This post provides comprehensive details of the construction carpenter job description, including their most important responsibilities, obligations, and duties, to help you understand what they do, as well as templates employers can use.
It also highlights the major requirements you will need to fulfil to be hired for the construction carpenter role by most companies, as well as the salary to expect working in this position.
Please, read on:
What Does a Construction Carpenter do?
The construction carpenter job description entails reading blueprints, drawings, and sketches to have a clear understanding of the requirements.
Measuring and calculating the quantity and cost of materials required to complete the task are also duties that they perform.
It also involves working with wood composites, metal studs, particle boards and cultured stone.
Studs are vertical pieces of wood attached on either side of an opening in the wall of a structure, such as windows and doors.
A construction carpenter must use hand or power tools to shape, cut, sharpen, smooth and finish surfaces by sanding.
They measure and take precise measurements using measuring instruments like tape measures, levels and marking tools.
It is also important that they must be able to read dimensions from plans and drawings to determine the size and shape of materials required for work they are doing.
Construction carpenters assemble and erect metal studs and other components according to sketches, blueprints and specifications.
They hang doors, windows stairs and railings; for example: installing metal panels on stair treads and risers.
It is also their role to lay out scaffolding by using a laser level or tape measurer to determine location of stakes at corners or edges of a building or structure.
The construction carpenter’s duties also involves measuring and cutting materials using saws, hammers, and other tools, as well as performing other tasks required to set up scaffolding around a construction site.
It also includes cutting off the excess material from the edges of metal panels with hand or power tools.
A construction carpenter is responsible for assembling, erecting, and dismantling scaffolding, as well as moving materials to the location where they are needed around a work site.
Construction carpenters must be able to apply surface coatings according to plans or specifications by using paint brushes, rollers, spray equipment or other applications.
The construction carpenter work description also entails marking, aligning, and gathering of parts to be assembled with bolts or screws to construct buildings, bridges, ships, and other structures.
It is their responsibility to determine the required dimensions of all parts by using blueprints, plans, or drawings, including wood, metal studs, and other components.
Construction carpenters follow instructions from engineers, architects and supervisors to determine the quantity of materials required for a specific task on a job site.
They use hand or power tools to cut and shape wood or metal on a building or structure according to plans or specifications by using saws, planes, and other tools.
A construction carpenter must make precise measurements to cut materials by using measuring instruments like a tape measurer or a ruler.
Their tasks also includes assembling and erecting scaffolding by connecting parts with bolts, screws and other hardware, as well as positioning the assembly into place around a work site.
Construction Carpenter Job Description Example/Sample/Template
The construction carpenter’s job description includes the following duties, tasks, and responsibilities:
- Installs foundations, walls, floors, ceilings, and roofs from materials such as wood, steel, metal, concrete, and plastics, and composite materials
- Constructs forms for poured concrete, reinforced concrete, or other masonry products
- Finishes walls, floors, and ceilings
- Finds building materials in accordance with specifications by measuring, cutting, or sawing lumber, metal plates, poles, or other materials
- Assembles parts to form completed structural framework
- Uses power-operated hand tools such as drills, borers, hammers, picks, shovels, and riveters to rivet, hammer, or fasten parts together
- Tells how materials are being handled in order to ensure that weight limitations are not being exceeded
- Uses mathematical formulas to determine maximum safe load capacity of lumber beams
- Puts finishing touches on woodwork or masonry
- Lays out building materials according to blueprints or other specifications
- Cuts metal plate to specified measurements
- Partitions rooms, buildings, and other spaces in accordance with blueprints
- Loads hand tools, power tools, lumber, and construction equipment into vehicles
- Assists different types of engineers (such as civil, mechanical, or electrical) by doing tasks such as cleaning up drawings or other printing material, gathering data, or creating models
- Forces bolts into steel plates with pneumatic wrenches.
Construction Carpenter Requirements: Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities for Career Success
Here are major requirements most companies will want you to fulfil to be hired for the construction carpenter’s role:
- Valid Driver License
- Social Security Card
- Valid background check
- Ability to pass drug screen with medical marijuana card
- Physically agile and capable of lifting 70 pounds
- Ability to work/operate in a variety of settings
- Education requirements include graduating from high school or obtaining a GED. In most cases, experience is also required – usually two years of experience in carpentry or construction duties.
- Some states do not require any education or experience, while others have stricter requirements.
Construction Carpenter Job Description Templates
Here are construction carpenter job description templates employers can simply edit and use in their job postings to attract the best talents to their companies:
TEMPLATE 1.
Position Title: Construction Carpenter
Reports To: Site Foreman / Superintendent / Project Manager
Location: [Your Company Location or Job Site]
Employment Type: Full-Time or Part-Time
Company Overview
[Your Company Name] is a trusted construction firm specializing in [residential, commercial, industrial, or civil] projects. We are committed to high-quality craftsmanship, safety, teamwork, and professional growth. Our carpenters play a vital role in helping us deliver exceptional work that meets and exceeds client expectations.
