Lead Carpenter / Crew Lead — Custom Decks & Outdoor Structures
Company: Apex Outdoor Solutions Location: Southwest Michigan (Kalamazoo, Cass, St. Joseph, Van Buren & Berrien Counties) Job Type: Full-Time, Year-Round Pay: $25-$40 per hour, based on experience Reports To: Operations Manager / Ownership Direct Reports: 2–4 person crew
About the Role
This is a lead position, not a helper spot. You'll own the job from material staging through final walkthrough — running your own crew, holding the schedule, protecting the budget, and delivering the level of finish our clients are paying for.
Our focus is high-end composite decks and outdoor structures: custom lakefront builds, multi-level decks, pergolas, and outdoor living spaces where the details show. In the off-season, the crew shifts to interior construction and remodels, so the work — and the paycheck — runs year-round.
If you've been the person on site everyone already asks when there's a question, this is the seat you should be sitting in.
What You'll Own
Project Management & Crew Leadership
- Run the day-to-day on your assigned projects from start to punch list
- Direct and develop a 2–4 person crew — assign tasks, set pace, hold quality standards
- Build and hold the daily and weekly schedule; flag slippage before it becomes a delay
- Perform material takeoffs, place and verify orders, manage staging and delivery timing
- Track labor hours and material use against the estimate and report variances
- Serve as the primary on-site contact for the homeowner or GC
- Coordinate inspections, permits, and any subs on your job
- Enforce safety standards and daily site cleanliness
- Submit daily progress reports, photos, and change-order documentation
- Walk the job with the client and close out the punch list
Construction Execution
- Layout and elevation work — footings, posts, beams, and framing on complex and multi-level decks
- Composite decking installation with hidden fastener systems (TimberTech, Trex, Azek, or similar)
- Cable, glass, aluminum, and custom railing systems
- Stairs, landings, and lakefront access structures
- Pergolas, privacy screens, outdoor kitchens, and related structures
- Off-season interior construction — framing, trim, doors, casework, and remodels
- Solving field problems on site without stopping the job
What We're Looking For
Required
- Minimum 5 years carpentry experience with at least 2 years leading a crew
- Proven track record on custom or high-end residential work where finish quality is scrutinized
- Composite decking and modern railing system experience
- Fluent reading construction plans, specs, and shop drawings
- Able to perform accurate material takeoffs and hold a job to budget
- Comfortable being the face of the company in front of clients
- Full set of hand and power tools
- Valid driver's license and clean driving record
- Able to lift 50+ lbs, work at heights, and work outdoors in Michigan weather
- Passes background check and pre-employment screening
Preferred
- Manufacturer certifications (TimberTech, Trex, Fortress, or similar)
- Experience pulling permits and coordinating with local building departments
- Concrete and footing experience, including helical or engineered systems
- Comfort with job-tracking software and digital daily reporting
- OSHA 10 or 30 certification
- Experience training and mentoring newer carpenter
Why Work at Apex
- Year-round work — decks and outdoor builds in season, interior construction and remodels through the cold months, snow operations in winter. No seasonal layoffs.
- Pay that reflects a lead role, with raises tied to performance and job outcomes
- [Performance or project-completion bonus — remove if not offered]
- Company truck or vehicle allowance
- Company-provided larger tools and equipment
- Real autonomy — you run your job, we don't hover
- Growth path to Foreman and Superintendent as we expand
- Owner-operated company that answers the phone and backs its leads
How to Apply
Send your resume and photos of projects you've led to [email protected] or call 269 217 8790 to talk it through. We care more about what you've built and how you ran the job than how the resume is formatted.
Apex Outdoor Solutions is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
Pay: $25.00 - $40.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
