APPRENTICE CARPENTER — NORCAL EXTERIOR
Location: Arcata, CA | Pay: $22–$30/hour (based on experience) | Type: Full-time, Year-round
ABOUT THIS ROLE
We're NorCal Exterior — a general construction company specializing in windows, siding, and doors in Humboldt County. We build above code and we do things the right way the first time. From time to time we take on ADUs and bathroom remodels, mainly in the winter months.
We're a small crew, and we're building toward a multi-team operation. That means this is a great opportunity to grow with our company. This isn't just a laborer role — it's an apprenticeship. You'll learn directly from experienced builders, work through a defined skills progression, and build a real trade you can carry for the rest of your career. We offer an educational stipend, mileage reimbursement, retirement access, paid sick time, and a discounted gym membership — because we believe the people doing the work deserve to be treated well.
We're looking for a motivated, driven person who's eager to learn and shows up ready to work hard. If you take pride in what you do and want to be part of a crew that actually cares about the quality of their work — we want to talk.
WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING
- Learning residential building systems and processes
- Completing basic tasks independently
- Measuring, cutting, and assisting with material installation
- Painting and caulking with consistency
- Contributing to daily setup and cleanup
- Maintaining jobsite organization
- Communicating material or tool needs before they cause a delay
- Actively practicing jobsite safety
- Staying positive and productive throughout the day
- Showing initiative and staying purposefully busy
You're learning the craft while pulling your weight on the crew. This will be a gradual process, with guidance and on-site learning as we build trust with each other.
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
- You're eager to learn and willing to ask questions
- You're building your foundation and getting your basics down
- You follow instructions with consistency
- You show up ready to work hard every day
- You have a positive attitude and you're enjoyable to be around
- You take pride in your work
- You're a team player who wants to be part of a supportive crew
- You communicate clearly on the job and with your team
- You actively practice safety and speak up if something feels off
- You stay positive and productive, even when the work gets repetitive
- You show initiative and don't wait to be told what to do next
- You're willing to put in the work to get better at this craft
- You have basic personal construction tools
Bonus points: a truck with a lumber rack (not required).
YOUR PATH AS AN APPRENTICE
This title means something here. As you build skills, your pay and responsibility grow with you. Progress isn't based on time served — it's based on what you can do. Your mentor will track your progress and review it with you at each milestone.
Stage 1 — Foundation (90 days)
Learning tools, site safety, setup/cleanup, measuring and cutting under supervision
Pay: $22–24/hr
Stage 2 — Install Assist (takes about 6 months, depending on your motivation)
Assisting on window, siding, and door installs; painting and caulking independently
Pay: $25–27/hr
Stage 3 — Independent Install (takes about 1-2 years)
Running basic installs independently with minimal supervision; mentoring newer apprentices Pay: $28–30/hr
Beyond
Ready to grow into Lead Carpenter or Foreman track Pay: DOE
Reviews at 90 days and every 6 months after, tied to skills demonstrated — not just time on the job. You'll have a named mentor from day one to guide you through it.
WHAT YOU'LL GET
This is stable, year-round work with a crew that's serious about the trade — and serious about the people doing it.
Year-round work
No seasonal layoffs. We keep busy through windows, siding, doors, and winter remodel projects. You can plan your life around a steady paycheck.
A named mentor
You'll be paired with an experienced builder from day one who's invested in getting you to the next stage.
Educational stipend
Up to $1,000/year toward trade courses, certifications, or manufacturer training — available after your first 90 days. We invest in your growth beyond the jobsite.
Tool stipend
After 90 days, we contribute toward building out your own personal tool kit — an investment in your trade, not just your job.
Mileage reimbursement at the IRS rate
72.5¢/mile for 2026. Your vehicle is a tool — we treat it that way. Every work mile gets reimbursed.
CalSavers retirement plan
Access to California's state-sponsored retirement savings program. Simple to enroll, automatic contributions, yours to keep.
5 paid sick days per year
After your probation period. You shouldn't have to choose between your health and your paycheck. We cover you when you need it.
Discounted gym membership
Through HealthSport. This work is physical. Staying strong and healthy isn't a luxury — it's part of doing the job well long-term.
Health and safety you can count on
Cal/OSHA compliant jobsites, proper PPE, and a culture where safety is non-negotiable.
OUR CULTURE
We work fast, we work smart, and we have fun doing it. We're built like a hotshot fire crew — hard working, high-performing, tight-knit, and proud of what we do. All while we're having fun.
HOW TO APPLY
Submit your application with all three of the following:
1. Your resume — Any construction, trade, or hands-on work you've done. New to the trade is fine — tell us what you've built or fixed, even on your own. Plus anything else that may help you stand out.
2. A photo or two — Show us something you've worked on that you're proud of.
3. A short note — Tell us why you want to work with NorCal Exterior and what kind of crew member you are.
Applications without all three won't be considered. We're looking for people who follow through from the first step.
We look forward to hear from you and hopefully work many years with with you.
Pay: $22.00 - $30.00 per hour
Benefits:
- On-the-job training
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Tools provided
- Tuition reimbursement
Language:
License/Certification:
Shift availability:
Ability to Commute:
- Arcata, CA 95521 (Required)
Work Location: In person
