Lead Deck Builder - Build More Than Decks. Build a Career.
At Upright Exterior Services, we're a locally owned, family-operated company known for quality craftsmanship, exceptional customer service, and doing things the right way. What started as an exterior cleaning company has grown into a premier custom deck construction and restoration company serving Southwest Washington and the Portland Metro area.
We're looking for an experienced Lead Deck Builder who takes pride in their work, enjoys mentoring others, and wants to help build a company—not just collect a paycheck.
If you're looking for a place where your experience is valued, your ideas are heard, and your work truly matters, we'd love to meet you.
The Position
As our Lead Deck Builder, you'll oversee custom residential deck projects from layout through final walkthrough. You'll lead a small crew, train newer employees, maintain high quality standards, and work directly with ownership to ensure every project exceeds customer expectations.
This is a leadership role requiring someone who can both build exceptional decks and build exceptional people.
What You'll Do
- Lead residential deck construction projects from start to finish
- Read and interpret plans and construction drawings
- Layout footings, framing, stairs, railings, and decking
- Construct wood, composite, PVC, and steel-framed decks
- Train and mentor crew members in proper building techniques
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe jobsite
- Ensure projects are completed on schedule while maintaining exceptional quality
- Communicate professionally with homeowners throughout the project
- Work alongside ownership to continually improve our construction processes
- Maintain company vehicles, trailers, and equipment
We're Looking For Someone Who Has
Required Qualifications
- 3–5+ years of verifiable residential deck construction experience
- Previous experience leading or training other carpenters
- Strong framing and finish carpentry skills
- Experience building stairs and railing systems
- Ability to read plans and understand building codes
- Strong problem-solving abilities
- Excellent communication skills
- Valid driver's license with a clean driving record
- Ability to lift 75+ pounds regularly
- Comfortable working outdoors year-round and at heights
- Reliable transportation to and from our Vancouver office
Preferred Experience
Experience with:
- Fortress steel framing
- Trex, TimberTech, Fiberon, Eva-Last, or other composite decking systems
- Permit inspections and code compliance
- Structural hardware and Simpson Strong-Tie products
- Equipment operation (augers, skid steers, mini excavators, etc.)
What Success Looks Like
You are someone who:
- Shows up on time every day
- Takes ownership of your projects
- Leads by example
- Treats customers with professionalism and respect
- Enjoys teaching others
- Pays attention to details that most people overlook
- Solves problems instead of creating them
- Wants to continually improve your craft
This Probably Isn't the Right Fit If You...
- Cut corners to save time
- Need constant supervision
- Have difficulty accepting feedback
- Struggle working as part of a team
- Frequently miss work or arrive late
- Don't enjoy working outdoors in all weather conditions
- Prefer doing the minimum instead of taking pride in your work
Compensation
$28.00–$32.00 per hour to start
(Depending on experience, leadership ability, and proven skill level.)
Opportunities for performance-based wage increases are available as you demonstrate leadership, craftsmanship, reliability, and the ability to help grow our construction division.
Why Join Upright Exterior Services?
- Family-owned company with supportive leadership
- Local work—you'll be home every night
- Overtime opportunities during busy seasons
- High-quality tools and equipment provided
- Opportunities for continuing education and manufacturer training
- Help shape and grow a rapidly expanding deck construction division
- Small team where your ideas and contributions make a real impact
We believe great employees deserve respect, honest communication, and the opportunity to grow alongside the company.
Ready to Build Something Great?
If you're an experienced deck builder who enjoys producing exceptional work and leading others, we'd like to hear from you.
Please submit your resume along with a brief summary of your deck construction experience, including the types of projects you've led and your experience training or supervising others.
Only applicants with verifiable deck construction experience will be considered.
Pay: $28.00 - $32.00 per hour
Benefits:
- On-the-job training
- Paid time off
- Tools provided
Application Question(s):
- Please describe your deck construction experience in detail.
Include the number of years you've been building decks, the types of decks you've built (wood, composite, PVC, steel framing), and the scope of projects you've personally completed.
- Tell us about your experience leading or training others.
Describe the size of the crews you've supervised, how you trained new employees, and what responsibilities you had as the lead on a project.
- What makes you qualified to be our Lead Deck Builder?
Please tell us about your strongest carpentry skills, any relevant certifications or specialized training, your experience reading plans and passing inspections, and why you believe you're the right fit for this position.
Work Location: In person
