hand on-site, guiding your team with patience and technical expertise. We aren't looking for someone to just punch a clock; we are looking for a leader who values high-quality finish work and treats every project with the care they would afford their own house. Our culture is built on mutual respect, helping our neighbors, and celebrating the finished product. If you enjoy solving unique construction puzzles, working with your hands, and making a tangible difference in our community, you will fit right in with our growing team. We value your craftsmanship and offer a workplace where your skills are truly appreciated and your contributions are seen every single day.
Salary Range: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour
Benefits
Hourly Base Salary Based on Experience
Paid Time Off (PTO)Mon-Fri Schedule
Career Growth Opportunities
Requirements
Five years of hands-on experience in finish carpentry and framing.
Valid driver's license and a clean driving record.
Ability to read and interpret complex blueprints and schematics.
Ownership of standard carpentry hand and power tools.
Familiarity with local building codes and safety regulations in Indiana.
High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Experience working with insurance-based restoration projects is a plus.
Responsibilities
Oversee daily operations on residential and commercial restoration sites to ensure quality craftsmanship.
Perform precise carpentry work, including framing, trim installation, cabinetry, and door repairs.
Coordinate with project managers to keep jobs on schedule and within scope.
Mentor and guide junior crew members to maintain high standards of workmanship.
Communicate progress clearly and professionally with property owners throughout the restoration process.
Ensure that all worksites are kept clean, organized, and safe for everyone involved.
About Us
1st Choice Fire and Water Restoration is a locally operated, family-owned business based in South Bend, Indiana, with over three decades of experience serving homeowners throughout Northern Indiana. The company specializes in emergency residential restoration services following property damage caused by fire, smoke, and water. Their core services include water removal, comprehensive flood restoration, fire and soot cleanup, and professional mold remediation. Beyond disaster recovery, the team also performs interior painting, carpet cleaning, and air duct maintenance to assist clients with home upkeep. Dedicated to maintaining high standards of service, the firm provides prompt, 24-hour emergency response to help homeowners navigate the recovery process from initial assessment through to final restoration.
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Who's Hiring
- Nationwide Fixture Installations19
- Tesla5
- DSI Holdings Corporation3
- Association of Village Council Presidents3
- Sunbelt Rentals2
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in lead carpenter jobs.
- Five or more years of carpentry experience with at least one year in a lead or supervisory role
- Proficiency in reading and interpreting blueprints, construction drawings, and specifications
- OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification or willingness to obtain it before starting
- Experience with both rough framing and finish carpentry across residential or commercial projects
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation to job sites
- Ability to mentor apprentices and journeymen and coordinate daily crew workflows
Tips for Your Lead Carpenter Job Search
Quantify your project scope on your resume
Hiring managers want to see the scale you've managed. List the square footage of homes you've framed, the number of crew members you've led, or the dollar value of projects you've completed from rough framing through finish.
List every tool certification you hold
Lead carpenter postings frequently screen for OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 cards, powder-actuated tool certification, and forklift licenses. Put these in a dedicated credentials section so they're not buried in job descriptions.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists lead carpenter openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target postings that match your specialty
Framing, finish, cabinet, and restoration work draw very different employers. Filter your search by keywords like 'trim carpenter,' 'rough framing,' or 'millwork' so you're applying to roles where your specific experience is the main requirement.
Bring a photo portfolio to every interview
A visual record of finished staircases, crown molding, or custom built-ins closes the gap between your resume and your actual skill level. Interviewers for lead roles will almost always ask to see examples of your work.
Negotiate start date and tool allowance separately
Lead carpenter offers often include a tool allowance or company vehicle. Ask about these benefits after you have a verbal offer, and confirm whether the allowance renews annually or is a one-time amount before you accept.
Lead Carpenter Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most lead carpenters?
The companies hiring the most lead carpenters right now include Nationwide Fixture Installations, Tesla, and DSI Holdings Corporation, with the largest share of openings in Michigan, California, and Pennsylvania, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. General contractors and large remodeling firms tend to post the highest volume of lead roles consistently.
How many lead carpenter jobs are remote?
About 3% of lead carpenter openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of most construction and remodeling work. The sub-areas most likely to offer any remote component are estimating, project scheduling, and materials procurement coordination within a lead carpenter's responsibilities.
How do you become a lead carpenter?
Start by completing a carpentry apprenticeship or accumulating several years of journeyman-level field experience across both rough and finish work. Build proficiency in blueprint reading and crew coordination, then take on small supervisory responsibilities whenever they're available on your current site. Earning an OSHA card and demonstrating consistent project quality are the most common steps employers look for before promoting someone into a lead role.
Can you get hired as a lead carpenter with limited supervisory experience?
Yes, but you'll need to show strong technical depth to offset limited leadership history. Employers hiring from the journeyman level into a lead role want to see that you've informally mentored newer crew members, managed material orders, or coordinated with subcontractors, even without a formal title. Framing your resume around those moments of de facto leadership makes your application more competitive for entry-level lead positions.
What does the lead carpenter interview process look like?
Most lead carpenter interviews begin with a phone screen covering your experience with specific project types and your comfort managing a crew. An in-person or video interview follows, where you'll often be asked situational questions about handling schedule delays, quality disputes, or crew conflicts. Some employers include a brief skills assessment or a walk-through of an active job site to evaluate how you read plans and communicate with other trades on site.
Where can I find and apply to lead carpenter jobs?
You can find and apply to lead carpenter jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search for roles that match your specialty and experience level, then apply directly to each listing that fits your background and location.
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