Full-time
Jamestown, NY

Every skilled builder has to start somewhere. At Mitchener Builders, we believe the best carpenters are shaped by doing real work on real projects.  

As an Apprentice Carpenter, you'll work alongside experienced tradespeople on custom homes, renovations, and light commercial builds, developing the foundational skills that can carry you through a long career in the trades. 

This is a hands-on role. You'll be learning every day: how to read a plan, how to make an accurate cut, how to work safely as part of a team. If you're motivated, coachable, and genuinely excited about building things that last, we want to hear from you. 

RESPONSIBILITIES  

What You'll Be Doing 

• Assist journeyman carpenters with tasks across all phases of construction 

• Learn and practice basic carpentry techniques, including measuring, cutting, and fastening 

• Assist with the installation of doors, windows, trim, and moldings 

• Help set up and maintain job site equipment, tools, and work areas 

• Support material handling, including loading, unloading, and organizing on site 

• Begin reading and interpreting architectural plans and shop drawings 

• Follow safety protocols and take direction from experienced carpenters 

• Collaborate with the crew and communicate clearly throughout the day 

QUALIFICATIONS  

Skills & Experience  

• High school diploma or equivalent 

• Basic understanding of tools and construction, or a strong eagerness to learn 

• Physically capable of performing manual labor in varied conditions 

• Detail-oriented and willing to ask questions when something isn't clear 

• Team-oriented attitude with a professional, personable manner 

• Safety-conscious and serious about following job site protocols 

Compensation & Benefits 

• $18 – $25 / hour, based on experience 

• Health Insurance & HSA 

• Paid Holidays & Vacation Time 

• 401k Matching 

• Year-Round Employment 

ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES  

Growth at Mitchener Builders 

We're an owner-operated builder, and we take career development seriously. As an Apprentice, you have a clear path toward Journeyman-level work.  

Here's what we’re looking for when considering advancement: 

• Complete a formal apprenticeship program or equivalent on-the-job training 

• Develop proficiency in basic carpentry tools and techniques 

• Demonstrate a clear understanding of fundamental carpentry concepts 

• Successfully complete tasks assigned by more experienced carpenters 

• Show a strong commitment to safety protocols and guidelines 

• Seek feedback consistently and apply it to improve your skills 

• Collaborate well with teammates and communicate clearly 

• Demonstrate reliability, punctuality, and a strong work ethic 

• Show enthusiasm for learning and a readiness to take on more complex work 

Advancement is based on readiness. If you’re doing the work, we'll notice and we'll have the conversation. 

A Full Look at What You'll Learn and Do 

Precise Measurements 

• Measure and mark wood pieces, framing studs, and trim materials for cutting based on provided dimensions 

• Assist in measuring and marking materials for window and door frames, including cutouts for electrical outlets and switches 

• Learn to use a tape measure, level, and layout tools accurately to ensure precise cuts and installations 

• Learn to transfer measurements from plans to actual materials on site 

Material Preparation 

• Help cut lumber and sheet goods to specified dimensions using a handsaw, circular saw, and miter saw 

• Practice cutting and shaping trim pieces, including mitering and coping techniques 

• Assist in shaping materials using a chisel or router under supervision 

Supporting Trim Installation 

• Assist in attaching baseboards, shoe molding, chair rail, and crown molding to walls 

• Learn to align and fasten door and window trim around openings 

• Assist in installing corner blocks, rosettes, stop moldings, and basic decorative trim pieces on cabinetry 

Tool and Equipment Management 

• Assist in setting up sawhorses, worktables, and power tools including the miter saw and power drill 

• Learn to identify, select, clean, and properly store hand tools and power tools after each use 

• Help keep the work area organized and free of debris throughout the day 

Reading and Interpreting Plans 

• Learn to identify dimensions, measurements, symbols, and notations on architectural plans and shop drawings 

• Observe how plans indicate the location of doors, windows, and framing components 

• Practice transferring plan details to actual materials and conditions on site 

Safety on the Job Site 

• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment at all times 

• Learn to identify and report potential hazards, including trip hazards and electrical risks 

• Observe and follow ladder safety protocols and proper lifting techniques 

Working as Part of a Crew 

• Help hold and position materials while more experienced carpenters fasten them 

• Coordinate material handling to keep workflows moving efficiently 

• Contribute to a positive, respectful work environment and adapt to different communication styles within the team 

Embracing the Learning Process 

• Approach every task as an opportunity to build your skills and seek feedback from experienced carpenters 

• Set personal goals for skill development, ask good questions, and stay curious about the craft 

We're an owner-operated builder. We work on a select number of projects each year and care deeply about how they're built. If that's the kind of work you want to be part of, we'd like to hear from you.  

Full-time
Jamestown, NY

Mitchener Builders is looking for a Lead Carpenter to take ownership on the job site. Not just of the work, but of the crew and the culture around it. This is a senior role for someone who has put in the years, built the skills, and is ready to lead a team on meaningful, complex projects. 