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced, skilled, and safety-focused Construction Carpenter to perform carpentry tasks including framing, installation, repair, and finishing work on construction sites. The ideal candidate has strong technical expertise, the ability to interpret blueprints, and a solid understanding of tools, materials, and construction techniques.
This role contributes significantly to the success of our projects and requires reliability, precision, and a strong work ethic.
Key Responsibilities
Carpentry & Construction Work
- Perform rough and finish carpentry tasks, including framing, installing doors, windows, drywall, trim, and flooring.
- Construct, install, and repair structures, fixtures, and building frameworks using wood, metal, and other materials.
- Measure, cut, and shape materials accurately using hand and power tools.
- Build scaffolding, temporary structures, and forms for concrete as needed.
Blueprints & Specifications
- Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, schematics, and project plans.
- Follow technical instructions and ensure work complies with specifications and building codes.
- Collaborate with supervisors and other trades to clarify design requirements.
Tools & Equipment Operation
- Safely operate carpentry tools including saws, drills, planers, nail guns, levels, and measuring equipment.
- Maintain tools in good condition and report any damage or malfunctions.
- Operate machinery such as forklifts or scissor lifts if certified.
Site Preparation & Cleanup
- Prepare work areas, set up materials, and ensure safe access routes.
- Assist with loading, unloading, and transporting materials.
- Maintain a clean, organized job site and remove debris regularly.
Quality Control & Safety
- Ensure work meets company quality standards and client expectations.
- Follow OSHA regulations and company safety policies at all times.
- Use required PPE such as gloves, safety glasses, and hard hats.
- Report hazards, incidents, or unsafe practices immediately.
Collaboration & Communication
- Work closely with laborers, apprentices, electricians, plumbers, and other trades.
- Provide guidance to junior carpenters or helpers as needed.
- Communicate progress, challenges, and material needs to supervisors.
Skills & Qualifications
- Proven experience as a carpenter in commercial or residential construction.
- Excellent carpentry skills including framing, finishing, and installation.
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and blueprints.
- Strong knowledge of building materials, methods, and building codes.
- Skilled in using hand tools and power tools safely and efficiently.
- Ability to lift 50+ lbs. and perform physically demanding tasks.
- Good math, measurement, and problem-solving skills.
- Reliable, detail-oriented, and able to work independently or as part of a team.
Education & Experience Requirements
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Completion of an apprenticeship program or vocational training preferred.
- 2–5+ years of carpentry experience required.
- OSHA 10 or 30 certification is a plus.
- Valid driver’s license may be required depending on project needs.
Eligibility to Work in the United States
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring employer sponsorship now or in the future.
Work Environment
- Active construction sites with exposure to weather, noise, dust, and heavy equipment.
- Frequent standing, bending, kneeling, climbing, and lifting.
- May require overtime, early mornings, evenings, or weekend work based on project schedules.
- Travel to various job sites may be required.
Equal Opportunity Statement
[Your Company Name] is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any protected characteristic.
Additional Information
- This job description outlines essential duties but may not include all responsibilities.
- Duties may change depending on project needs and company priorities.
- Reasonable accommodations may be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities.
- Pre-employment background checks or skill assessments may be required.
How to Apply
Submit your resume and optional portfolio or work samples to [Insert Email or Application Link].
TEMPLATE 2.
Location: [City, State]
Employment Type: Full-Time
About Us
[Your Company Name] is a reputable construction company specializing in [residential/commercial/industrial] projects. We are seeking a skilled Construction Carpenter to join our team.
Job Summary
The Construction Carpenter performs rough and finish carpentry work including framing, installing doors and windows, building structures, and completing detailed finish work. This role is essential for ensuring high-quality craftsmanship and supporting project deadlines.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform framing, installation, repair, and finish carpentry tasks
- Measure, cut, and shape materials accurately
- Read and follow blueprints and project specifications
- Operate hand and power tools safely and efficiently
- Build temporary structures, scaffolding, and concrete forms
- Maintain a clean and safe job site
Qualifications
- 2+ years of carpentry experience (residential or commercial)
- Ability to read blueprints and use carpentry tools
- Strong attention to detail and craftsmanship
- Ability to lift 50+ lbs. and perform physical tasks
- Safety-conscious and reliable
Eligibility to Work in the U.S.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
How to Apply
Submit your resume to [Insert Email or Application Link].
Conclusion
If you are interested in the construction carpenter career, then you will find this post helpful to increase your knowledge of the duties and responsibilities that they usually perform.
This will enable you to decide correctly if working as a construction carpenter is what you want to do.
This post is also helpful to recruiters/employers needing to make a detailed construction carpenter job description for use in the hiring process for the role in their organizations.
They can apply any of the construction carpenter job description templates provided on this page in making one for their companies.
