Job Description: Carpenter
Overview
-
Job Title: Carpenter
-
Classification: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
-
Reports To: Senior Director of Physical Plant & Projects
-
Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM (On-call rotations and occasional weekend work required)
-
Supervisory Responsibilities: None
Job Summary/Objective
Sweet Briar College seeks a skilled Carpenter capable of independently performing facility maintenance, troubleshooting, repairs, and preventive maintenance. While this is an entry-level position within the department, it offers distinct growth potential to transition into a lead foreman role. As a core member of the carpenter shop, the successful candidate will focus primarily on carpentry needs across campus while remaining flexible to assist other trades as required.
About Sweet Briar College
Sweet Briar College is a liberal arts college for women with a long history of forging female leaders. Repeatedly named by U.S. News & World Report as one of the most innovative liberal arts colleges in the nation, Sweet Briar is growing rapidly. Students are drawn to its excellent liberal arts curriculum, coupled with distinctive programs in women’s leadership, engineering, sustainability, the arts, and its legendary equestrian program. The College’s finances are robust, validated by a balanced budget and positive bond ratings.
Located in the foothills of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains—approximately 12 miles north of Lynchburg and 54 miles south of Charlottesville—the campus is one of the nation’s most spectacular. It is replete with nature sanctuaries, lakes, forests, trails, and most recently, vineyards, an apiary, and greenhouses. The College boasts a modern core curriculum focused on women's leadership in the 21st century, alongside undergraduate programs in the arts, sciences, and humanities, as well as a Master of Arts in Teaching. It is one of only two women’s colleges in the United States with an ABET-accredited engineering degree.
When students graduate, they are persuasive communicators who know how to think on their feet and bring people together. No matter what they study or where they go, Sweet Briar women are prepared to lead. The campus community is a tight-knit family of faculty, staff, coaches, and alumnae who support and encourage students and each other. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 8 to 1, students lead research, ask questions, and forge supportive relationships with faculty that last for decades.
Essential Responsibilities
-
Carpentry & Structural Care: Perform rough and finish carpentry, including cabinetwork, sheetrock installation, and basic masonry/concrete ramp fabrication and repair.
-
Doors & Windows: Install, repair, and maintain wood, metal, and vinyl doors and windows, as well as install, replace, or repair lock systems.
-
Roofing & Drainage: Repair all types of roofs, roof drains, and flashing; routinely clean and repair gutters.
-
Finishing Work: Perform structural repairs and patch/paint walls, doors, and trim.
-
Fixtures & Installation: Hang various campus fixtures including whiteboards, bulletin boards, banners, and plaques.
-
Safety & Organization: Maintain a safe, clean, and well-organized work environment, including personal ownership of the assigned work vehicle, tools, and equipment.
-
Cross-Functional & Event Support: Assist other physical plant departments with inclement weather cleanup and help prepare facilities for graduation and other institutional events.
-
Contractor Liaison: Assist external contractors in locating facilities and gaining secure access to job sites.
-
Emergency Response: Participate in the on-call rotation to respond to after-hours emergencies and ensure prompt problem resolution.
-
Other Duties: Perform additional tasks and duties as assigned by the supervisor.
Required Qualifications
-
Ability to read blueprints and drawings, with specific knowledge of building construction and facility maintenance.
-
Proficiency using a variety of hand and power tools and other equipment (e.g., forklifts, drills, saws).
-
Basic mathematical skills coupled with strong oral and written communication skills.
-
Valid Virginia driver’s license (or the ability to obtain one) and eligibility for approval by the College’s insurance provider to operate institutional vehicles.
-
High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Preferred Qualifications
-
Prior carpentry or maintenance experience in an educational or institutional setting.
Work Environment & Physical Demands
-
Environment: Fast-paced, dynamic environment spanning both indoor and outdoor settings in varying weather conditions.
-
Physical Demands: Ability to navigate a large, rural campus on foot, lift up to 80 lbs, and work safely from ladders.
-
Autonomy: Ability to perform the essential duties of the position effectively with minimal supervision.
-
Travel: Occasional local trips to pick up necessary supplies.
Legal Disclaimers
Other Duties: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
Equal Opportunity Employer: As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Sweet Briar College is committed to enhancing our community and encourages applications from qualified individuals with varied backgrounds, experiences, and ideas who would increase the diversity of the College.
The hourly range for this position is $17.50- 18.50 per hour. This is commensurate with education and experience and will be determined in accordance with institutional guidelines.
