Overview
DeadTree General Contracting is seeking a skilled residential remodeler, lead carpenter, or journeyman-level tradesperson for residential remodeling and repair work throughout Southern Illinois.
This position is intended for someone with real field experience who can help move jobs forward without needing every step explained from the beginning. We need someone who understands jobsite sequencing, basic framing/layout, residential remodeling, customer-occupied homes, and quality workmanship.
This is not primarily an entry-level apprentice position. Apprentice-level applicants may still be considered, but this posting is focused on finding someone with more developed construction ability.
We are also open to former contractors or business owners who are tired of chasing estimates, bookkeeping, scheduling, collections, and administrative work but still want to build and produce quality work in the field.
Duties
- Perform residential remodeling, repair, and property improvement work.
- Assist with or independently complete framing, subfloor repair, drywall, flooring, siding, decking, porch repairs, bathroom remodels, kitchen remodels, trim, finish work, and general repairs.
- Read a tape measure accurately and make clean, accurate cuts.
- Lay out basic framing, blocking, sheet goods, and substrate repairs correctly.
- Understand that drywall, subfloor, sheathing, plywood, OSB, and other sheet goods must land on proper framing or solid backing.
- Identify rot, water damage, framing issues, unsafe wiring, plumbing concerns, or other hidden conditions before covering them up.
- Work safely in occupied residential homes.
- Protect customer property, maintain a clean jobsite, and communicate professionally.
- Ask questions when something is unclear instead of guessing or creating rework.
- Help train or guide lower-skilled helpers when needed, depending on experience level.
- Communicate with the owner about delays, field issues, missing materials, damage, scope questions, and scheduling concerns.
Types of Work
Our projects may include:
- Bathroom remodels
- Shower conversions
- Kitchen remodels
- Decks and porches
- Framing and structural repairs
- Subfloor repairs
- Drywall and finishing
- Flooring installation
- Siding, soffit, and fascia
- Roofing repairs
- Property maintenance
- General residential remodeling
This is a multi-trade remodeling position. We are not looking for someone who only wants to do one narrow task every day. We need someone who can think through jobsite conditions, adapt, and help produce forward progress.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate may be one of the following:
- Skilled residential remodeler
- Journeyman-level carpenter
- Lead carpenter
- Experienced framing carpenter
- Bathroom or kitchen remodeler
- Deck builder
- Former contractor or business owner
- Licensed plumber seeking part-time project work
- Certified carpenter or experienced trade professional
- Retired or semi-retired tradesman seeking supplemental work
Strong candidates should be comfortable with several of the following:
- Reading a tape measure accurately
- Laying out basic framing
- Understanding 16-inch on-center layout
- Cutting accurately with saws
- Setting saw depth correctly
- Installing sheet goods with proper substrate support
- Understanding butt joints and framing/backing requirements
- Identifying rot, water damage, framing issues, and unsafe conditions
- Installing or repairing subfloor
- Framing walls, decks, porches, or repairs
- Hanging drywall or assisting with drywall work
- Installing flooring
- Performing trim or finish work
- Understanding basic plumbing and electrical concepts
- Working safely in occupied residential homes
- Communicating clearly with the owner and crew
Compensation
Compensation is based on actual demonstrated ability, reliability, production, communication, and responsibility.
This is not a flat apprentice position.
Higher compensation is available for candidates who can prove skill, production, judgment, and ability to work independently.
Qualified journeymen, lead carpenters, licensed plumbers, certified carpenters, and experienced trade professionals may qualify for higher daily rates based on:
- Verifiable experience
- Licenses or certifications
- Portfolio or photos of completed work
- References
- Ability to work independently
- Ability to lead tasks or train helpers
- Customer communication
- Jobsite judgment
- Quality and speed of production
Apprentice-level applicants may still be considered, but apprentice-level compensation is lower and based on current demonstrated ability.
Work Environment
Most projects are located within approximately 40 miles of Carbondale, Illinois.
Travel outside our normal service area may be compensated according to company travel policies and billed to the project.
Our crews focus on production, efficiency, craftsmanship, customer service, and problem-solving rather than simply filling a time clock.
We believe in doing quality work, cleaning up properly, treating customers with respect, and going home.
Benefits and Practical Support
DeadTree is a small growing company and does not currently offer corporate-style benefits such as health, dental, or vision insurance.
We do offer practical support for dependable long-term crew members, including:
- On-the-job training
- Flexible scheduling when project conditions allow
- Professional development and skill-building
- Tool assistance when earned through reliability and performance
- Employee discounts where applicable
- Potential vehicle maintenance support for personal vehicles used to get to and from work
Reliable transportation is critical in construction. When possible, DeadTree reinvests into dependable crew members by helping keep their vehicles maintained and roadworthy so they can continue showing up and working.
Vehicle repair or maintenance assistance is considered based on reliability, performance, company profits, and project conditions.
Construction Skills Assessment Required
Applicants will complete a Construction Field Literacy Assessment as part of the hiring process.
The assessment covers:
- Tape measure reading
- Framing and layout
- Sheet goods and substrate support
- Butt joints
- Plumbing fundamentals
- Electrical fundamentals
- Drywall, flooring, roofing, and siding concepts
- Safety and jobsite judgment
This assessment is not designed to trick anyone. It helps determine actual skill level, trade knowledge, judgment, and whether a candidate can recognize what they know and what they need to verify.
Applicants may use code books, manufacturer specifications, Google, YouTube, AI tools, and other resources during portions of the assessment. If information is researched, simply note it by writing “RESEARCHED” or “LOOKED UP” next to that answer.
In construction, nobody knows everything. What matters is whether a person can find accurate information, verify it, ask questions when needed, and apply it correctly before making mistakes in the field.
Tools Required
Applicants should own basic construction hand tools and a starter cordless tool kit.
Examples include:
- Tape measure
- Hammer
- Utility knife
- Tool pouch
- Drill
- Impact driver
- Circular saw
- Sawzall / reciprocating saw
- Oscillating multi-tool preferred
We are not expecting applicants to own thousands of dollars in specialty equipment, but skilled applicants should have their own basic working tool setup.
DeadTree believes in investing in people who invest in themselves. Team members who demonstrate reliability, commitment, skill development, and long-term potential may receive additional training opportunities, tool assistance, and advancement opportunities.
Requirements
Applicants should have:
- Reliable transportation
- Working phone
- Basic hand tools
- Residential construction or remodeling experience
- Ability to read a tape measure accurately
- Ability to follow directions and ask questions when unsure
- Ability to work safely in occupied homes
- Ability to communicate clearly
- Pride in quality work
- Respect for customers and coworkers
Skill can be developed, but reliability, integrity, and work ethic must come from the individual.
Application Instructions
Please include the following when applying:
- Name
- Phone number
- Construction experience
- Transportation status
- Tools you own
- Strongest skills
- Areas you want to improve
- Availability
- Photos, portfolio, certifications, licenses, or references if applicable
Qualified applicants will be contacted for the next step, which may include the Construction Field Literacy Assessment, an interview, and/or a paid hands-on trial day.
DeadTree General Contracting
Carbondale / Southern Illinois
618-356-3036
[email protected]
Pay: $150.00 - $250.00 per day
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- On-the-job training
- Professional development assistance
- Tools provided
Work Location: In person
