General Laborer /
Painter Company:
C.
Cooper Construction Location:
Hamilton, NY — serving Clinton, New Hartford, and surrounding communities
Employment Type:
Full-Time
- Monday-Thursday, 7:30 am - 5:30 pm
Pay Rate:
$18-$22/hour based on experience
Benefits:
Health insurance with substantial employer contribution
- 401(k) with company match
- dental, vision, disability, and accident coverage
- Paid time off About Us C.
Cooper Construction is a locally owned fine homebuilding and restoration firm known for high-quality craftsmanship, thoughtful collaboration, and respect for the homes we are entrusted to work on. We partner closely with architects, engineers, and interior designers on detailed restorations, custom renovations, and additions. We hire carefully and we hire rarely. The people on this crew stay, and that is deliberate — we would rather wait for the right person than fill a seat. We are looking for a General Laborer / Painter who takes pride in the preparation and support work that makes a finished project possible. The Nature of the Work We want you to have an accurate picture of this job before you apply. This role is labor-forward. Most weeks you will be preparing sites, handling and staging materials, assisting our carpentry crew, and keeping the job site clean and organized. Painting is a genuine and regular part of the position, but it arrives in stretches — you may paint for a week or more at a time, then go weeks or longer between paint scopes, depending on where our projects stand. The work is physical. You will be on your feet, on ladders, lifting and carrying, for the full workday. We work in the weather. Our projects run year-round, and exterior work continues through cold, heat, rain, and snow. We use good judgment about genuinely unsafe conditions, but ordinary weather is not a reason we stop. You will need to arrive prepared and dressed for the conditions. Our projects vary. Depending on our queue, the work ranges from historic restoration to whole-home renovation to projects on newer homes. Where You'll Work Our projects are based in and around Hamilton, and we serve Clinton, New Hartford, and the surrounding communities. You will report directly to the job site each morning rather than to an office. Sites change as projects complete so reliable transportation is essential. Key Responsibilities Site Preparation & Cleanup Masking and protecting floors, fixtures, and finished surfaces before work begins Controlled demolition and tear-out under direction Daily debris removal and end-of-day cleanup Dump runs and material disposal Keeping occupied client homes presentable throughout the project Material Handling & Staging Loading, unloading, and moving materials to the correct floor and room Staging so the crew has what it needs, where it needs it Flagging low supplies before they run out Supporting the Carpentry Crew Second set of hands on framing, trim, doors and windows, and insulation Holding, fetching, measuring, and basic cuts Communicating clearly when you need materials, direction, or information Painting & Finishing Surface preparation: sanding, scraping, caulking, filling, spackle and small drywall patching Priming, cutting in, rolling, and brushwork — interior and exterior Staining and clear finishes as needed Preparation is most of what makes a finish look right, and we treat it accordingly Tools & Safety Safe, competent operation of hand and power tools Maintaining, organizing, and storing tools responsibly Following company safety procedures and OSHA best practices Our Standards We are a small crew, and everyone's work is visible. These are the things that matter most to us: Punctuality. The day begins at 7:30. Consistent attendance is the single quality we value most. Accountability. If something is damaged or done incorrectly, we want to hear it from you right away. We can address nearly anything we know about. Care when no one is watching. Preparation work disappears under the finish coat. The quality of the result depends on it regardless. Respect for the home. We work in clients' houses, often while they are living in them. Openness to direction. Our foremen will correct your work. That is how the standard holds. Required Qualifications Minimum 2 years of experience in construction, painting, or a related trade. This is not an entry-level position. Reliable transportation to job sites in and around Hamilton Physical capability: lifting and carrying materials, working from ladders, on your feet through the workday Willingness and preparation to work outdoors in all ordinary weather conditions Competent, careful use of hand and power tools Punctual, reliable, and accountable Attention to detail and pride in clean work Nice to Have Experience with spray equipment Staining, clear finishes, or specialty coatings Drywall finishing Experience working in older homes Interest in developing carpentry skills What We Offer Health Insurance. - valued at up to $9/hour 401(k) with Company Match. - 4% after vesting period Optional Supplemental Coverage. Dental, vision, disability, and accident. Paid Time Off. One week in your first year. A Four-Day Work Week. Monday through Thursday. A three-day weekend, every week How to Apply Please include three or more professional references with your application — supervisors we can reach by phone. Applications submitted without references will not move forward.
Our process:
Application review Phone conversation — your background, and whether the schedule and commute work for you Reference checks — we call them In-person interview — meet the team and, where possible, walk a job site with us Decision — we move promptly, and we will tell you either way Employment is contingent on satisfactory references and post-offer screening in accordance with New York State law. If you are an experienced tradesperson who takes pride in doing the preparation and support work well, and you want to do it for a company that will train you and keep you, we would like to hear from you.
Job Type:
Full-time Work Location:
In person
Pay:
$18.00 - $22.00 per hour Expected hours: 36.0 - 40.0 per week
Benefits:
401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Opportunities for advancement Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance
Work Location:
In person
