LEAD CARPENTER / WORKING FOREMAN
Full-Time | On-Site | Queens & Long Island, NY | $45–$50/hr
Bilingual Required: Spanish or Chinese | 90-Day Performance Review
About Us
We are a boutique general contracting company operating across Queens and Long Island, specializing in high-end residential gut renovations and commercial interior fitouts. With 12 skilled in-house tradespeople, we deliver complex, detail-driven projects that demand real craftsmanship at every phase. Our crew is tight, our standards are high, and every person on the team takes pride in the work they put their name on.
About the Role
This is primarily a hands-on carpentry role — you will be working alongside the crew every day, setting the standard for quality and pace. As the most senior tradesperson on site, you will also carry the natural leadership responsibilities that come with that — directing the carpentry crew, keeping the job moving, coordinating with other trades when needed, and keeping ownership and management informed of what's happening in the field. You move with the carpentry crew from job to job, and wherever you are, the site runs better because of it.
What You'll DoHands-On Carpentry (Primary)
- Perform high-end finish and rough carpentry across active residential and commercial job sites
- Lead the carpentry crew in daily execution — setting the pace, maintaining quality, and working shoulder to shoulder with your team
- Execute precision finish work: custom trim, built-ins, cabinetry, millwork, doors, windows, and architectural details
- Manage rough framing, backing, blocking, and structural carpentry as required by each project phase
- Oversee carpentry sequencing to ensure downstream trades (flooring, painting, tile) can follow without delays
- Maintain the highest level of craftsmanship on every task — you are the benchmark the crew measures themselves against
High-End Residential Gut Renovations
- Lead carpentry work across all phases of full gut renovation projects — demo through final punch list
- Coordinate carpentry around MEP rough-ins, insulation, and drywall to maintain tight sequencing
- Navigate co-op, condo, and owner-occupied renovation environments with professionalism and discretion
- Deliver finish work that meets the expectations of high-end residential clients and their designers
Commercial Interior Fitouts
- Execute carpentry scopes on commercial interior fitout projects including offices, retail, and dental offices
- Deliver the elevated level of finish quality that medical and dental office clients expect — tight tolerances, clean lines, and detail-oriented execution throughout
- Work within commercial build-out sequencing: framing, ceiling systems, partitions, storefronts, and finish carpentry
- Meet commercial build standards, ADA requirements, and certificate of occupancy timelines
On-Site Oversight (Supporting)
- As the senior person on site, keep a general eye on how the job is running — not just your crew, but the whole picture
- Flag sequencing conflicts, sub-trade issues, or schedule risks to the owner or project manager before they become problems
- Coordinate briefly with other trades and subs on site to keep work flowing and avoid bottlenecks
- Communicate clearly and consistently with ownership and project management — daily updates, no surprises
- Represent the company professionally with owners, designers, building managers, and inspectors when on site
Plans, Codes & Documentation
- Read and interpret full construction document sets: architectural drawings, reflected ceiling plans, MEP drawings, and shop drawings
- Ensure all carpentry work meets NYC, Nassau County, and Suffolk County residential and commercial building codes
- Use CompanyCam and Contractor Foreman for daily logs, photo documentation, material requests, and field reporting
- Communicate RFIs, material needs, and scope questions to project management clearly and promptly
Site & Safety
- Follow and enforce OSHA standards and company safety policies on every job site
- Keep your work area and the broader site organized, clean, and safe throughout each phase
What We're Looking ForRequired Qualifications
- 7+ years of hands-on high-end residential or commercial carpentry experience
- 3+ years as a lead carpenter, working foreman, or crew lead on multi-trade job sites
- Experience on both high-end residential gut renovations and commercial interior fitouts (offices, dental, retail)
- Mastery of all phases of finish and rough carpentry — you can do it all and teach others to do it right
- Ability to read and interpret full construction document sets including architectural, MEP, and shop drawings
- Working knowledge of NYC, Nassau County, and Suffolk County building codes and inspection procedures
- Natural leadership — able to direct a crew, coordinate with other trades, and keep a job moving without being in a management seat full time
- Professional-level proficiency in Spanish or Chinese (in addition to English) — required for crew communication
- Own a complete, professional-grade set of hand and power tools
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation to Queens and Long Island job sites
Tech & Field Skills
- Proficient with CompanyCam and Contractor Foreman — or able to get up to speed quickly; these are our primary field management tools
- Comfortable reviewing digital plan sets, submitting field reports, and communicating through project management platforms on a tablet or smartphone
- Up to date on current carpentry techniques, products, and material innovations for high-end residential and commercial work
- Proficient with laser levels, digital measuring tools, and modern layout equipment
Preferred Qualifications
- OSHA 30-Hour Construction certification
- NYC DOB Site Safety Training (SST) card
- Experience working in NYC co-op and condo buildings with alteration agreements
- First Aid / CPR certification
Compensation & Benefits
Starting Pay
$45–$50 / hour, commensurate with experience
Pay Type
Hourly (non-exempt)
Performance Review
Formal 90-day review with compensation adjustment opportunity
Bonuses
Annual performance bonuses based on project outcomes
Vacation
Paid vacation days included
Tools
Must supply own professional-grade tool set
Work Environment
- Active residential and commercial interior job sites across Queens and Long Island — you move with the crew
- Physical requirements: lifting up to 80 lbs, working at heights, extended standing, kneeling, and overhead work
- Monday – Friday, 7:00 AM start; weekend availability may be required during peak project phases
Why Join Our Crew
- Do what you're best at — the craft comes first, every day
- High-end work that challenges your skills and builds your portfolio
- Tight, experienced crew — no drama, just building
- Your leadership is recognized and compensated, without being pulled fully out of the field
- Stable year-round work with direct access to ownership — decisions get made fast
How to Apply
Submit your resume along with a brief description of a residential gut renovation or commercial fitout project you're proud of — what was your role, what was the scope, and what made it successful. Applicants who include a project example receive priority review. Finalists will be invited to a working interview on an active job site.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
Pay: $45.00 - $50.00 per hour
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
