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CB
Cannon Building
Lead Carpenter
Career Insights for Carpenter
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Based on California data
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What they do
A Carpenter builds and repairs wood frameworks or structures for houses and buildings, or builds and installs wood cabinets, furniture or other fixtures. May specialize in residential, commercial or industrial carpentry.
$66,268 / year median in California
+3% projected growth
Job Description
Position Summary:
Cannon Building, a leading general contractor specializing in life science, healthcare, commercial/institutional, and industrial sectors, is seeking an experienced Lead Carpenter . The Lead Carpenter must demonstrate and lead with commitment, initiative, integrity, and teamwork in the execution of their duties. This position is responsible for performing skilled carpentry, framing, drywall installation, and finishing work across commercial construction projects. This role requires hands-on experience with metal and wood framing, drywall systems, taping, texture, and finish work. The ideal candidate will have a strong attention to detail and a commitment to safety and quality. This individual should be capable of working independently as well as leading and managing a group of craft professionals while contributing to project schedules and maintaining high workmanship standards. Experience working on life science or healthcare construction projects is preferred but not required.Responsibilities:
- Perform rough and finish carpentry work, including wood and metal stud framing, blocking, backing, and installation of building components.
- Install drywall systems, including hanging, patching, taping, mudding, sanding, and preparing surfaces for paint or finish.
- Install metal lath, corner bead, trim, and other drywall accessories as required by project specifications.
- Complete drywall finishing, texture matching, and repair work to meet quality standards.
- Read and interpret blueprints, shop drawings, specifications, and project documents to ensure accurate installation.
- Measure, cut, and assemble materials using hand and power tools while maintaining a high level of workmanship.
- Coordinate daily activities with the Superintendent, Foreman, and other trades to maintain project schedules.
- Identify and communicate field issues, conflicts, or material shortages to project leadership.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area in compliance with OSHA regulations and company safety policies.
- Perform punch-list items, warranty work, and project closeout tasks as assigned.
- Assist with additional construction activities as needed to support project completion.
- Provide leadership and direction to assigned field personnel.
- Assist in training and mentoring apprentices and junior carpenters.
- Coordinate work sequencing to maximize productivity and quality.
Qualifications & Requirements:
- Minimum 5+ years of construction experience in a foreman, lead, or similar field role.
- Existing framing and drywall experience required.
- Life science and healthcare construction experience preferred, but not required.
- Strong working knowledge of construction methods, including carpentry, metal stud framing, drywall, containment, layout, and field coordination.
- Understanding of reinforced concrete, wood framing methods, engineering details, and basic working knowledge of electrical, mechanical, and plumbing coordination.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for interaction with clients, stakeholders, team members, subcontractors, and project leadership.
- Strong safety mindset, including understanding of OSHA regulations, job hazard awareness, and company safety practices.
- Strong quality-control mindset, including ability to identify workmanship issues and support corrective action before work proceeds.
- Ability to help identify field risks, communicate them early, and support practical mitigation plans to reduce project disruption.
- Ability to understand client expectations, maintain a professional jobsite presence, and support long-term client relationships.
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Must have reliable transportation and report to work on time as scheduled.
- Must possess a current valid California driver's license in order to operate company vehicles.
- Must be willing to travel throughout Southern California, including Orange County, Los Angeles County and San Diego County, as project needs require.
- Must be willing and able to work full-time 40-hour weeks, with overtime or adjusted hours as needed to support project demands.
- Must be able to lift and carry 50 lbs. on a consistent basis.
- Must be able to occasionally lift and carry 100 lbs. with help.
- Must have advanced experience using common construction tools, including drills, skill saws, hammer drills, and similar tools.
- Must have experience with wall layout and MEP coordination.
- Must be proficient in building containment and understand why containment is required.
- Must be able to climb, bend, stoop, kneel, lift overhead, and work at heights in order to access equipment, tools, materials, and jobsite areas.
- Skills in carpentry, metal stud framing, drywall, electrical, and HVAC are a plus.
- Must complete safety training within 90 days , or sooner if required by project or regulatory requirements, of hire date.