As an owner-operated builder in Jamestown, NY, we work on custom homes, historic renovations, modern additions, and light commercial projects throughout the Chautauqua–Allegany region. The Lead Carpenter is central to how those projects come together, from pouring the foundation to installing the final piece of trim. 

Responsibilities 

What You'll Be Doing 

• Lead and manage a team of carpenters, apprentices, and laborers on the job site 

• Read and interpret architectural plans and shop drawings and maintain dimensional control with the Project Manager 

• Execute and oversee complex interior and exterior carpentry tasks to the highest standard 

• Collaborate with the Project Manager to keep projects on schedule and on budget 

• Coordinate with subcontractors to ensure daily job readiness and efficient work sequencing 

• Mentor junior carpenters and apprentices and share what you know 

• Lead safety practices on site and address unsafe behavior promptly and constructively 

• Manage materials, tools, and inventory; assist in material ordering as needed 

• Maintain quality control across all phases and ensure work conforms to plans and design intent 

• Communicate project updates, challenges, and progress clearly to all stakeholders 

Qualifications 

• Minimum 8–10 years of experience in residential or light commercial carpentry 

• Deep expertise in both interior and exterior carpentry, framing through finish 

• Proven leadership: you can run a crew, deliver feedback, and keep a team motivated 

• Strong ability to read and interpret architectural plans and shop drawings 

• Clear communicator with subs, trades, and project leadership 

• Detail-oriented, organized, and comfortable managing multiple priorities 

• Solid understanding of construction materials, methods, and best practices 

• Safety-first mindset, by example and expectation 

Compensation & Benefits 

• $25 – $38 / hour, based on experience 

• Health Insurance & HSA 

• Paid Holidays & Vacation Time 

• 401k Matching 

• Year-Round Employment 

Advancement Opportunities 

Growth at Mitchener Builders 

The Lead Carpenter role is a senior position, and growth from here looks different than earlier in your career. It's less about the next rung on a ladder and more about deepening your impact on the projects you lead, the people you bring along, and the reputation of the company. 

For a Lead Carpenter interested in taking on greater responsibility at Mitchener Builders, here's what that looks like: 

• Successfully managing larger or more complex builds with multiple crews 

• A consistent record of delivering projects on time, on budget, and to spec 

• Building strong relationships with clients, architects, and design teams 

• Mentoring Journeyman and Apprentice Carpenters in a way that measurably improves their skills 

• Contributing to project planning, scheduling, and material management at a higher level 

• Identifying potential problems early and bringing solutions, not just flags 

• Representing Mitchener Builders professionally in every client and partner interaction 

• Staying current on techniques, materials, and industry standards and bringing that knowledge back to the team 

At Mitchener Builders, the people who grow are the ones who take ownership. If that's how you approach your work, there's room to grow here. 

A Full Look at What You'll Do 

Team Leadership 

• Assign tasks to team members based on skill level and project needs 

• Lead daily crew communication around goals, sequencing, and priorities 

• Provide mentorship and constructive feedback to Journeyman and Apprentice Carpenters 

• Foster a collaborative, respectful job site culture and address problems directly when they arise 

Complex Carpentry 

• Execute and oversee intricate framing, custom cabinetry, ornate trim, specialty moldings, and complex stair work 

• Apply advanced joinery techniques and lead the team in executing unique architectural and woodworking elements 

• Collaborate with design teams to solve constructability challenges and refine details in the field 

Project Coordination 

• Work with the Project Manager to understand scope, set priorities, and track milestones 

• Manage sequencing of carpentry tasks alongside other trades to maintain efficient workflows 

• Flag schedule deviations early and bring solutions to the Project Manager before they become problems 

Quality Control 

• Conduct regular inspections to verify that completed work meets plans, specs, and Mitchener standards 

• Lead the team in addressing quality deviations promptly and implementing corrective action 

• Ensure consistency in finishes, alignments, and transitions across all phases of the project 

Safety Leadership 

• Lead daily safety awareness on site and enforce PPE and protocol use across the crew 

• Address unsafe behavior directly and constructively, and collaborate with the Project Manager on compliance 

• Set the example: your approach to safety is what the crew follows 

Materials and Inventory 

• Oversee material allocation and distribution to team members for daily tasks 

• Maintain accurate on-site inventory, coordinate orders with the Project Manager, and prevent waste and loss 

• Implement efficient material tracking to minimize delays and keep projects moving 

Client and Stakeholder Communication 

• Provide regular project updates to the Project Manager and flag challenges before they escalate 

• Interact professionally with clients and design teams when on site 

• Document completed work and progress accurately and consistently 

   

The best Lead Carpenters know what it means to do the work right, and they hold that standard for everyone around them. If that’s how you work, and you want to do it on projects you can point to with pride years from now, we'd like to talk.